Bumps on Skin Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
People often describe localized swollen areas on, or
under, the skin as lumps or bumps. While bumps on, or under, the skin may result
from conditions that give rise to a skin rash, many other conditions can result in solitary raised
lumps on the skin. Infections, tumors, and the body's response to trauma or
injury can all lead to lumps or bumps that appear to be located on or underneath
the skin.
Depending upon the cause of skin lumps or bumps, they may vary in size and be
firm or soft to the touch. The overlying skin may be reddened or ulcerated. Skin
bumps may or may not be painful or tender, depending upon the cause of the
lesions.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Bumps on Skin
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Acne (Pimples)
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This...learn more »
In This Article
Acne (Pimples) Article- What is acne?
- What causes acne?
- What other skin conditions can mimic acne?
- When should you
start acne treatment?
- What can you
do about acne on your own?
- What are
other things you can do for acne?
- What is a good basic
skin regimen for people with acne?
- What can the doctor do
for acne?
- How
would you sum up current-day acne treatment?
-
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches of skin that are considered precancerous and are due to sun exposure. Prevention is to...learn more »
In This Article
Actinic Keratosis Article
- What is an actinic keratosis, and what does it look like?
- Who is at risk for an actinic keratosis?
- Where on the body do actinic keratoses typically occur?
- What is the significance of an actinic keratosis?
- How is an actinic keratosis diagnosed?
- How is an actinic keratosis treated?
- What happens after an actinic keratosis is treated?
- Actinic Keratosis At A Glance
-
Birthmark
Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin...learn more »
In This Article
Birthmark Article
- Birthmarks and other skin pigmentation problems introduction
- What are birthmarks?
- What are skin pigmentation disorders?
- Can skin damage causes pigmentation loss?
-
Boils
A boil is a skin abscess, a collection of
pus localized deep in the skin. There are several different types of boils. Among them...learn more »
In This Article
Boils Article
- Boils facts
- What is a boil? What are the symptoms and signs of a boil?
- What causes boils to form?
- Who is most likely to get a boil?
- How are boils diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a boil?
- When should I seek medical attention for a boil?
- What is the prognosis (outcome) for a boil?
- What can be done to prevent boils (abscesses)?
-
Cysts
Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance....learn more »
In This Article
Cysts Article
- What is a cyst?
- What are the causes of a cyst?
- What are the different types of cysts?
- What are cyst symptoms and signs, and how are cysts diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a cyst?
- Is prevention of cysts possible?
- What is the prognosis of cysts?
- Cysts At A Glance
-
Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum is a skin inflammation that results in reddish, painful, tender lumps most commonly located in the front of the...learn more »
In This Article
Erythema Nodosum Article
- What is erythema nodosum?
- What causes erythema nodosum?
- What are the signs and symptoms of erythema nodosum?
- How is erythema nodosum diagnosed?
- Can erythema nodosum be confused with other conditions?
- How is erythema nodosum treated?
-
Gout
Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead...learn more »
In This Article
Gout Article
- Gout and hyperuricemia facts
- What is gout? What is hyperuricemia?
- Who is affected by gout?
- What are gout causes and risk factors?
- What are gout symptoms and signs?
- How is gouty arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for gout?
- Gout diet
- Gout medications
- What are complications of gout?
- Can gout be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with gout?
- What does the future hold for patients with gout and hyperuricemia?
-
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: non-bullous and...learn more »
In This Article
Impetigo Article
- Impetigo facts
- What is impetigo? What causes impetigo?
- What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms
and signs? What does impetigo look like?
- Is impetigo contagious?
- How is impetigo diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for impetigo?
- What are possible complications of impetigo?
- Will impetigo leave scars?
- Can impetigo be prevented?
-
In This Article
Insect Sting Allergies Article
- What are stinging insects?
- Who is at risk for insect sting allergies?
- What types of insect sting reactions occur?
- How is a severe allergic reaction immediately treated?
- How can I avoid insect stings?
- What can I do about becoming immune to insect allergy?
- Stinging Insect Allergies At A Glance
-
Jock Itch
Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People...learn more »
In This Article
Jock Itch Article
- Jock itch facts
- What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?
- What causes jock itch?
- Who gets jock itch?
- What are jock itch symptoms and signs?
- Does jock itch affect the entire body?
- How is jock itch diagnosed?
- Is jock itch curable? Is jock itch contagious?
- What are possible complications of jock itch?
- What is the treatment for jock itch?
- What home remedy can I use for jock itch?
- What holistic jock itch treatments are available?
- How do I treat fungal jock itch?
- How do I treat bacterial jock itch?
- How is itching from jock itch treated?
- Why is my groin still discolored?
- What is the best drug for jock itch?
- What is the prognosis with jock itch?
- When should I call my doctor about jock itch?
- How do I prevent jock itch?
-
Keloid
A keloid is a scar that doesn't know when to stop. When the cells keep on reproducing, the result is an overgrown (hypertrophic)...learn more »
In This Article
Keloid Article
- What is a keloid?
