Skin Conditions: Raised Bumps That Look Like Pimples, But Actually Aren’t!

When you see raised bumps on your skin, you may come to the conclusion that you simply have an acne breakout.  However, skin bumps are common and several types of skin conditions may resemble pimples, when in fact they are not!  Things such as skin disorders, allergies, infections, and even skin cancer can start off looking like nothing more than an obnoxious zit.

Skin Conditions That Look Like Pimples But Aren’t!

Milia

Milia are oftentimes confused with whiteheads.  That’s because milia are tiny white-ish raised bumps that usually appear on your face around your eyes.  Milia are just harmless keratin cysts.  When dead skin flakes get trapped inside your pores, small pale-colored bumps form.  Those are milia! 

Though they don’t pose any health risks, you may want to have these extracted for cosmetics reasons.  It’s best to have your dermatologist remove these and avoid damaging your skin by trying to squeeze them out yourself.

Nodule

A nodule is a type of skin growth that is typically wider than a pimple.  It is raised, smooth, and firm to the touch.  Nodules can be filled with tissue, fluid, or even both!  This type of abnormal tissue growth can appear in various areas such as your head, neck, armpits, or groin regions.  Nodules are usually harmless but may cause discomfort if pressing against neighboring structures within your body.

Lipoma

A lipoma is another kind of raised bump that appears on the surface of your skin. Lipomas are composed of fatty tissue and do not cause pain.  They are generally soft to the touch and can easily be moved around when squeezed between your fingers. 

Cyst

A cyst is a slow growing bump that develops under the surface of your skin.  It is composed of either air, fluid, or other substances.  These are benign and can be surgically removed.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a genetic skin condition that causes your skin to appear bumpy around hair follicles on your body.  It is caused by an overgrowth of a protein in your skin called ‘keratin’. Excess keratin clogs your pores and that’s when these hard raised bumps develop.  This skin condition typically shows up on your arms or legs, but can also occur on your face, trunk, and/or buttocks.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis can easily be mistaken for body acne but it’s actually a type of skin infection.  When your hair follicles become infected by bacteria or fungi, your skin may become inflamed and tiny red bumps may begin to appear in the affected area.  

Allergy Rash/Hives

Sometimes, raised skin bumps can be totally unrelated to your skin!  That’s when things get a bit more difficult to diagnose.  Certain foods or environmental allergens can trigger an outbreak of hives which can look like small pimples all over your skin.  If you notice your skin rash persists, contact your allergist to get tested for possible sensitivity to common allergens. 

Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer, can easily be mistaken for a pimple!  In the early stages, it can look like an innocent small, pink, or red pearly bump on your skin.  A pimple, however, generally resolves on its own and heals within a few days to one week.  If you see a ‘pimple’ that just won’t heal, that could be cause for concern!  Visit your dermatologist if you notice any sort of bump on your body that doesn’t clear up on its own.  It could be a sign of something more serious.