What Causes Skin Bumps: 12 Types, Photos & Treatment Guide

A new bump on your skin can be equal parts annoying and alarming. Maybe your child has tiny, dimpled dots after swim class, your upper arms feel rough and bumpy, or a tender red “pimple” near a hair follicle won’t quit. Most bumps are harmless and clear with simple care, but a few signal infection or skin cancer and deserve quick medical attention. The challenge is knowing which is which—without guessing or doom‑scrolling photos that only make you more anxious.

This guide walks you through 12 common causes of raised skin bumps with clear photos, plain‑English descriptions of how each looks, what causes it, and who’s at risk. You’ll get practical treatment and home‑care tips, prevention advice, and specific signs that mean it’s time to see a clinician. From molluscum contagiosum and acne/folliculitis to hives, warts, ringworm, scabies, boils, cysts, actinic keratoses, and skin‑cancer warning bumps, consider this your quick, reliable triage. It’s educational—not a diagnosis—and aims to help you decide your next best step confidently and safely before you move on to the detailed sections below.

1. Molluscum contagiosum (small, dimpled bumps)

How it looks

These are tiny, smooth, firm bumps that are flesh‑colored, white, or pink, often with a telltale central dimple (“umbilication”). They can appear singly or in small clusters and are common on the trunk, armpits, creases, and face in kids; adults may notice them in the groin. They’re usually painless but can itch or turn red as your immune system starts clearing them.

• Size/feel: 1–5 mm, dome‑shaped, shiny, and firm
• Pattern: Often a patch of up to 20 bumps
• Clues: Central dimple helps distinguish them from pimples and warts

Causes and risk factors

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps like these, the culprit is a contagious poxvirus spread by skin‑to‑skin contact or shared items (towels, razors). It’s most common in children and can affect anyone.

• Higher risk: Children (especially ages 1–10), eczema, close‑contact sports, shaving
• Spread: Touching/scratching lesions, sharing personal items
• Contagious period: While bumps are present

Treatment and home care

Molluscum often clears on its own in 6–12 months (can take longer), and many clinicians recommend watchful waiting for kids. When treatment is desired, in‑office options include cantharidin application, cryotherapy, or gentle curettage; newer prescription topicals are also available.

• At home: Don’t pick; keep nails short; moisturize itchy skin; manage eczema
• Reduce spread: Cover lesions (bandage or hydrocolloid patch), avoid sharing towels/razors
• Bathing/swim: Pat dry; avoid shaving through bumps

When to see a doctor

Seek care if bumps involve the eyelids or genitals, become very red, warm, or pus‑filled, rapidly multiply, or if you or your child is immunocompromised. See a clinician if you’re unsure of the diagnosis or want treatment to speed clearance or reduce transmission at school, daycare, or sports.

2. Acne and folliculitis (pimples, ingrown hairs, shaving bumps)

How it looks

Acne and folliculitis are two of the most common answers to what causes skin bumps on the face and body. Acne shows up as clogged pores and inflamed lesions, while folliculitis is inflammation or infection centered around a hair follicle. Both can itch or hurt and may flare after sweating or shaving.

• Acne: Blackheads, whiteheads, red pimples, or deeper painful cysts/nodules; common on face, chest, shoulders, and back.
• Folliculitis: Small red bumps or pus‑filled pimples each centered on a hair; itchy or tender; shows in shave/friction zones (beard, scalp, bikini line, thighs).
• Ingrown hairs: Firm, sore bumps with a trapped or curling hair inside; can mimic pimples.
• Razor bumps: Post‑shave papules/pustules, especially with curly hair.

Causes and risk factors

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps like these, acne often stems from hormones (androgens) that boost oil production and clog pores; folliculitis develops when a follicle is irritated or invaded by bacteria or yeast normally living on skin. Friction and hair removal are frequent triggers.

• Hormones/oil: Puberty, cycles, oily products occluding pores
• Shaving/waxing: Micro‑trauma and hairs re‑entering skin
• Friction/sweat: Tight gear, backpacks, humid workouts
• Microbes: Bacterial or yeast overgrowth in follicles
• Skin type: Oily skin, prior acne, or sensitive skin

Treatment and home care

Most mild acne and folliculitis improve with gentle routines and a few targeted steps. Avoid picking; it increases infection and scarring risk. If home care stalls, a clinician can tailor prescription topicals or oral therapies and treat true infections.