- What is the difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar?
- What are keloid symptoms and signs?
- What is the cause of keloids?
- Which people are most susceptible to keloids?
- In which area of the body are keloids most likely to appear?
- Keloids and piercing
- Is keloid prevention possible?
- Is keloid removal necessary?
- What are the treatments for keloids?
-
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common skin disorder in which small white or red bumps appear around hair follicles on the upper...learn more »
In This Article
Keratosis Pilaris Article
- Keratosis pilaris facts
- What is keratosis pilaris (KP)?
- Who gets keratosis pilaris?
- What is the prognosis of patients with keratosis pilaris?
- Does keratosis pilaris affect the entire body?
- What does keratosis pilaris look like?
- What causes keratosis pilaris?
- How is keratosis pilaris diagnosed?
- Is keratosis pilaris curable?
- Is keratosis pilaris contagious?
- What are possible complications of keratosis pilaris?
- Does diet have anything to do with keratosis pilaris?
- What is the treatment for keratosis pilaris?
- Keratosis pilaris "do's"
- Keratosis pilaris "don'ts"
-
-
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which begins in skin cells called melanocytes and affects more than 53,600 people in the United...learn more »
In This Article
Melanoma Article
- Introduction
- What does melanoma look like? What are the symptoms and signs?
- What if the skin changes are rapid or dramatic?
- What are the causes and risk factors for melanoma?
- How do I know my level of risk for melanoma?
- What are the types of melanoma?
- How is melanoma diagnosed?
- How do doctors determine the prognosis (outlook) of a melanoma?
- What is the treatment for melanoma?
- What methods are available to help prevent melanoma?
- Conclusions
- What is in the future for melanoma?
- Melanoma At A Glance
- Additional Resources
-
Moles
Moles are small skin growths that may appear flat or raised and are often tan, brown, black, reddish brown, or skin colored. They...learn more »
In This Article
Moles Article
- Moles facts
- What are moles?
- What
causes moles, and what are risk factors for developing moles?
- What types of moles are there?
- What are liver spots or age spots?
- What are seborrheic keratoses?
- Who is more prone to getting moles?
- Does having more moles increase my chance of getting melanoma?
- Do moles ever disappear spontaneously?
- Which skin cancers look like moles?
- How can moles be prevented?
- How can moles be treated? What are different types of mole removal?
- Is there a blood test or X-ray to diagnose moles?
-
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the poxvirus. Molluscum contagiosum appears as small tan or pink bumps on any...learn more »
In This Article
Molluscum Contagiosum Article
- Molluscum contagiosum facts
- What is molluscum contagiosum? What causes molluscum contagiosum?
- Who develops molluscum contagiosum?
- What are molluscum contagiosum symptoms and signs?
- How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for molluscum contagiosum?
- How do I treat the accompanying rash with molluscum contagiosum?
- How do I treat the persistent skin discoloration after molluscum contagiosum?
- Why do I keep getting more molluscum bumps where I shave?
- What are possible complications of molluscum contagiosum?
- What is the prognosis with molluscum contagiosum?
- How do I prevent molluscum contagiosum?
-
MRSA
MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria causes skin infections with the following signs and symptoms:...learn more »
In This Article
MRSA Article
- MRSA infections facts
- What is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?
- What does a MRSA infection look like?
- What are the signs and symptoms of MRSA infection?
- How is MRSA infection transmitted or spread?
- How is MRSA diagnosed?
- How can people prevent MRSA infection?
- How should caregivers treat MRSA patients at home?
- What is the prognosis (outlook), and what are the
potential complications for people with MRSA infections?
- What is the treatment for MRSA infection?
- What is a "superbug"?
- Where are other MRSA information sources?
-
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales....learn more »
In This Article
Psoriasis Article
- Psoriasis facts
- What is psoriasis?
- What causes psoriasis?
- What does psoriasis look like? What are psoriasis
symptoms and signs?
- Can psoriasis affect my joints?
- How is psoriasis diagnosed?
- Can psoriasis affect only my nails?
- How many people have psoriasis?
- Is psoriasis curable?
- Is psoriasis contagious?
- Can I transmit the gene for psoriasis to my children?
- What kind of doctor treats psoriasis?
- What is the treatment for psoriasis?
- What creams, lotions,
and home remedies are available for psoriasis?
- What oral medications are available for psoriasis?
- What injections or infusions are available for psoriasis?
- What about light therapy for psoriasis?
- Where can I get more information on psoriasis?
- Is there a national psoriasis support group?
- What is my long-term prognosis with psoriasis? What are complications of psoriasis?
-
Rash
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different...learn more »
In This Article
Rash Article
- Rashes facts
- What are noninfectious, common rashes localized to a
particular anatomical area?
- How are common skin rashes diagnosed?
