Skin Lumps and Bumps

Skin lumps and bumps vary in size, shape, colour, texture and sensation depending on the cause. You may have one lump or bump, or several together. They can affect one part of your body or multiple areas. 

Skin lumps and bumps may be:  

• flesh-coloured, red, black, brown, or blue

• smooth, rough or scaly

• painful, itchy, tender, or painless

• firm or soft

• movable or immovable 

There are many causes of skin lumps and bumps, and different types have different causes. 

Some common causes of skin lumps and bumps include: 

• hereditary factors 

• infection

• conditions such as eczema and psoriasis 

• blocked glands in the skin 

• scarring 

• skin cancer

At your initial consultation, you’ll be seen by a consultant dermatologist who will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history and any medications you take regularly. They’ll then perform a physical examination. 

Your consultant may request some tests to establish the cause of your skin lumps/bumps. 

These may include: 

• blood test

• skin biopsy

• imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI scan 

Your consultant will make a diagnosis using a combination of your symptoms, physical examination and test results. They’ll explain your diagnosis to you and create a personalised treatment plan that best suits your needs. 

Skin lumps and bumps can’t always be prevented, but the following steps can reduce your risk of developing some types of skin lumps or bumps: 

• keep your skin clean and free from sweat, oil and dirt that can clog your pores 

• avoid harsh skincare products that can inflame and irritate your skin, and opt for non-comedogenic products that won’t block your pores

• don’t squeeze or pick any lumps or bumps, as this can lead to infection and scarring

• avoid exposing your skin to the sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 every day 

• wear loose-fitting clothes to prevent friction from your clothes rubbing on your skin

• choose natural fabrics to reduce heat and sweat that can irritate your skin 

• avoid exposing your skin to the sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 every day 

Complications from skin lumps and bumps are rare, but untreated skin lumps and bumps can lead to: 

• infection – some lumps/bumps can become infected and may lead to boils or abscesses. Some lumps, such as warts, are caused by a viral infection and can spread to other parts of your body or to other people 

• inflammation and pain 

• scarring

• rupture – some lumps, such as cysts, can burst, which can lead to infection 

• skin cancer  – rarely, a lump or bump may be a sign of skin cancer

Treatment for lumps and bumps depends on your diagnosis, but may include topical treatments, steroids, surgery or a procedure to remove your lump or bump. 

Any lump or bump that’s removed is sent to the laboratory for analysis to confirm the diagnosis and allow your dermatologist to plan the best course of treatment. 

Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you and recommend the best course of action for you depending on your symptoms, diagnosis, and expectations for treatment. 

This may include: 

• cryotherapy – a freezing spray is applied to remove some lumps/bumps such as skin tags, warts, and early-stage skin cancers

• curettage and cautery – a minor procedure where the lump/bump is scraped off and heat is used to destroy any remaining tissue 

• shave excision – some lumps/ bumps, such as moles or skin tags, can be removed with a scalpel under local anaesthetic

• excision – a procedure to remove deeper lumps and bumps under local anaesthetic. The wound is closed with stitches afterwards

• biopsy – a small sample of tissue is taken under local anaesthetic to be analysed before deciding on treatment. This may be used if your lump/bump is thought to be caused by sun-damage or there is a possibility that it may be skin cancer

• laser – small, harmless lumps and bumps can be removed with a laser which uses high-energy light to heat and destroy cells

• steroid injections – are used to reduce inflammation and can be used to treat certain types of scars such as keloid or hypertrophic scars 

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.