• Cleanse gently: Non‑comedogenic wash; rinse sweat soon after workouts.
• OTC actives: Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for acne‑prone areas.
• Warm compresses: Soothe tender folliculitis and help drainage.
• Shave smart: Fresh single‑blade, with the grain, minimal passes; consider trimming.
• Reduce friction: Loose, breathable fabrics; rotate tight gear.
• Spot care: Hydrocolloid patches over pus‑filled bumps to protect and absorb fluid.
• Hygiene: Don’t share razors/towels; launder regularly.

When to see a doctor

Get medical care if lesions are severe, keep recurring, or show signs of spreading infection. Early intervention prevents scars and complications.

• Deep, painful cysts/nodules or any acne that scars or darkens skin
• Widespread or persistent folliculitis despite good home care
• Possible staph/MRSA: A painful, fast‑growing red bump that looks like a “spider bite” and may drain pus needs urgent evaluation
• Systemic signs: Fever, rapidly spreading redness, warmth, or severe pain
• Sensitive sites/uncertain diagnosis: Face, genitals, or if you’re not sure it’s acne

3. Keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin" rough plugs)

How it looks

Keratosis pilaris (KP) appears as tiny, rough, sandpaper‑like bumps that can be skin‑colored, pink, or slightly red. They cluster around hair follicles on the outer upper arms and thighs and may also show on cheeks and buttocks. Skin can look speckled or “goose‑bumpy,” often worse in dry, cold weather and usually not painful.

Causes and risk factors

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps that feel like little plugs, KP is due to excess keratin blocking hair follicles. It’s common in children, teens, and people with dry skin or eczema, tends to run in families, and often softens with age—frequently improving by the mid‑20s to about age 30.

Treatment and home care

KP is harmless, but consistent routine helps it look and feel smoother. Moisturize daily with rich, fragrance‑free creams; choose formulas with chemical exfoliants like lactic acid, urea, or salicylic acid to gently loosen plugs. Keep showers short and warm (not hot), use mild cleansers, pat dry, and consider a bedroom humidifier. Avoid picking or harsh scrubs that worsen redness.

When to see a doctor

Check in with a clinician if bumps become very red, itchy, or painful, you’re unsure it’s KP, or months of good home care don’t help. Medical guidance can rule out folliculitis or eczema flares and discuss stronger prescription topicals if texture or redness is particularly bothersome.

4. Contact dermatitis (allergic or irritant)

An itchy, inflamed rash that appears right where something touched your skin is classic contact dermatitis. It can show up within hours to a couple of days after exposure to an allergen (like poison ivy) or an irritant (like bleach). Because contact dermatitis is a top cause of what causes skin bumps that itch or burn, spotting the pattern helps you cut the culprit and calm the skin fast.

How it looks

The rash usually has clear borders matching the contact area and can range from dry and scaly to blisters that ooze or crust. Color varies by skin tone—often red on lighter skin and darker brown, purple, or gray on darker skin.

• Well‑defined, localized rash where the skin contacted the substance
• Itchy, scaly, or raw skin; may sting or burn
• Small blisters that can weep, ooze, or become crusty
• Shapes/lines from straps, jewelry, plants, or adhesives

Causes and risk factors

Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune reaction to a specific trigger; irritant contact dermatitis results from direct damage to the skin barrier.

• Allergens: Poison ivy/oak, fragrances, preservatives, nickel in jewelry, latex, hair dye adhesives
• Irritants: Bleach, detergents, solvents, harsh soaps, wet work
• Higher risk: Eczema/dry skin, frequent hand washing, certain jobs (healthcare, cleaning), friction under gear

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps like these, look for a recent new product, plant exposure, or repeated contact in a specific spot.

Treatment and home care

First, stop exposure. Gentle care speeds recovery and reduces scratching that can invite infection.

• Wash the area and clothing/items that touched the skin
• Cool compresses to reduce itch and swelling
• OTC 1% hydrocortisone thinly to calm inflammation; oral antihistamines can help itch
• Moisturize with fragrance‑free creams to repair the skin barrier
• Avoid picking/scratching; keep nails short; skip harsh scrubs

If reactions are frequent, keep a trigger diary and simplify products (fragrance‑free, dye‑free).

