12 Reasons Why You Might Have Small 'Bumps' on Your Face
Rest assured that you’re not alone if you notice a few small bumps on your face. The good news is that most of these bumps—which come in all different shapes, colors, and textures—are totally harmless. You may easily identify some of them as acne while others could take some detective work—and a doctor— to figure out what they really are. In some cases, these may be the sign of something slightly more concerning.
In general, if a bump on your face isn’t bleeding, turning darker, or changing in a concerning way, it probably doesn’t need any type of medical intervention, Joel Schlessinger, M.D., dermatologist and RealSelf Advisor, tells SELF. Some bumps, like acne, can often be managed at home or with your dermatologist through a skin-care regimen, he says.
But, “if a bump changes in color or shape, bleeds, or increases in size rapidly, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to have it checked out,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Those are signs that the bump could be associated with an underlying health issue (more on this in a bit), so it’s crucial to get it looked at.
Of course, you may not be comfortable scheduling an in-person appointment right now due to the pandemic. Many physicians, including dermatologists, can provide care through virtual sessions, depending on your particular concerns. (Here are some useful tips about scheduling medical appointments during the pandemic.) If you’re worried that something is abnormal, call a dermatologist or your primary care physician to discuss the issue if you can.
But again, many small bumps are harmless. The following information may help you identify which type of bump you have and whether or not they’re worth bringing up to your doctor.
1. Comedones
These common bumps can appear on the face and other parts of the body and are categorized in two groups: closed comedones (more commonly known as whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads).
“They are similar in the fact that they are both pores that have been clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells,” Dr. Schlessinger says. The difference is that “with blackheads, the comedone is open so oil and dead skin cells become oxidized, taking on a brown or black hue,” he explains. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed, making the cocktail inside appear white, pinkish, or flesh-colored.
How to treat and prevent comedones
Although they aren’t harmful, these bumps can be annoying. To manage them (and prevent full-blown breakouts), Dr. Schlessinger recommends that you always wash your face before you go to bed using a cleanser that contains at least 2 percent salicylic acid (these can be purchased without a prescription). It works by dissolving dead skin cells to clear clogged pores and help prevent future breakouts. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is an expert-recommended affordable pick ($10, Ulta). Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and oral antibiotics (which will require a prescription) may also be useful. A dermatologist can help put together a skin-care regimen that makes sense for you if over-the-counter products don’t work. Be patient and give the medication time to work—for instance, it can take several weeks of using salicylic acid to reduce acne, according to the U.S. National Library of Science.
It’s also important to avoid using pore strips to remove blackheads. “The adhesive used to adhere them to the skin can damage your complexion,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Plus, they strip the skin of natural oils and are usually only successful in removing the tops of blackheads, keeping pores clogged and your problem intact.”
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