What Are Skin Lumps?
Skin lumps are any abnormally raised part of the skin, and they are not necessarily painful. The lumps can be hard and rigid or tender and rubbery. They also vary in colour and size. A common type of skin bump is swelling from an injury.
The majority of skin bumps are benign or non-cancerous. Skin lumps are usually unharmful and do not disrupt your daily life activities. If you’re troubled about any abnormal growths on your skin, it is recommended that you visit your doctor or a dermatologist.
Skin lumps are classified into three groups.
- Noncancerous: Harmless and does not really need treatment.
- Swollen or infectious: Treatment is required; however, it is not life-threatening.
- Malignant: These are cancerous and would necessitate immediate treatment.
Possible Causes of Lumps
Skin lumps can be associated with various medical conditions and can appear anywhere on the body. Listed here are some of the most common types and reasons for lumps:
- Acne
- Ingrown hair
- Dermatofibroma
- Stress
- Moles
- Warts
- Ulcers and boils
- Cancerous growths
- Cysts
- Corn
- Allergic reactions, including hives
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Childhood infections like mumps and chicken pox
- Hernia
- Keloids
Treatment of Lumps and Bumps
Most skin bumps are harmless. Treatment is only necessary if the lump is irritating you, in which case you are required to visit your doctor. Your doctor can assess the bump to ensure it isn’t a sign of a severe underlying problem.
Lumps can be treated in several ways, including:
Home Remedy
You can treat the irritation or soreness caused by swollen lymph nodes, expanded salivary glands, or a skin rash from a viral infection at home by trying hot compress, ice packs, antipyretic medicines, and baking soda baths.
Lumps caused by injuries generally disappear on their own when the swelling decreases. Inflammation and pain can be reduced and eased by using an ice pack.
Prescribed Medicines
If an infection or ulcer is the cause of your skin lump, you will require antibiotics to accelerate the healing process.
Topical Ointments:
Your doctor may prescribe topical ointments and lotions containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to manage rashes, warts, and acne bumps. These ingredients suppress the local infection and bacteria associated with cystic acne. The acid also helps to reduce the layers of skin amassed around a wart.
Corticosteroid injections:
Corticosteroid injection is an effective cure for painful skin lumps. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications. They can treat skin tumours, including non-cancerous cysts, extensive skin infections, and cystic acne.
However, these injections may cause severe reactions such as:
- Infection or pain near the site of injection
- Shrinking of soft tissue
- Skin discolouration
- High blood pressure
- Upset stomach
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
Due to this reason and others, corticosteroid injections can only be used a few times each year.
Surgery
If a lump changes in size or the diagnosis is uncertain, your doctor may advise you to get the lump removed so that the diagnosis can be verified by inspecting it under a microscope. This is called an excision biopsy.
Lumps and bumps that may require surgical removal or drainage include:
- Boils
- Cysts
- Corns
- Cancerous tumours or moles
- Ulcers
Conclusion
Most people are bound to experience raised bumps on their skin at some point in their lives. They appear in a variety of forms, sizes, and colours and might cause irritation or no symptoms at all.
Raised bumps are usually not harmful. They can be caused by acne, ingrown hairs, or skin tags, among other things. However, sometimes, they can be an indication of skin cancer. If you have concerns, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