When to see a doctor

Get care if the rash is severe, widespread, or involves the face, eyes, or genitals; if blisters are extensive; or if there are signs of infection (worsening pain, warmth, pus, fever). See a clinician if symptoms persist beyond 1–2 weeks, you can’t identify the trigger, or you need stronger prescription steroids or patch testing to pinpoint allergens.

5. Hives (urticaria)

Hives are one of the most common answers to what causes skin bumps that itch like crazy. They’re raised, itchy welts that flare after an exposure and can look alarming—then shift or fade—only to pop up somewhere else. Most are short‑lived, but some reactions can be serious and need urgent care.

How it looks

Hives are surface‑level welts (“wheals”) that can be small or large and often cluster.

• Itchy, raised welts that may sting or burn
• Color varies by skin tone: red on light skin; darker brown, purple, or gray on dark skin
• Sizes vary from pinpoint to patchy, and welts can join together
• Come in clusters, sometimes with clear edges

Causes and risk factors

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps like these, hives often follow an allergic trigger, but irritants can do it too.

• Allergens: Foods, pollen, dust mites, plant oils (e.g., poison ivy)
• Contact/irritants: Detergents, bleach, fragranced products
• Higher risk: Personal or family history of allergies or eczema

Treatment and home care

Remove the trigger if you can identify it, then focus on calming itch and protecting the skin barrier.

• Cool compresses to soothe
• Oral antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) for itch relief
• Gentle, fragrance‑free moisturizers to support the skin
• Avoid scratching; wear loose, breathable clothing; skip hot showers

If reactions recur, keep a simple product routine and note exposures to help spot patterns.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate help (call 911) for signs of a severe allergic reaction.

• Trouble breathing, wheezing, chest pain
• Swelling of the tongue or throat
• Dizziness or heart rate changes

Make a non‑urgent appointment if hives are widespread, very uncomfortable, keep returning, involve the face or genitals, or if over‑the‑counter care isn’t helping within a few days.

6. Warts (HPV growths)

If you’re sorting out what causes skin bumps that feel rough and stubborn, think warts. These are noncancerous growths triggered by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re common, contagious through skin‑to‑skin contact or shared items, and can show up solo or in small groups.

How it looks

Warts vary by location but share a rough, grainy surface and a well‑defined outline. Color can be skin‑toned, pink, or slightly brown.

• Common warts (hands/fingers): Rough, dome‑shaped bumps with pinpoint black dots (clotted capillaries).
• Plantar warts (soles): Flat or thickened lesions that may hurt with pressure and can cluster.
• Flat warts (face/backs of hands): Small, smoother, slightly raised patches in multiples.

Causes and risk factors

These raised skin bumps arise when HPV enters through tiny skin breaks. Not everyone exposed develops warts; micro‑trauma and moisture increase risk.

• Spread: Direct contact, picking, sharing towels/razors, barefoot in communal areas.
• Higher risk: Children, people with frequent handwashing/wet work, and anyone who picks or shaves over lesions.

Treatment and home care

Many warts eventually clear on their own, but treatment can speed resolution and reduce spread. Be patient—weeks to months is typical.

• OTC salicylic acid: Daily after soaking and gentle filing; protect surrounding skin.
• Cryotherapy (in‑office): Liquid nitrogen freezes the lesion; multiple sessions may be needed.
• Do’s: Keep covered if prone to picking; don’t share personal items; wear shower sandals in locker rooms.
• Don’ts: Don’t pick or shave through warts; avoid harsh at‑home “acid stacks” that burn healthy skin.

When to see a doctor

Get medical advice if you’re unsure it’s a wart or if home care fails.

• Face, nails, or genital area involved
• Painful plantar warts that affect walking or sports
• Rapid growth, bleeding, color/shape change, or recurrent lesions
• You have diabetes, poor circulation, or are immunocompromised

7. Ringworm (tinea corporis)

Ringworm is a fungus—not a worm—and a frequent answer to what causes skin bumps that itch and spread in circles. It’s contagious and usually needs antifungal treatment, so recognizing the classic look helps you act quickly and avoid passing it around the family.

How it looks

Ringworm on the body typically forms a round or oval patch with a slightly raised, scaly edge and clearer skin in the center. It can start as a small, itchy bump or patch and slowly expand with a well‑defined border.

