What are skin bumps and when should you be concerned?

Skin bumps are extremely common and usually harmless. From pimples to moles to bug bites, your skin reacts to everything from hormones to allergens to minor injuries. But while most bumps are benign, some can signal infection, allergy, or even skin cancer.

Here’s how to tell the difference—and when it’s time to see a doctor.

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🔍 Common Types of Harmless Skin Bumps

Type	What It Is	Appearance	Duration
Milia	Tiny keratin cysts	Small white bumps (often on cheeks/nose)	Weeks to months; go away on their own
Sebaceous hyperplasia	Enlarged oil glands	Soft, yellowish bumps with central dimple	Permanent but harmless
Cherry angiomas	Clusters of blood vessels	Bright red, smooth, round spots	Increase with age; benign
Skin tags	Extra skin growths	Soft, flesh-colored flaps (neck, armpits)	Permanent unless removed
Keratosis pilaris	Clogged hair follicles	Rough, sandpaper-like bumps (upper arms/thighs)	Chronic but improves with moisturizing

✅ These are normal variations—not dangerous, though they may be cosmetically bothersome.

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⚠️ When to Be Concerned: Red Flags

See a dermatologist if a bump has any of these features (remember the ABCDE rule for moles, plus more):

1. Changing in Size, Shape, or Color

• A mole that grows, becomes irregular, or darkens.
• A new dark spot that wasn’t there before.

2. Bleeding, Oozing, or Crusting