Lumps, Bumps and Cysts

There are literally hundreds of different kinds of lumps, bumps and cysts associated with the skin. Fortunately, the vast majority of these are harmless and painless.

Dermatofibromas

• Red, brown or purple growth; generally benign
• Usually found on arms and legs
• Feels like a hard lump
• Can be itchy, tender to the touch and sometimes painful

Epidermoid Cysts (Sebaceous Cysts)

• Round small bumps, usually white or yellow
• Forms from blocked oil glands in the skin
• Most commonly appear on the face, back, neck, trunk and genitals
• Usually benign; occasionally leads to basal or squamous cell skin cancers
• If infected, will become red and tender
• Can produce a thick yellow, cheese-like discharge when squeezed

Folliculitis

• Red pimples around areas having hair
• Inflammation of the hair follicles
• Caused by infection or chemical or physical irritation (e.g., shaving, fabrics)
• Higher incidence among people with diabetes, the obese or those with compromised immune systems

Keratoacanthoma

• Red, dome-shaped, thick bumps with craters in the center
• Abnormal growth of hair cells
• Triggered by minor skin injury such as a cut or bug bite
• Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is the most common risk factor

Lipomas

• Soft fatty tissue tumors or nodules below the skin’s surface
• Usually slow growing and benign
• Appear most commonly on the trunk, shoulders and neck
• May be single or multiple
• Usually painless unless putting pressure on a nerve

Neurofibromas

• Soft fleshy growths under the skin
• Slow growing and generally benign and painless
• Pain may indicate a need for medical attention
• May experience an electrical shock at the touch

Skin Cysts

• Closed pockets of tissue that can be filled with fluid or pus
• Can appear anywhere on the skin
• Smooth to the touch; feels like a pea underneath the surface
• Slow growing and generally is painless and benign
• Only needs attention if it becomes infected or inflamed