Skin Lumps

What are skin lumps?

Skin lumps refer to any patches of unusually raised skin. These lumps can either be soft and movable or hard and stiff. A common type of skin lump is swelling caused by an injury.

Most skin lumps are benign, meaning they are harmless and don’t interfere with daily life. However, if you're concerned about an unusual lump, it’s best to consult a doctor or dermatologist.

Causes of Skin Lumps

Skin lumps can result from various health conditions, ranging in severity. Some of the most common causes include:

• Acne
• Trauma
• Moles
• Infections such as abscesses and boils
• Warts
• Cancerous growths
• Cysts
• Corns
• Allergic reactions, such as hives
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Childhood diseases like chickenpox

Trauma

Injury or trauma is the most common cause of skin lumps. This type of lump is often referred to as a 'goose egg' and typically appears when the head or another part of the body is impacted. The impact causes swelling, resulting in a lump that may also bruise.

Swelling from an injury often occurs unexpectedly, usually within a day or two after the trauma.

Cysts

Cysts are another common cause of skin lumps. These are enclosed pockets of tissue beneath the skin’s surface, often filled with fluid.

The fluid may either stay trapped under the skin or burst out. Cysts are generally soft and movable, unlike harder growths like corns or warts. They are typically harmless and painless unless they become infected.

Swollen lymph nodes

In some cases, lumps may form in areas where lymph nodes are located. These nodes contain white blood cells that help the body fight infections. During an infection or flu, the glands in the neck and under the arms may swell and harden. Once the infection clears, the lymph nodes usually return to normal size. However, if the swelling persists, it's wise to consult a doctor.

Childhood illnesses

Certain childhood illnesses, such as mumps and chickenpox, can also cause lumps to appear on the skin. Mumps is a viral infection affecting the salivary glands, causing swelling in the cheeks.

Chickenpox, caused by the herpes zoster virus, leads to pink spots that eventually blister and form scabs. Children are generally vaccinated against these illnesses.

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Diagnosis

To determine the cause of skin lumps, your doctor may ask a series of questions, including:

• Who first noticed the lump?
• When did you first observe the lump?
• How many lumps are present?
• What are the shape, colour, and texture of the lumps?
• Are the lumps painful?
• Are there any other symptoms such as fever, itching, or discharge?

The lump's shape and colour are key diagnostic factors. For instance, a mole that grows larger than a pencil eraser, changes colour, or has uneven edges may indicate skin cancer.

Another form of skin cancer, known as basal cell carcinoma, can initially resemble a pimple or small lump. A skin lump might be considered cancerous if it:

• Bleeds
• Does not go away
• Continues to grow

If you’re worried about an unusual lump, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary, particularly if the lump appears suddenly without an apparent cause. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue for testing to check for cancerous cells.

Treatment

Home care

You can manage discomfort caused by swollen salivary glands, lymph nodes, or skin rashes from viral infections at home. Applying ice packs, taking baking soda baths, and using fever-reducing medications can help.

Skin lumps from injuries tend to subside as the swelling reduces. Applying ice and elevating the affected area can alleviate discomfort and minimise inflammation.

Prescription medication

If the lump is due to an abscess or infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Topical treatments may also be recommended for warts, rashes, and acne. Ointments or creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can reduce bacterial infections in cystic acne and help eliminate excess skin around warts.

Corticosteroid injections may be suggested for inflamed skin lumps. These powerful anti-inflammatory medications can treat cystic acne, benign cysts, general skin infections, and other skin growths. However, corticosteroids can cause side effects, such as:

• Pain
• Infection
• Discolouration of the skin
• Shrinking of soft tissue

Due to these side effects, corticosteroid injections are usually limited to a few times per year.

Surgery

In some cases, more invasive treatment is necessary for skin lumps causing persistent pain or posing a health risk. Surgical removal or drainage may be required for:

• Abscesses
• Boils
• Cysts
• Corns
• Moles or cancerous tumours

Outlook

Most skin lumps are harmless, and treatment is only necessary if they cause discomfort. However, it’s important to seek medical advice if you’re concerned about a lump to rule out any serious underlying issues.