Acne

• commonly located on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, and upper back
• skin breakouts typically blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deep, painful cysts and nodules
• may leave scars or darken the skin if untreated

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It causes skin bumps that can range from very small and painless to large and painful. The bumps are usually accompanied by redness and swelling.

Contact dermatitis

• appears a few hours to days after contact with an allergen or irritant
• presents a visible rash with borders and appears where your skin came in contact with an irritating substance
• itchy, scaly, or raw skin
• red in light skin and darker brown, purple, or gray in dark skin.
• blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty

Contact dermatitis is a condition that causes an itchy, red rash when your skin comes in contact with an allergen (like poison ivy) or irritant (like bleach). The rash may consist of raised, red bumps that ooze, drain, or crust.

Keratosis pilaris

• most often seen on the arms and legs but might also occur on the face, buttocks, or torso
• patches of skin that appear bumpy, slightly red or discolored, and feel rough to the touch
• may get worse in dry weather

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition marked by an overgrowth of a protein called keratin. It causes small bumps around hair follicles on the body. The condition often clears up on its own by your mid-20s.

Learn more about how keratosis pilaris may appear on darker skin.

Bulla

• clear, watery, fluid-filled blister that is greater than 1 centimeter (cm) in size
• if clear liquid turns milky, there might be an infection

Bullae (plural of bulla) are raised, fluid-filled bumps that can result from friction or conditions like contact dermatitis and chickenpox. They usually go away within a week, but it’s advised that you see a doctor if they become infected or need to be drained.

Learn more about fluid-filled blisters.

Cherry angioma

• can be anywhere on the body but is most common on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders
• small, bright red or purple circular or oval spots that may be raised or flat
• may bleed if rubbed or scratched
• generally harmless but may require removal if they’re in problem areas

Cherry angiomas are common skin growths that can form in most areas of the body. They develop when blood vessels clump together, creating a raised, bright-red bump under or on the skin. They appear with increasing age, often starting in your 20s or 30sTrusted Source.

Corns and calluses

• small circles of thickened skin with a painful, horn-like central area of hardened tissue
• commonly found on the tops and sides of the toes and on the soles of the feet
• also possible in the hands

Corns or calluses are rough, thickened areas of skin caused by friction and pressure. They’re most often found on the feet and hands.

Learn how to get rid of corns at home.

Cyst

• slow-growing bump under the skin that has a smooth surface
• can be large or small and is usually painless
• typically not a problem unless it’s infected, very large, or growing in a sensitive area
• some grow deep inside your body where you can’t see or feel them

Cysts are growths that contain fluid, air, or other substances. They develop under your skin in any part of your body. They feel like a small ball, and you can usually move them around slightly.

Discover how home remedies might help with cysts.

Keloids

• develops at the site of a previous injury
• lumpy or rigid area of skin that may be painful or itchy
• area is flesh-colored, pink, or red

Keloids are smooth, raised growths that form around scars. They’re most commonly found on the chest, shoulders, and cheeks. They’re similar to hypertrophic scars but can grow to be much larger than the original wound.

Learn how to help reduce the appearance of keloids.

Lipoma

• soft to the touch and moves easily if prodded with your finger
• small, just under the skin, and pale or colorless
• commonly located in the neck, back, or shoulders
• only painful if it presses on a nerve

Lipomas are collections of fatty tissue under the skin and are often painless. They usually form on the neck, back, or shoulders. They’re typically harmless, but you can remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they cause pain.

Learn more about lipoma removal surgery.

Nodule

• small to medium growth that may be filled with tissue, fluid, or both
• usually wider than a pimple and may look like a firm, smooth elevation under the skin
• usually harmless but may cause discomfort if it presses on other structures
• may also be located deep inside the body where you can’t see or feel them

Nodules result from abnormal tissue growth. They appear in common areas like the armpits, groin, and head and neck region.

Seborrheic keratosis

• round, oval, dark-colored growth with a “stuck-on” appearance
• can be located anywhere on the body except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
• raised and bumpy with a waxy feel
• may be skin-colored, brown, or black

Seborrheic keratoses (plural of keratosis) are common, harmless skin growths usually seen in older adults. They appear as round, rough spots on the surface of the skin. They can affect many areas of the body, including the chest, shoulders, and back.