What Bump is That?

What are those lumps and bumps I see on your face?

Physically, they’re not something to be ashamed of. Medically, though, those bumps on the face could be more than just ordinary moles, lumps, and bumps. While there is no reason to panic, the wisest thing is to get those checked to see if they could be more than plain bumps. Can those bumps on the face be dangerous or malignant?

It is very important to consult your doctor. These bumps can be regular moles or marks, but there are other possibilities that need to be considered. They can be one of the following:

1. Acne

Acne appears on many different parts of the body such as the back and the torso, but facial acne is one of the most common types of acne. Aside from the red bumps, acne is also characterised by white heads, black heads, and a generally oily skin.

Causes: Acne usually happens when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin’s pores and hair follicles.

Treatment: Acne is a harmless condition, but it can cause scarring and social stigma. To treat acne, it is best to consult a dermatologist, who will prescribe either topical medication or pills.

Prevention: To prevent acne, anyone should maintain proper hygiene, avoid touching the skin, avoid staying out in the sun, and be careful in choosing skin products.

2. Melanocytic Nevus or Mole

Moles are common skin discolourations caused when pigment-producing skin cells cluster together. Mostly harmless, they come in a variety of colours, shapes, and textures.

Causes: A chronic condition that lasts for years, melanocytic nevi or moles are caused by pigment or melanin-producing skin cells.

Treatment: Very rarely do moles become cancerous, and most often, people seek treatment for them for cosmetic reasons. For this, moles can be removed by doctors through freezing. 

Prevention: Many moles are already present at birth, but to prevent developing more, it is helpful to use sun protection.

3. Milia

Common among newborn infants, milia are tiny, white, raised spots or bumps that appear on different parts of the face as well as of the body. These bumps are filled with keratin.

Causes: For newborn babies, milia are said to be caused by developing sweat glands. In other cases, it can be caused when skin heals from an injury or by using corticosteroid skin creams.

Treatment: Milia are also generally harmless, and in most cases, they tend to clear up on their own. For extreme cases, though, they can be removed through cryotherapy or freezing, laser treatment, dermabrasion, and peeling.

4. Seborrhoeic Keratosis or Seborrhoeic Warts

Sometimes also called senile warts, seborrhoeic keratoses are crusty bumps that range from dark brown to black and appear to be just glued on the skin.

Causes: Seborrhoeic warts are always benign, which means that they are not cancerous. However, aside from ageing, the actual causes of seborrhoeic warts are still unknown.

Treatment: The reason why people have them removed is generally aesthetics, but they also sometimes itch. To remove them, a doctor may freeze the wart, use liquid nitrogen, or do laser treatment.

5. Hemangioma

Hemangioma is a birthmark, which appears red and rubbery, that is fairly common among infants and toddlers. They are generally harmless and usually disappear on their own.

Causes: Hemangioma appears red because of the blood vessels that cluster together. As to why these blood vessels cluster together is not yet known, but genetics is considered a factor.

Treatment: Hemangioma, though benign, may interfere with a child’s sight. To remove hemangioma, a doctor may perform a laser treatment or prescribe medication.