• Round, ring‑shaped rash with a scaly, raised edge
• Central clearing makes the ring more obvious over time
• Itchy, sometimes mildly burning
• Single or multiple patches on exposed skin (arms, trunk, legs)

Causes and risk factors

These raised skin bumps are caused by dermatophyte fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments and spread easily.

• Spread: Skin‑to‑skin contact or shared items (towels, clothing)
• Higher risk: Sweaty/humid conditions, tight or occlusive clothing, minor skin breaks
• Household clusters: Close contacts may develop similar rings

Treatment and home care

Prompt, consistent care helps clear the rash and reduce transmission.

• Use an OTC antifungal cream exactly as the label directs
• Keep skin clean and dry; choose loose, breathable fabrics
• Don’t share towels, razors, or clothing; wash linens/clothes regularly
• Avoid scratching and picking; trim nails to protect skin

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment if you’re unsure of the diagnosis or if the rash is stubborn.

• No improvement after appropriate OTC care
• Widespread, rapidly spreading, or very inflamed lesions
• Sensitive areas (face or genitals) or involvement in young children
• Signs of infection: increasing pain, warmth, pus, fever
• You’re immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions

8. Scabies (mite infestation)

If you’re puzzling over what causes skin bumps that itch intensely—especially at night—think scabies. Tiny mites burrow into the top layer of skin and trigger an allergic reaction. It’s contagious through close, skin‑to‑skin contact, can spread within households, and untreated mites can live on skin for up to two months.

How it looks

Scabies typically shows as an extremely itchy, pimply or blistery rash with thin, wavy “burrow” lines.

• Intense nighttime itch that disturbs sleep
• Small, itchy bumps or tiny blisters; skin may look scaly
• Short, raised, white or skin‑colored lines (burrows)
• Common sites: finger webs, wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline, nipples, buttocks, and genitals; infants may have scalp, face, palms, and soles involved

Causes and risk factors

A microscopic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) is the direct cause of these skin bumps. It spreads mainly through prolonged, close contact.

• Spread: close personal contact; less often via shared bedding/towels
• Incubation: symptoms can take 4–6 weeks after first exposure
• Higher risk: households, dorms, childcare, nursing homes; people with eczema or broken skin; immunocompromised individuals (higher risk for severe “crusted” scabies)

Treatment and home care

Scabies requires prescription treatment from a clinician; over‑the‑counter anti‑itch products won’t cure it. Everyone with close contact should be treated at the same time to prevent ping‑pong reinfestation.

• Follow the prescribed scabies medication exactly as directed
• Treat close contacts/household members concurrently
• Decontaminate linens and clothing: wash hot and dry hot; set aside non‑washables for several days
• Soothe skin: cool compresses and gentle, fragrance‑free moisturizers
• Avoid scratching/picking; keep nails short to reduce infection risk

When to see a doctor

Schedule care promptly if you suspect scabies—early treatment limits spread.

• Severe, widespread, or crusted rash; involvement of face/infants
• Signs of infection: increasing pain, warmth, pus, or fever
• You’re immunocompromised or symptoms persist despite careful home measures

9. Boils and abscesses (staph infections, including MRSA)

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps that look like a painful “pimple” and then swell with pus, think boils (furuncles) and abscesses. Most start when staph bacteria living on the skin enter through a nick or hair follicle, creating a tender, red bump that can quickly become a pus‑filled lump. Some MRSA infections look like a sudden “spider bite,” and deeper pockets of pus are called abscesses; clusters are carbuncles. These bumps are contagious, can spread, and sometimes lead to cellulitis without timely care.

How it looks

Early boils are sore, red, and raised; many develop a yellow or white center and may drain.

• Painful, hot, red bump that enlarges quickly
• Central pus point; may rupture and weep
• Swelling and surrounding redness; skin feels tight
• Common sites: face, neck, armpits, buttocks, thighs
• Carbuncle: several connected boils forming a larger, tender area

Causes and risk factors

These raised skin bumps are usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria (including MRSA) entering a follicle or small break in the skin.

• Entry through cuts/scratches or irritated hair follicles
• Close contact and shared items (towels, razors) spread infection
• Friction/shaving and sweaty gear irritate follicles and raise risk
• Contact sports and crowded settings increase transmission

Treatment and home care

Many small boils improve with local care, but never squeeze or “pop” them—this can drive infection deeper and spread bacteria.

