Bumps that appear on your skin can be associated with a wide array of different conditions. Many of the contributing factors are not medically serious or dangerous in any way. For most people, these bumps are more of a cosmetic nuisance than a medical emergency. Speak to your doctor for more information regarding bumps on your skin and whether there is any cause for concern.
Acne
According to the Mayo Clinic, acne is a common skin blemish that can occur on any individual regardless of gender or age. Tiny bumps on your body as a result of acne can have a reddish-pale appearance. Acne lesions heal slowly, and when one begins to resolve, others seem to crop up. Hormones are a major contributor to the development of acne on the skin; thus, they are most common in pregnant women or individuals going through puberty. Acne normally resolves itself after a few days.
Gout
According to the Mayo Clinic, gout can also cause the appearance of large bumps on your skin. Gout is a disease that results from an overload of uric acid in the body. This excess leads to the formation of tiny crystals of urate that deposit in tissues of the body, especially in the joints. These crystal formations can cause the appearance of bumps under the surface of your skin. Chronic gout can lead to additional medical problems if left untreated, such as joint destruction and kidney stones.
Moles
Moles are another common skin blemish on the skin. Most moles are merely a darkened group of skin cells that accumulate on the body and appear as a raised bump. Moles can appear anywhere on the body and may differ in size or color. If you experience a mole that begins to change shape or color on a slow but consistent basis, seek medical assistance from your doctor or a dermatologist as this may be a sign of skin cancer.
Misconceptions
Not all bumps of the body are harmless. Bumps caused by gout, for example, may build in size and add pressure to the joints they surround. This added pressure may lead to further joint damage, as explained on the Mayo Clinic website. Other medical conditions such as skin cancer, boils or dermatitis can also cause large bumps on the skin.
Treatment
Depending on the cause for your skin bumps, treatment options may be limited. For example, moles are typically unavoidable yet harmless. Acne will have a tendency to clear up on its own; however there are topical lotions and ointments available on the market. Your doctor may also recommend further treatment options.