- Scaly patches of skin produced by fungal or bacterial infection
- Widely distributed rashes affecting large portions of the skin
- What is the treatment for a rash?
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as...learn more »
In This Article
Rheumatoid Arthritis Article
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) facts
- What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?
- What are complications of rheumatoid disease?
- How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
- "First-line" rheumatoid arthritis medications
- "Second-line" or "slow-acting" rheumatoid arthritis drugs
- What are newer treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
- What about rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy?
- Rheumatoid arthritis diet and other treatments
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
- What research is being done on rheumatoid arthritis?
- Where can people get additional information on rheumatoid arthritis?
-
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of...learn more »
In This Article
Rosacea Article
- Rosacea facts
- What is rosacea? Is rosacea contagious?
- Is rosacea like acne?
- What are causes and risk factors of rosacea?
- What are rosacea symptoms and signs?
- How is rosacea diagnosed?
- What happens to the nose and the eyes?
- How is rosacea cured?
- What about using acne medicine?
- What is the treatment for rosacea?
- What should be avoided? What foods are good for rosacea?
- What natural remedies can help rosacea?
- Does rosacea get worse with age?
- How should I care for the skin of my face?
- How are the telangiectasias (the red lines) treated?
- How is a rhinophyma (the W.C. Fields nose) treated?
- What effect may rosacea have on my life?
- Where can people get more information about rosacea?
-
Scabies
Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies...learn more »
In This Article
Scabies Article
- Scabies facts
- What is scabies? What causes a scabies infestation?
- How do you get scabies?
- Can you catch scabies from a dog or cat?
- What are risk factors for scabies?
- What does a scabies rash look like? What are scabies symptoms and signs?
- What does scabies feel like?
- How is a scabies infestation diagnosed?
- What are treatment options and home remedies for a scabies infestation?
- Are cases of scabies often misdiagnosed?
- What are possible complications of scabies?
- Can a scabies infestation be prevented?
- In what special situations can scabies be more easily spread?
- What is Norwegian or crusted scabies?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for scabies?
-
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria group A Streptococcus. Symptoms and signs include a rash, sore...learn more »
In This Article
Scarlet Fever Article
- Scarlet fever facts
- What is scarlet fever?
- What is the history of scarlet fever?
- What causes scarlet fever?
- What are scarlet fever symptoms and signs?
- How long is scarlet fever contagious?
- How is scarlet fever diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for scarlet fever?
- Can scarlet fever be prevented?
- What is the prognosis for scarlet fever?
-
Skin Tag
A skin tag is a small benign growth of skin that projects from the surrounding skin. Skin tags can vary in appearance (smooth,...learn more »
In This Article
Skin Tag Article
- What is a skin tag?
- Where do skin tags occur?
- Who tends to get skin tags?
- Will removing a skin tag cause more to grow?
- Is a skin tag a tumor?
- Are skin tags contagious?
- What does a skin tag look like under a microscope?
- What problems do skin tags cause?
- How are skin tags treated?
- Does medical insurance cover skin tag removal?
- Do any creams remove skin tags?
- Should I worry about cutting my skin tag by shaving?
- Do skin tags need to be sent for biopsy?
- Are there vaginal skin tags?
- Can you get skin tags on the penis and scrotum?
- What happens when a skin tag suddenly turns purple or black?
- What else could it be?
- Is there another medical name for a skin tag?
- Skin Tag At A Glance
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Sporotrichosis
Sporotrichosis is a skin infection caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii. The fungus, which may be present in sphagnum...learn more »
In This Article
Sporotrichosis Article
- What is sporotrichosis?
- What causes sporotrichosis?
- Who gets sporotrichosis?
- What are the signs and symptoms of sporotrichosis?
- How is sporotrichosis diagnosed?
- How is sporotrichosis treated?
- How can sporotrichosis be prevented?
-
Steroid Abuse
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that are related to testosterone and promote skeletal muscle growth and the...learn more »
In This Article
Steroid Abuse Article
- Anabolic steroid abuse facts
- What are anabolic steroids?
- Why do people abuse anabolic steroids?
- How do people abuse anabolic steroids?
- Are anabolic steroids addictive?
- What are the psychological and physical side effects of anabolic steroid
abuse?
- How are anabolic steroid abuse and addiction diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for anabolic steroid abuse and addiction?
- Can anabolic steroid abuse and addiction be prevented?
- Where can I get more information on anabolic steroid abuse?
-
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. When the skin is...learn more »
In This Article
Stretch Marks Article
- How can I get rid of stretch marks?
- Does insurance cover cosmetic surgery to remove stretch marks?
-
Warts (Common Warts)
Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common...learn more »
In This Article
Warts (Common Warts) Article
- Wart facts
- What are common warts?
- What are some types of common warts?
- What is the treatment for common warts?
- Is using over-the-counter wart treatments safe?
- Are wart treatments effective?
- What if wart removal treatments fail?
Other Causes of Bumps on Skin
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
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