• Warm compresses 10–15 minutes at a time, several times daily
• Keep covered: use a clean, dry bandage to contain drainage
• Hygiene: wash hands after touching; don’t share towels/razors; launder clothing/linens hot if soiled
• Avoid shaving over the area until fully healed
• Pain relief: consider OTC options as needed
• Medical drainage (I&D) and antibiotics may be required, especially for MRSA or larger abscesses

When to see a doctor

Some staph infections need prompt or urgent care to prevent complications.

• Possible MRSA: “spider bite”–like, very painful, fast‑growing bump that may drain pus
• Spreading redness/warmth, fever, severe pain, or feeling ill
• Sensitive locations: face (especially near the eye), spine, genitals, or very large lesions
• No improvement with warm compresses, or recurrent boils
• Signs of cellulitis or blood infection (worsening pain, swelling, streaking, fever)

10. Cysts (epidermoid and pilar)

Cysts are one of the most common answers to what causes skin bumps that are smooth and slowly enlarge. They’re closed sacs under the skin that hold keratin or fluid. Most are harmless and painless, showing up on the face, neck, back (epidermoid), or scalp (pilar), and only need attention if they get irritated or infected.

How it looks

These raised skin bumps usually feel like a round, rubbery marble just under the surface. They often move a little when you press them and grow slowly over weeks to months. A small central pore (“punctum”) may be visible, and if inflamed, the cyst can become red, tender, and drain thick material.

• Smooth, dome‑shaped lump under the skin, typically mobile
• Common sites: face/neck/back (epidermoid), scalp (pilar)
• Usually painless unless inflamed or infected
• May drain thick, whitish keratin if opened

Causes and risk factors

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps like these, cysts form when skin or follicle lining cells get trapped and create a sac that fills over time. Minor skin injuries or blocked hair follicles can contribute, and some people simply form them more readily.

• Trapped skin cells forming a closed sac
• Hair follicle origin (especially for pilar cysts on the scalp)
• Prior irritation or tiny skin breaks that heal inward

Treatment and home care

Most cysts can be left alone. Squeezing can worsen inflammation or trigger infection, so hands off. For irritated cysts, simple measures can help while you arrange care if needed.

• Don’t pick or pop; avoid squeezing
• Warm compresses 10–15 minutes to ease tenderness
• Cover if draining with a clean bandage; keep the area clean
• Definitive treatment: in‑office removal of the entire cyst wall to prevent recurrence
• If infected: a clinician may drain and prescribe antibiotics

When to see a doctor

Check in promptly if a cyst is changing or troublesome. Early care prevents complications and scarring.

• Red, hot, rapidly enlarging, or very painful
• Pus, fever, or spreading redness
• On the face, scalp (painful), genitals, or repeatedly recurring
• Hard, fixed, or irregular rather than soft and mobile
• Uncertain it’s a cyst or it interferes with daily activities

11. Actinic keratosis (sun damage precancer)

Actinic keratosis (AK) is one of the most important answers to what causes skin bumps that feel rough and “sandy.” It’s a precancer from long‑term sun damage, most often on sun‑exposed areas. Catching and treating AK early helps prevent progression to skin cancer.

How it looks

AKs are small, scaly patches that can itch or sting. They tend to be easier to feel than see at first and often recur in the same sun‑exposed zones.

• Thin, scaly or crusty patch with a “sandpaper” feel
• Usually < 2 cm (about a pencil eraser) but can cluster
• Color: pink on light skin; may have a tan, brown, or gray base on any skin tone
• Sites: face, scalp (thinning hair), ears, lips, neck, forearms, hands

Causes and risk factors

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps like AK, chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the driver. Cumulative sun damage alters skin cells over time.

• UV exposure: outdoor work/play, tanning beds
• Higher risk: older adults, fair/light skin, balding scalp, prior sunburns
• History of AKs: signals significant sun damage and higher future risk

Treatment and home care

AK needs medical treatment; options depend on how many spots you have and their location. Home care supports healing and prevents new lesions.

