Bumps on the skin can lead to much discomfort, no matter what kind they may be – boils, lesions, pimples or otherwise. The situation is even worse when an individual is unable to identify the reason for the appearance of these bumps. Moreover, certain kinds of skin aberrations can belie some serious health conditions that require urgent medical attention. Therefore, one must not take any kind of bumps on the skin very lightly – instead, their cause and nature needs be investigated properly. The following is a list of possible causes of skin bumps; one may find some clues regarding their own skin condition by a perusal of these.

1. Skin Tags

Skin tags (acrochordons) are brown-colored growths, outpouching of skin. This skin condition is characterized by small skin growths with bulges at the end. Usually, skin tags form in areas where the skin rubs against each other – like in the neck, groin and armpit. These bumps can be ignored as there is really nothing for you to worry about them. But, once they become painful, or they start bleeding, see your doctor. They can be removed through freezing, cutting, or by using mild level of electric current. Infection and bleeding may result if you attempt to get rid of skin tags on your own.

Skin Cysts

Skin cysts (sebaceous cysts) are small sacs of tissue formed under the skin as they get filled with soft protein called keratin. Most cysts are non-cancerous and will not require treatment, unless of course, they become painful and start to leak or bother you.Cysts are commonly caused by clogged up sebaceous glands or infection. They are also not painful unless they become inflamed or infected. The best way to deal with inflamed cysts is by draining the fluid to ease the symptoms. Surgical removal is another option if they are really bothering you.

Hives

Hives are welts on the surface of skin that appear suddenly due to a number of conditions, including sun exposure, stress, infection, an illness or an allergy. These red skin bumps often itch and vary in sizes. They can merge and form a cluster of bigger bumps. Additionally, these skin bumps move around; they have a habit of disappearing and then reappearing on another location.Also called Urticaria, hives usually go away on their own within some time, but in rare cases, a medication might be required. A shower usually helps ease the itching or burning sensation caused by these itchy bumps.

Warts

Warts are small, rough skin growths that resemble a solid blister. These usually benign bumps typically occur on a person’s limbs, hands, feet, face and near the nails. This skin condition is caused by HPV or human papillomavirus, and it can be passed on to other people or to other parts of the body through skin to skin contact. There are HPV types that can infect the oral mucosa and the genitals. They produce large and unpleasant masses. Some of them may even become cancerous if not treated immediately.

Dermatofibroma

r is a small cutaneous nodule that commonly appears on the legs and arms; and appears as firm-feeling bump. Sometimes called fibrous histiocytoma, this benign skin tumor can be reddish-brown, yellow-brown or pink in color; on dark-skinned people it may appear quite dark. If damaged, a dermatofibroma may bleed as it has blood vessels and nerves. Once developed, these bumps usually stay for years. It is harmless, but like other bumps, it can be removed by a doctor if it causes uneasiness.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are all over the body and they only appear when swollen or enlarged. Swollen lymph nodes may appear in the groin, armpit and neck areas. They are small, bean-shaped bumps that result from exposure to virus or bacteria.Lymph nodes are essential parts of human immune systems. When they get swollen, it means your body is fighting infection. These skin bumps are small, oval or round, and soft structures. As the body gets better, the lymph node gets smaller. Aside from infection, lymph nodes may swell due to cancer and inflammation.

Keratosis Pilaris

When there is keratin clogging up the hair follicles, small pointed pimple-like bumps appear, and this causes skin condition known as keratosis pilaris. These bumps may itch, but they do not necessarily hurt. They also cause acne-like bumps or rough patches that may appear on the thighs, arms, buttocks and cheeks. Usually, they are white, but some can be reddish. Though they don’t itch or hurt, it can be really frustrating to have this skin condition, as it can be difficult to get rid of.

Acne

One of the most commonly known and experienced skin bumps is acne. Most people go through an acne-infested period in their lives. These skin bumps usually appear on the face, chest, back, shoulders and neck. There are effective acne treatments available, but sometimes they are just too stubborn to go away. In most cases, acne can get infected through constant contact by your hands. So, keep your hands away from your acne or pimples if you want them to go away on their own.

Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is characterized by a painful, blistering rash that can occur on any part of your body. It typically starts with a headache and tiredness often accompanied by a tingling sensation on the part where a rash develops later on. The rash in a few days becomes a full-fluid blister. Within 2-4 weeks, the blister heals on it’s own completely.

Psoriasis

A long-lasting autoimmune disease, psoriasis is characterized by itchy or sore patches of red skin. This chronic skin condition is caused because of a problem with the immune system and it alters the life cycle of the skin cells. It majorly affects the torso, soles of the feet, elbows, knees, shins, and scalp. Though there is no particular cure for this skin disorder, however, there are treatments that can be sought to control the symptoms.