What should you know about tiny little bumps on skin?

Small rough bumps on the upper arms or thighs may fit keratosis pilaris. Bumps around hairs can occur with folliculitis, while sweating and heat can trigger heat rash. Firm pearly bumps, especially on the face, may be milia. A persistent, flat-topped or purplish itchy rash needs a clinician to consider less common causes such as lichen planus. These descriptions are clues, not a diagnosis.

Do not squeeze, scrape, or share towels used on an irritated area. Wash gently, keep sweaty skin cool and dry, and choose non-irritating moisturiser. Note when the bumps began, where they occur, whether they itch or hurt, and whether a new product or medicine preceded them. A clinician may recommend targeted skin care, antihistamine treatment for itch, or removal of a selected lesion after examination.

Seek prompt medical advice if bumps spread quickly, become hot or painful, drain pus, form blisters, or come with fever, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. Arrange a routine dermatology review for bumps that persist, recur, bleed, change colour, or do not resemble your usual skin. Urgent symptoms should not be delayed while trying home products.

Ask what features point toward folliculitis, heat rash, keratosis pilaris, milia, or another diagnosis. Mention recent products, shaving, sweating, medicines, allergies, and scratching. Ask which treatment is appropriate for the body area and what changes mean you should return.