There are literally hundreds of different kinds of lumps, bumps and cysts associated with the skin. Fortunately, the vast majority of these are harmless and painless. The chart below provides a guide for some of the most common forms of skin lumps, bumps and cysts.
Dermatofibromas
Characteristics
- Red, brown or purple growth; generally benign
- Usually found on arms and legs
- Feels like a hard lump
- Can be itchy, tender to the touch and sometimes painful
Treatment
- Usually does not require treatment
- Most common removal by surgical excision
Folliculitis
Characteristics
- Red pimples around areas having hair
- Inflammation of the hair follicles
- Caused by infection or chemical or physical irritation (e.g., shaving, fabrics)
- Higher incidence among people with diabetes, the obese or those with compromised immune systems
Treatment
- Topical antibiotics
- Oral antibiotics
- Antifungal medications
- Eliminating the cause
Keratosis Pilaris
Characteristics
- Small, rough white or red bumps that neither itch nor hurt
- Usually worse during winter months or when there is low humidity and the skin gets dry
- Most commonly seen on upper arms but also on cheeks, torso, and thighs
Treatment
- Usually does not require treatment
- In most cases disappears on its own by age 30
- Intensive moisturizing is the first line of treatment
- For more difficult cases, use of medicated creams with urea or alpha-hydroxy acids
Lipomas
Characteristics
- Soft fatty tissue tumors or nodules below the skin’s surface
- Usually slow growing and benign
- Appear most commonly on the trunk, shoulders and neck
- May be single or multiple
- Usually painless unless putting pressure on a nerve
Treatment
- Usually does not require treatment unless it is compressing on the surrounding tissue
- Easy to remove via excision
Neurofibromas
Characteristics
- Soft fleshy growths under the skin
- Slow growing and generally benign and painless
- Pain may indicate a need for medical attention
Treatment
- Usually does not require treatment, particularly if it does not cause any symptoms
- If it affects a nerve, it may be removed surgically
Skin Cysts
Characteristics
- Closed pockets of tissue that can be filled with fluid or pus
- Can appear anywhere on the skin
- Smooth to the touch; feels like a pea underneath the surface
- Slow growing and generally is painless and benign
- Only needs attention if it becomes infected or inflamed
Treatment
- Usually does not require treatment; often disappears on its own
- May need to be removed by a physician