Two common concerns you may have when discovering small bumps on your skin: why did they appear, and are they warning signs of something serious? They can also become uncomfortable and lower your confidence. There are many possible causes, such as a condition called contact dermatitis, a skin allergy to products such as soaps, cleaners and other allergens. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports contact dermatitis is responsible for 5.7 million doctor visits yearly.
Acne
Acne could be responsible for the bumps on your skin. What was once only tied to puberty adult acne has become more common. Acne is the result of infected pores and can be found all over the body but is most common on the face, arms, back and chest. Although there are several types of acne, whiteheads are the most common cause of causing small bumps on the skin. Acne can be the result of many factors, such as poor diet, hormones or using the wrong type of facial products.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that usually causes red, thick skin. There are four different types of this condition. Papulopustular rosacea--also known as subtype 2--is a form of rosacea that causes reddening of the skin. With this particular form of rosacea, small bumps or pimples are present along with redness. Usually, blood vessels are also enlarged and the bumps may feel itchy or cause a stinging sensation.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is known to cause small bumps on the skin. Often mistaken for acne, this condition is caused by clogged hair follicles rather than infected pores. It can also resemble goose bumps. Such bumps are found most commonly on your arms, legs, backside and sometimes on the face. According to the National Institute of Health, keratosis pilaris is harmless and, in many people, it lessens or disappears as you age.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is the process of bacteria getting into the hair follicle and causing it to become inflamed, resulting in bumps that can become large and painful. Folliculitis can be the result of many things, such as shaving with a dirty razor or wearing tight clothing that push bacteria into follicles. Hot tub folliculitis is another type of this condition, occurring when bacteria found in warm and wet areas, such as a hot tub or steam room, enter hair follicles and cause inflammation.
Milia
Milia also has the appearance of small bumps on the skin and is caused from dead skin cells becoming trapped on your skin's surface. Found mostly on the face and sometimes in the mouth, they will usually disappear. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, milia can also be a symptom of a more serious condition called nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome--or Gorlin syndrome--which is a genetic disease that may bring a raised risk of skin cancer.
