Your skin is one of the largest organs of the body. It protects the vital organs and blood vessels from damage. If you notice any type of change in your skin, especially weird bumps, you should try to identify the cause. It could be something as simple as a mild response to stimuli to something as serious as an infection or allergic reaction.
Significance
The skin reacts to outside stimuli by creating a response that you can see and feel. Some of the more common skin conditions that cause bumps include hives, contact dermatitis and eczema. Any type of weird bump on the skin can be painful, unsightly and in some cases hurtful. Weird bumps on the skin can also be accompanied by skin blistering, inflammation, flakiness, swelling, scaling and redness. Bumps can occur anywhere but most commonly in the location where they had contact with the allergen. In most cases, weird bumps can be treated with over-the-counter medications but when you don't know the main cause, you should seek medical attention for an exact diagnosis.
Causes
There are hundreds of causes of skin bumps and conditions. Some of the more common causes aside of contact dermatitis is a cyst, acne, skin cancer, heat rash, scabies, poison ivy and ingrown hairs. A cyst is an abnormal proliferation of cells that cluster and form just under the skins surface. The often appear in areas near small hair follicles and sebaceous or oil glands. You can have one or more in clusters. They are hard dime sized balls that are often painful to the touch.
Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak appear as small water blisters on the skins surface. They can have an oozing discharge, that crusts over and itches severely.
Scabies is a type of parasite that causes red, raised bumps all over the skin. Intense itching and burrows can appear on the skin's surface.
Eczema can also cause red, swollen splotches and bumps all over the skin.
Warning
Some types of skin cancers start off as weird looking bumps on the skin. They can be flesh colored, pink or red and raised above the skin. They may tear open or bleed regularly. These could be benign or cancerous skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell cancers. If you have a raised mole or bump that changes in color or has multiple colors of brown, black, blue or red, the bump could be melanoma -- one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
Solution
Always avoid picking, popping, cutting or irritating bumps on your skin. Many over-the-counter medications can help with skin bumps. Hydrocortisone, diphenhydramine, calamine and aloe vera lotion, can help with itchiness, burning and skin irritation. A cold compress can help with swelling and large raised bumps. If you suspect scabies, chicken pox, measles, eczema or skin bumps that bleed or don't heal, see your medical professional or dermatologist for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
Prevention
Prevent weird skin bumps by recognizing the cause of the bumps or coming in contact with an irritant. If it is an allergic reaction, avoid soaps, plants, foods and other stimuli that will cause you to break out with the bumps. Choose dye and fragrance-free personal care products to avoid skin breakouts.
