Bumps on Skin: Causes, Types & How to Treat Effectively

Are you tired of unsightly bumps on your skin? Do you often find yourself looking to get rid of them?? You are not alone! Bumps on the skin can be irritating, and they can affect individuals of all ages and skin types.  With this article, we will explore what skin bumps are, their causes, types, and the best ways to treat bumps on the skin, including some natural skincare, natural home remedies, and DIY recipes you can try!

What Causes Skin Bumps?

There are various reasons why you may have bumps on your skin. These may include:

Blocked pores: Bumps and acne develop when oil and dead skin cells clog pores.

Conditions: Skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris, eczema, or psoriasis may lead to skin bumps.

Allergies: Allergies to food, skin products, or environmental allergens can cause skin bumps.

Infections: Skin bumps can arise from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Hormones: Changes in hormones during puberty, menopause, or pregnancy can lead to skin bumps.

Types of Skin Bumps & Their Causes

1. Milia (Tiny White Bumps)

Cause: Milia form when dead skin cells or keratin become trapped beneath the skin’s surface, resulting in small, white bumps.

Research Fact: Milia is a common condition and can occur when the skin’s natural exfoliation process is disrupted. While keratin buildup plays a role, it’s also due to the retention of dead skin cells within the pore.

How to Remove: Gentle exfoliation with lactic acid, retinoid products, or professional extraction.

Natural DIY Treatment: Mix raw honey with yogurt and apply the mixture for 10 minutes.

2. Keratosis Pilaris (Rough, Sandpaper-Like Bumps)

Cause: This condition occurs when keratin builds up and blocks hair follicles.

Research Fact: Keratosis pilaris affects over 40% of adults, often due to genetic factors

Treatment: Urea or lactic acid-based moisturizer and exfoliation with salicylic acid.

DIY Home Remedy: Mix sugar in coconut oil for a soothing exfoliation rub.

3. Acne vs. Other Skin Bumps

Difference: Acne bumps are often inflamed and painful due to bacterial infection in the pores, while bumps from conditions like keratosis pilaris are generally non-inflammatory and painless.

Research Fact: Acne-related bumps are typically red and tender, while keratosis pilaris presents as small, flesh-colored or red bumps.

How to Treat It: Acne can be treated with benzoyl peroxide, while retinol works well for other skin bumps.

4. Skin Rash Bumps (Hives, Eczema, Allergies)

Reason: These bumps are often caused by immune responses to allergens, stress, or harsh skin care products.

Fact: A 2024 study in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity showed that stress can significantly increase skin inflammation, contributing to conditions like eczema.

Treatment: Antihistamines for allergies and ceramide-rich creams for eczema.

Home remedy: Oatmeal baths can reduce inflammation naturally.

5. Red Bumps on Skin (Folliculitis & Infections)

Causation: Bacteria or fungi infecting hair follicles.

Research Information: Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen in folliculitis cases.

Treatment options: Antibiotic cream; pure tea tree oil (with inherent antibacterial properties).

Home remedy: Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and use as a toner.

Precautionary to Avoid

• Avoid picking or squeezing bumps to prevent scarring.
• Use fragrance-free and hypoallergenic skincare products.
• Perform a patch test before trying new skincare ingredients.
• Keep skin hydrated to maintain a healthy barrier.

Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare

Harmful Ingredient	Why Avoid It?
Alcohol-based toners	Strips moisture, worsening dry bumps.
Sulfates	It can trigger irritation in sensitive skin.
Mineral oil	Blocks pores, leading to more bumps.
Artificial fragrances	Causes allergic reactions.

DIY Natural Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleansing

Do a gentle cleansing with a mild sulfate-free cleanser that contains honey or aloe vera to soothe your skin.

A simple DIY cleanser can be obtained by mixing 2 tablespoons of raw honey with 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel.

Apply the cleanser to damp skin, carefully massaging it on the skin, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 2: Exfoliation (2-3x/week)

If you would like to remove dead skin cells

Try a gentle homemade sugar scrub, combined with olive oil. It is super simple to do, just mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or even coconut oil. Once mixed, rub in gentle circles on the skin and rinse.

Step 3: Targeted Treatment

• For Milia, you will want to apply rosehip oil mixed with a drop of tea tree oil to the area.
• For Keratosis Pilaris, use a simple yogurt and oatmeal DIY mask on the area to soften rough skin.
• For Folliculitis, use equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water as a toner.

Step 4: Hydration

Use a non-greasy moisturizer containing shea butter and squalane.

A simple DIY mixture you can use is shea butter mixed with a few drops of jojoba oil and vitamin E oil.

Step 5: Protect

Use SPF 30 every day to avoid and protect against hyperpigmentation and skin irritation.

 If you are looking for a natural option, red raspberry seed oil has mild sun protective properties.

DIY Face Masks for Different Skin Bumps

Skin Concern	DIY Face Mask
Milia	Honey + Yogurt Mask
Keratosis Pilaris	Oatmeal + Yogurt Paste
Acne & Red Bumps	Turmeric + Honey Mask
Folliculitis	Apple Cider Vinegar + Aloe Gel

Final Thoughts: Achieving Bump-Free Skin

Treating skin bumps involves a mix of scientifically-proven treatments and natural skincare solutions. Knowing various types of bumps and their causes, you can develop an effective skincare routine that suits you. Consistency is the key to long-term improvement, so stick to gentle exfoliation, proper hydration, and targeted treatments.