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