Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts - New York Dermatologist

There are literally hundreds of different kinds of lumps, bumps and cysts associated with the skin. Fortunately, the vast majority of these are harmless and painless. The chart below provides a guide for some of the most common forms of skin lumps, bumps and cysts.

Dermatofibromas
Characteristics
Red, brown or purple growth; generally benign
Usually found on arms and legs
Feels like a hard lump
Can be itchy, tender to the touch and sometimes painful
Treatment
Usually does not require treatment
Most common removal by surgical excision or cryotherapy (freezing it off with liquid nitrogen)
Epidermoid Cysts (Sebaceous Cysts)
Characteristics
Round small bumps, usually white or yellow
Forms from blocked oil glands in the skin
Most commonly appear on the face, back, neck, trunk and genitals
Usually benign; occasionally leads to basal or squamous cell skin cancers
If infected, will become red and tender
Can produce a thick yellow, cheese-like discharge when squeezed
Treatment
Antibiotics might be prescribed if there is an underlying infection
Dermatologist removes the discharge and the sac (capsule) that make up the walls of the cyst to prevent recurrence
Laser surgery may be used for sensitive areas of the skin, like the face