• In‑office therapies: cryotherapy (freezing), targeted removal, or “field” treatments to sun‑damaged areas
• Aftercare: gentle cleansing, petrolatum or bland moisturizers while healing
• Sun protection daily: broad‑spectrum SPF 30+, reapply; hats, UPF clothing; avoid midday sun
• Don’t pick scales; it slows healing and can irritate skin

When to see a doctor

Book a skin exam if you notice persistent rough, scaly patches on sun‑exposed skin—especially if they’re tender, bleed, or keep returning. Seek prompt evaluation for:

• Rapid change, pain, easy bleeding, or non‑healing areas
• Lip lesions or scalp patches in thinning hair
• Multiple new spots or a history of extensive sun damage

Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the chance an AK progresses to squamous cell carcinoma.

12. Skin cancer warning bumps (basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma)

Some of the most serious answers to what causes skin bumps are skin cancers. These often start as small, subtle changes—an odd “pimple” that won’t heal, a pearly new bump, a scaly patch that keeps bleeding, or a changing mole. Catching these early makes treatment simpler and outcomes better.

How it looks

Cancer types have different telltale patterns, but any spot that’s new, changing, or not healing deserves attention. Look for lesions that persist, grow, bleed, or recur after “healing,” and examine sun‑exposed areas closely.

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Raised, firm, pale “scar‑like” area; or shiny, pearly dome with a sunken center; fine visible blood vessels; bleeds or oozes and doesn’t heal.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Scaly, reddish patch that becomes a raised bump and keeps enlarging; bleeds easily; often on face, ears, and backs of hands.
• Melanoma: Atypical mole anywhere on the body that is asymmetrical, has irregular edges, multiple colors, changes in size/color, and is often larger than a pencil eraser.

Causes and risk factors

If you’re wondering what causes skin bumps like these, long‑term ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the main driver for BCC and SCC, while melanoma risk also rises with certain mole patterns and genetics. Damage accumulates over time.

• Chronic sun/UV exposure (outdoor work/play, tanning beds)
• Older age and lighter skin tones
• History of sunburns or actinic keratoses
• Many or atypical moles; personal/family history of skin cancer
• Immunosuppression (medical conditions or medications)

Treatment and home care

Skin cancer requires professional diagnosis and treatment. BCC (the most common, with a very high survival rate) and SCC are typically cured with in‑office procedures; melanoma management depends on depth and spread.

• In‑office removal: Surgical excision; Mohs surgery is common for BCC/SCC in delicate areas.
• Pathology review and staging guide next steps, especially for melanoma.
• Protect healing skin: Gentle cleansing, bland moisturizers; don’t pick.
• Prevent new damage: Daily broad‑spectrum SPF, hats/UPF clothing, shade.
• Regular skin checks after treatment to catch new or recurrent lesions early.

When to see a doctor

Book a prompt skin exam for any concerning change; sooner is better. Do not wait on spots that bleed, crust, or “heal and reappear.”

• Non‑healing sore or spot that bleeds/oozes easily
• New pearly, shiny, or scar‑like bump that persists
• Scaly red patch that becomes raised and grows
• Any mole that changes in size, shape, or color, or looks markedly different from others
• Lesions on the face, ears, lips, or nails or rapidly evolving dark spots anywhere on the skin

Key takeaways

Most skin bumps are benign and clear with smart home care; the key is recognizing patterns and acting on red flags. Think “dimple = molluscum,” “pluggy/sandy = keratosis pilaris,” “ring with scaly edge = ringworm,” “pearly/non‑healing = possible skin cancer,” and “painful pus‑filled lump = boil.” When in doubt—or if a bump is changing—get it checked.

• Identify the pattern: Dimpled bumps, ring‑shaped rashes, rough “sandpaper” patches, shiny pearly domes, or non‑healing sores guide next steps.
• Treat smart at home: Gentle cleansing, targeted OTCs (antifungals, benzoyl peroxide/salicylic acid), warm compresses, hydrocolloid patches; don’t pick; don’t share towels/razors.
• Know red flags: Spreading redness, fever, severe pain, rapidly growing or non‑healing spots, face/eye/genital involvement, suspected scabies/MRSA, or immunocompromise.
• Prevent the next flare: Daily SPF, clip nails, shave with care, wear breathable fabrics, and clean shared gear.

If those small, dimpled bumps match molluscum, explore gentle, at‑home molluscum care options to help manage lesions and reduce spread.