White bumps on the skin can cause embarrassment and frustration and might cause difficulty with personal hygiene activities such as washing or shaving. Although white bumps on the skin are rarely a cause for medical concern, bumps that worsen, bleed, swell or cause moderate pain might require medical evaluation. Fortunately, most cases of white bumps on the skin are treatable with self care measures at home or over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Features
White bumps on the skin might develop anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face, especially around the cheeks, chin and tip of the nose. Additional symptoms, such as redness, inflammation or pustules might accompany the white bumps. The affected areas might itch, develop increased sensitivity to friction from clothing or bleed or become infected if scratched.
Identification
New parents might notice white bumps on the skin of their babies in the days and weeks after birth. Pediatricians, dermatologists and general physicians diagnose white bumps on the skin by looking at the affected areas. According to the Mayo Clinic website, if an infection is suspected as the cause of the white bumps, the doctor might collect a sample of pus from the bump and send the sample for bacterial culture in a laboratory.
Causes
White bumps on the skin of babies often result from milia or baby acne, caused by lingering hormones from birth. In teenagers, young and middle-aged adults, white bumps on the skin of the face often result from a form of acne commonly referred to as whiteheads, which are caused by clogged pores in the skin. The Mayo Clinic website explains that white bumps on the skin near hair follicles result from a condition called folliculitis, which results from an infection of the hair follicles by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Treatments
When babies have white bumps on the skin caused by milia or baby acne, the American Academy of Pediatrics website recommends a daily washing of baby's face with warm water and a mild baby soap. Mild cases of acne are treatable with over-the-counter facial cleansers that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, while more severe cases might require prescription medications such as retinoic acid cream or gel, isotretinoin pills or topical antibiotics; in addition, some patients might require surgical treatments such as dermabrasion. According to the Mayo Clinic website, doctors treat folliculitis with topical or oral antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Prevention/Solution
Do not shave, scratch, pick at or scrub any bumps found on the skin, as this can worsen the condition. Avoid using lotions, oils or cosmetics on areas of the skin affected by the white bumps, which can further aggravate skin conditions such as acne. Wash the skin regularly with a mild soap and warm water, and pat dry with a soft towel to remove sweat and oil that contribute to skin problems.
