A patch of bumps on your skin is often a temporary problem that can easily be treated at home or by a dermatologist. However, anytime there are changes in your skin, make an appointment with your family physician or dermatologist to determine your best route for treatment. Skin conditions that can cause bumps are contact dermatitis, psoriasis and actinic keratosis.
Causes
Contact dermatitis can be caused by an irritant or an allergen. Irritant contact dermatitis is commonly caused by cleaning products, cosmetics and soap that irritates the skin. Allergen contact dermatitis is caused by the immune system reacting to something that would not cause a reaction for most people. According to MayoClinic.com, common allergens are rubber, metals, cosmetics, weeds and hair coloring products. Psoriasis is caused by white blood cells called T cells accelerating the amount of skin cells being developed, so new cells grow in days instead of weeks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Psoriasis is genetic and can be triggered by stress, trauma and strep throat. Other triggers exist as well. Actinic keratosis is caused by several years of ultraviolet rays exposure.
Identification
Both contact dermatitis caused by irritants and allergens result in patches of itchy red bumps. The skin will be dry and will resemble a burn, according to MayoClinic.com. The area can be painful and will occasionally blister. Psoriasis causes thick patches of scaly skin that are often silver in color. Actinic keratosis causes patches of skin to be bumpy, dry and rough. Actinic keratosis may disappear for several months and then return, according to American Academy of Dermatology.
Diagnosis
Often times, a doctor can diagnose each of these skin problems by observing your skin. Psoriasis and Actinic keratosis may require a skin biopsy to be viewed under a microscope in order to make a diagnosis. To diagnose the cause of contact dermatitis, doctor will do a patch test which involves applying various allergens to the skin and covering them for 48 hours. Once the patch is removed, a doctor can determine the cause of the reaction.
Treatment
Hydrocortisone, wet dressings and an over-the-counter antihistamine can be used to relive the itching and inflammation caused by contact dermatitis, according to MayoClinic.com. Taking a cool bath in uncooked oatmeal or baking soda can also bring relief, according to MayoClinic.com. The most common method of treatment for psoriasis is topical corticosteroids, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. In some cases, oral medication or light therapy may be used. Over-the-counter products with salicylic acid and coal tar may also relieve symptoms of psoriasis. Actinic keratosis can be treated with cryotherapy, chemical peels, laser and some topical creams, such as topical chemotherapy which is a cancer-fighting cream, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Considerations
Avoid scratching your skin since this can increase the intensity of your itching. Scratching can also cause bacterial skin infections, scars or skin discoloration, according to MayoClinic.com. To prevent contact dermatitis, avoid contact with the allergen or irritant that causes bumps on your skin as often as possible. Avoid triggers that flair psoriasis. Actinic keratosis is precancerous, so be sure to always wear protective clothing in the sun and a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
