When you encounter a hard lump in your leg, your first reaction may be to worry about cancer. An unsightly red lump can be even more unnerving. Fortunately, even though hard red skin bumps on the legs can be an eyesore and a hassle, they're generally benign and unlikely to affect your overall health. That said, the old adage that you're better safe than sorry holds true, and according to the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, you should contact your doctor or dermatologist in the event of "any unexplained lump or swelling."
Staph Infection
According to MayoClinic.com, "...staph infections are caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, a type of germ commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals." A staph infection usually manifests itself in the form of a minor skin infection, but occasionally they can "invade your bloodstream, urinary tract, lungs or heart." Healthy people can develop staph infections, but they generally occur in individuals with immune system problems or a chronic illness. Red boils that develop in hair follicles and oil glands are the most common symptom of a staph infection, and they generally occur under the arms or around the buttocks and groin. Staph infections are usually treated with antibiotics, but many have become resistant, and over 90 percent can't be cured with penicillin and require other antibiotics.
MRSA Infection
An MRSA infection, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is an infection that can't be treated with the antibiotics generally used to treat most staph infections. According to MayoClinic.com, "most MRSA infections occur in people who have been in hospitals or other health care settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers." MRSA infections occurring in these settings are generally "associated with invasive procedures or devices, such as surgeries, intravenous tubing, or artificial joints." MRSA infections can be treated with certain antibiotics, and some can be dealt with simply by draining a superficial abscess.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that can cause rough patches of skin and hard, red bumps not only on the thighs and buttocks but also the arms and face. According to the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, it occurs when "a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles." Keratosis pilaris is harmless, generally doesn't become more severe over time and often disappears with age. It's frequently worse in the winter and clears up during the summer. Treatment isn't necessary, but if cosmetic concerns are an issue, moisturizing lotions can be used to improve the appearance of the skin. Even when medications containing lactic acid, urea, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, or vitamin D are used, however, symptoms are likely to recur.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed. It can occur anywhere on the skin, including the legs. According to the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, "Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged by friction from clothing, blockage of the follicle, or shaving." As a result, it may be more common on the legs for women than for men. Drainage of the affected follicles can be encouraged by a hot, moist compress, and a doctor may treat folliculitis with topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or oral antibiotics like dicloxacillin. Antifungal medications can also be used to control the infection.
Erythema Nodosum
According to SkinSight.com, "Erythema nodosum is a skin condition characterized by the sudden eruption of tender, red bumps, particularly on the shins." It results from inflammation deep in a fatty layer of skin called adipose tissue. It can be associated with underlying medical conditions, infections or medications such as birth control pills, estrogen and antibiotics. Women are four times more likely than men to be infected, and young adults are particularly susceptible. A medical professional will try to identify a possible cause after diagnosing the condition, and if an underlying cause is ascertained, he or she will treat it accordingly. Steroid injections or pills, potassium iodide and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin may be used to treat erythema nodosum.
