Understanding Common, Harmless Bumps
In This Article
Understanding Common, Harmless Bumps
Jaymala
Updated on June 09, 2024
Medically verified by Dr. Pournami
Fact checked by Dr. Arya
Cosmetic
6 min read
Are you facing issues of bumps? Do you wonder what they are? They can be of different sizes and shapes. They are generally painless but can become itchy over time.
If you want to understand these bumps so that you get the right treatment, then this blog will be very helpful to you.
Mykare Health is here for you to make you understand the common, harmless bumps so that you can choose the treatment accordingly.
Types of Common Bumps
- Bumps can be of different types. Some are like the colour of the flesh and usually appear on armpits, or neck. They are painless.
- Some are red, or purple bumps which develop on the skin, usually on the limbs.
- Some bumps may be filled with fluid under the skin. They are smooth and of variable size.
- Some bumps are typically brownish in colour and are usually found on the legs.
- Some bumps are soft, movable under the skin by overgrowth of fat cells. They can develop anywhere on the body.
Characteristics and Appearance
| Skin Tags | Cherry Angiomas | Sebaceous Cysts | Lipomas |
|---|---|---|---|
| They are small, and soft. Their texture is smooth or wrinkled. They can be of different sizes. Usually found where skin rubs. | They are small, round. They can be of different colours. Smooth or slightly raised surface. Usually of a pinhead size. Usually appear on the trunk, arms, or legs. | They are round or dome shaped under the skin. They have a cheesy substance inside. , Can vary in size from a pea to a marble or larger. They are usually found on the face, neck or back. | They are soft, and rubbery under the skin. Moveable and easily compressed. Can vary from small pea-sized bumps to larger masses. They can develop anywhere on the body where fat cells are present. |
Causes and Risk Factors
| Skin Tags | Cherry Angiomas | Sebaceous Cysts | Lipomas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause: Skin tags are developed as a result of friction of the skin, usually in areas where skin folds. | Cause: They result from an overgrowth of small blood vessels near the skin's surface. | Cause: Sebaceous cysts develop when the sebaceous glands, which produce oil to lubricate the skin and hair, become blocked, leading to the accumulation of oil under the surface of the skin. | Cause: Sebaceous cysts develop when the sebaceous glands, which produce oil to lubricate the skin and hair, become blocked, leading to the formation of of cells under the skin. |
| Risk Factors: Skin tags are more common in individuals who are obese or have certain medical issues. | Risk Factors: Cherry angiomas tend to become more common | Risk Factors: Factors that may increase the risk of sebaceous cysts include acne, or previous injury to the skin. | Risk Factors: Factors that may increase the risk of sebaceous cysts include acne, or previous injury to the skin. |
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Skin Tags:
- Symptoms: Skin tags are generally painless and do not cause any symptoms unless irritated.
- Diagnosis: Skin tags are usually diagnosed based on how they look and location on the body.
Cherry Angiomas:
- Symptoms: Cherry angiomas bleed if scratched. They may also increase in size over time.
- Diagnosis: Cherry angiomas are diagnosed based on their particular appearance.
Sebaceous Cysts:
- Symptoms: Sebaceous cysts typically present as smooth, round bumps beneath the skin's surface. They can become swollen.
- Diagnosis: Sebaceous cysts are usually diagnosed based on their appearance and clinical presentation.
Lipomas:
- Symptoms: Lipomas are usually soft, movable lumps beneath the skin's surface. They are typically painless but may cause discomfort if they are pressed.
- Diagnosis: Lipomas are often diagnosed based on their characteristic appearance.
9 min readThe Advantages of Choosing Mykare Health for Gynecomastia Surgery
6 min readIdentifying The Ideal Age For Gynecomastia Surgery
6 min readPre and Post Gynecomastia Surgery: Essential Things to Know
Book Your Consultation Now
Treatment Options
Skin Tags:
- Many skin tags do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort. Skin tags can be removed by procedure such as cryotherapy (freezing).
Cherry Angiomas:
- Cherry angiomas are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort. If they do not cause any discomfort, they can be left alone.
- If desired for cosmetic reasons or if they bleed regularly, cherry angiomas can be removed by a healthcare professional.
Sebaceous Cysts:
- Small, asymptomatic sebaceous cysts do not require treatment and can be left alone. Once they become infected, they need treatment.
- Surgical excision of the cyst may be recommended for larger ones, especially if they are cosmetically bothersome.
Lipomas:
- Lipomas are harmless and may not require treatment; they interfere with movement. If they are not bothersome, they can be left alone.
- If a lipoma is symptomatic, surgery can be done. This procedure is typically straightforward and can usually be done under local anesthesia.
Prevention Tips
Skin Tags:
- Obesity and excess weight can increase the chances of developing skin tags.
- Keeping the skin clean and dry can help prevent irritation and friction, reducing the risk of skin tag formation.
Cherry Angiomas:
- Limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen can help prevent the development of cherry angiomas.
- Minimize skin injuries and trauma, as cherry angiomas may develop in place of previous injuries.
Sebaceous Cysts:
- Keep your skin clean and moisturized to prevent clogged pores and thus reduce the risk of developing any cyst.
- Picking or squeezing acne lesions can lead to inflammation and blockage of sebaceous glands, leading to the formation of cyst.
Lipomas:
- Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of lipoma formation.
- Minimize skin injuries and trauma.
When to See a Doctor
- If a bump undergoes significant changes in size, or shape, or texture, take advice from a doctor.
- If a lump becomes painful, it may indicate issues such as infection.
- If there is a sign of inflammation, such as redness, that a bump may be infected.
- If a bump bleeds regularly, it is necessary to take medical advice.
- If you have a family history of skin conditions or If you have persistent symptoms associated with a bump, it's better to consult a doctor.
- If you're unsure about the nature of a bump, then also it is better to take medical advice.
Common harmless bumps include skin tags, cherry angiomas, sebaceous cysts, and lipomas.
These bumps vary in appearance, size, and texture but are generally painless.
The causes of these bumps can be different, but they may develop due to factors such as friction, or hormonal changes.
Common harmless bumps usually do not cause symptoms unless irritated or inflamed.
Treatment for these bumps may not always be necessary but can include observation, or removal procedures.
While it may not always be possible to prevent these bumps entirely, practicing good skincare can help develop these issues.
It's important to seek medical advice if a bump undergoes significant changes or causes any kind of discomfort.
Source Links
Mykare Health sources its information according to strict guidelines, consulting scholarly research centres, peer-reviewed periodicals, and societies for medical professionals. No tertiary references are used by us. Please refer to our editorial policy. to learn how we maintain the accuracy and timeliness of our material.
