Flesh-colored bumps are a common skin concern that can affect people of all ages. From benign conditions like milia to inflammatory issues like acne, these raised skin bumps vary widely in appearance and cause. While some may resolve on their own, others require professional evaluation and treatment. Let’s dive into the most frequent causes and the best ways to treat these small white bumps on your skin.
What Causes Small Flesh-Colored Bumps on Skin?
Have you ever noticed flesh-colored bumps on your skin and wondered what they could be? Some are harmless, while others may indicate an underlying skin issue. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common causes of raised skin bumps, what they look like, and when it’s time to consult a dermatologist.
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Acne
There are four different types of acne: comedones, papules and pustules, nodules, and cystic acne. Depending on which stage each of these types of acne are in, any of them can look like flesh-colored bumps.
When comedones are closed at the surface, they’re commonly called whiteheads, but they often look like flesh-colored bumps. Papules form when a comedone ruptures and the bacteria inside of them is released back into the skin. Sometimes they are red or pink, and sometimes they are flesh-colored.
Nodules are a type of acne often mistaken for papules and cystic acne, though nodules are formed when p. acne bacteria become trapped with excess oil and dead skin cells inside of our pores. Cystic acne can often look like flesh-colored bumps, but they’re actually filled with pus.
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Molluscum Contagiosum
The primary molluscum contagiosum symptom is flesh-colored bumps with a slightly depressed center or dimple that are caused by a virus affecting the skin and mucous membranes. These bumps are often itchy and can become easily inflamed but can become more painful and easily spread when itched. Skin-to-skin contact and touching something infected with the virus, like clothing or toys, can also cause the infection to spread, which is why children and teens often are more likely to get it.
Molluscum contagiosum can incubate for 2-8 weeks before symptoms appear. After symptoms have been present on the skin for some time, the bumps may begin to grow as pus begins to build up, leading them to possibly even burst. This can mean that the body is starting to clear the infection. However, some people may experience symptoms of the virus for months or years before symptoms clear.
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Keratosis Pilaris
What is keratosis pilaris? It’s a common skin condition where flesh-colored bumps form due to an excess buildup of the protein keratin. While this buildup can make the skin feel rough like sandpaper and sometimes itchy, it is harmless. Keratosis pilaris typically appears on areas such as the upper arms, the front of the thighs, and the buttocks.
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Milia
Milia are raised bumps on the skin often found on babies. Milia appear when dead skin cells and oil become trapped under the skin’s surface. Other reasons milia form include skin damage, long term use of steroid medication, and genetics.
Milia are not painful, itchy, or contagious, but can be irritating if they become persistent. Which leads you to wonder how to treat milia. We’ll discuss how to treat flesh-colored bumps later on in this blog, but just know, they are treatable.
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Atopic Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a term used when your skin becomes inflamed, though there are many different types of dermatitis. One common comparison is atopic dermatitis vs contact dermatitis, as both cause irritation but have different triggers.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, leads to a rash that is itchy and scaly. Other symptoms include swelling and thickened skin. Eczema first appears in childhood, but as you age, flare-ups often improve, becoming less frequent. Atopic dermatitis can be caused by a compromised immune system or one that is not fully formed. The weather and harsh soaps and detergents can also lead to flare-ups.
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Skin Tags
Skin tags are flesh-colored bumps, or slightly darker bumps, that form in places where your skin rubs together. Skin tags aren’t harmful, but they can be annoying, as some can be painful, irritating, or bleed. You shouldn’t remove them on your own, as that can lead to infection or scarring, but a dermatologist can remove them for you.
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Lichen Planus
When lichen planus affects the skin, it often appears as itchy flat bumps that take several weeks to develop. If you scratch the affected skin, you’ll begin to notice the rash spreading to where the skin has been scratched.
Lichen planus can also affect the inside of the mouth, especially the insides of the cheeks. Other areas that can be affected are the tongue, lips, and gums. The oral form of lichen planus may develop as lacy patches of tiny white dots and lines, redness and swelling, painful sores, and peeling of the gums.
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Moles
There are four types of moles, all which can appear as flesh-colored bumps. Congenital moles are moles you were born with, which are very common. Acquired nevi are moles that appear after you are born. This isn’t unusual and doesn’t necessarily mean a mole is cancerous, but if you develop 50 or more of these moles, you may be at a higher risk for melanoma.
Dysplastic nevi is when a mole is considered abnormal because it’s larger in size, has uneven edges, or has an uneven surface. They can also become discolored, grow in size, or develop into melanoma over time. Spitz nevi are often raised, pink, and dome shaped. You may even notice multiple colors within the mole, like red, black, and brown. Speak to your doctor if you notice these characteristics, as it can be difficult to distinguish this type of mole from melanoma without a biopsy.
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Cysts
Cysts are skin growths that are filled with fluid, air, a protein called keratin, or other substances. They can be large or small. They usually are not harmful and don’t need treatment, but a dermatologist can remove them if they become red, painful, or swollen.
How to Treat Small Flesh-Colored Bumps on Skin
How you get rid of the raised bumps on your skin is going to be determined by what’s causing them. Many of the causes of flesh-colored bumps are not a reason for concern and may not require treatment. For raised bumps on your skin that don’t require treatment by a professional, here are a few at-home remedies and reminders to help soothe the skin while it heals.
No matter what is causing the flesh-colored bumps on your skin, try not to pick at them. This can lead to scarring and infection, and in some cases, it can spread the virus or infection. Keep your skin moisturized throughout the day with a gentle moisturizer, use warm water when bathing (rather than hot water) or washing your hands, use a humidifier at night, and use gentle or mild skin care products and detergents.
For raised skin bumps that aren’t responding to at-home treatments or are becoming intolerable, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Your dermatologist will conduct a skin exam and any other tests deemed necessary for a diagnosis. You’ll also review the at-home remedies you’ve already tried with your dermatologist. Because of the many different causes of flesh-colored bumps on your face and body, treatment can range from topical creams to oral medications to excision.
Flesh-colored bumps may be common, but they don’t have to disrupt your skin’s health or confidence. From diagnosing the cause to offering customized treatment options, our team is here to help. If you’re ready to address new or persistent skin concerns, schedule an appointment with our dermatologists today at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to book your appointment in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.