February 9, 2025
18 Face Bumps You Get Under Your Skin And How To Get Rid Of Them

When you check your makeup in the mirror, only to spot a giant you-have-no-idea-what bump staring back at you, it’s tempting to really go in on your face.

Yet, when it comes to most face bumps and blemishes, dermatologists agree that a hands-off approach is best. “Popping anything causes your skin to physically break apart, making it more susceptible to infection and an even bigger problems than what was there in the first place,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. You’re also putting your skin at risk of scarring and a drawn-out healing process if you don’t resist the pop, says Noelani Gonzalez, MD, FAAD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West.

Meet the experts: Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. Noelani Gonzalez, MD, FAAD is the director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West in New York City. Joshua Zeichner, MD, is the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD. Joel Schlessinger, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Schlessinger MD Skin Research Center. Mona Gohara, MD is a Connecticut-based dermatologist and an associate clinical professor at Yale University.

The best move is to stock up on expert-approved over-the-counter skincare products—or let professionals handle it in their offices with skin-safe lasers and gadgets you don’t have access to at home (because your usual facial tools won’t work here, unfortunately). The smartest treatment will depend on what exactly is causing your annoying skin issues—whether it’s a hard pimple underneath the skin or tiny white bumps on your face.

Here you’ll find all of the details you need on 18 common bumps—and a friendly reminder that you definitely should not be picking them.

1. Cystic Acne Pimples

Cystic acne occurs very deep under the skin’s surface, forming a red, tender nodule that’s not only painful but much harder to treat with OTC meds. “The inflammation that accompanies cystic acne can hinder the healing process and often lead to permanent scarring that’s impossible to eliminate,” says Dr. Engelman.

Picking at these bumps under the skin won’t help either. “The cysts occur so far beneath the skin that you won’t even come close to reaching the bump, and you’ll be left with a bloody spot,” says Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Causes of cystic acne: “Cystic acne is caused by hormonal fluctuations and acne bacteria,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “High hormone levels trigger an overproduction of oil, causing pores to swell. When this oil cannot reach the skin’s surface, it ruptures underneath and causes inflammation to spread to the surrounding tissue.” Other causes include bacteria in hair follicles and slowed cell turnover in acne patients that lead to keratin buildups in pores, says Dr. Gonzalez.

How to treat cystic acne: Instead of going at it with your fingers, book an appointment with your dermatologist, who can properly treat the situation (usually in the form of a cortisone shot to instantly kill the swelling) and may even be able to save you from scarring altogether.

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2. Milia

Ever notice how those tiny white bumps on your face (aka milia) refuse to pop no matter how hard you try? Well, rest assured. They are truly un-poppable—at least without a dermatologist or esthetician’s help.

Causes of milia: Milia are not actually filled with dirt, oil, or grime. They are tiny, harmless cysts that occur when dead skin cells get trapped under your skin, says Dr. Schlessinger. “Picking at them often has little to no effect, and attempting to pop them will likely leave your skin red, irritated, and inflamed, with the milia still intact,” says Dr. Schlessinger. Ouch.

How to treat milia: “If it’s bothering you, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist, who will likely extract with a heated, sterilized tool,” says Dr. Engelman. You can also use a retinoid cream to help smooth them out faster, although milia generally clear up on their own.

3. Ingrown Hairs

Frustrating? Extremely. Worth picking—even if you just shaved your bikini line? Absolutely not.

Causes of ingrown hairs: “Ingrown hairs occur when the hair shaft becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “The red bumps that follow are often itchy and inflamed, but it’s never a good idea to use tweezers or manual force to pluck them.” Squeezing them will only make the inflammation and irritation worse, he adds. (Hello, unsightly red marks that last for months.)

How to treat ingrown hairs: Apply hydrocortisone, which reduces redness, itchiness, and irritation—and wash the affected area with an exfoliating cleanser to help the hair reach the skin’s surface. If the painful bumps persist, Dr. Gonzalez says you can go to a dermatologist who will nick the skin and remove the hair or inject it with steroids to reduce the inflammation. Pro tip so you don’t have to deal with them at all: Exfoliate before you shave, and shave in the direction your hair grows instead of against it.

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4. Skin Tags

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“Skin tags are extra growths of skin that typically occur on the neck and underarms,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. But there are a few reasons why you shouldn’t pick at the small bumps. Namely, skin tags are made from flesh, and attempting to remove them will cause pain and bleeding, says Dr. Zeichner. It could also increase your risk of infection.

Causes of skin tags: “They often occur in areas of friction, like by the neck, underarms, and groin, and they are thought to be caused by skin rubbing on skin or on clothing,” says Bruce Katz, MD, a dermatologist in New York City.

How to treat skin tags: This one’s definitely a job for pros. “A professional can remove skin tags by freezing them off (a technique using liquid nitrogen known as cryotherapy), lightly burning them off with cautery, or surgically removing them by snipping them off,” says Dr. Gonzalez. And if your skin tags are large enough to interfere with your daily life, your insurance company might even take the bill off your hands, says Dr. Zeichner.

5. Cold Sores

Unless you’re looking to inspire a whole army of these bad boys, don’t even think about touching them—no matter how much that cold sore looks like a pimple. “Picking at cold sores could very easily lead to the formation of another sore,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “Popping them releases a blister-like fluid that contains the same virus and can easily spread to other areas, including someone else’s face.”

Causes of cold sores: The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are to blame for cold sores, and they’re crazy-common, says Dr. Gonzalez. Seriously—50 to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes.

How to treat cold sores: Small sores can heal on their own with the help of OTC treatments (like this one). But if you notice cold sores popping up more frequently (or spreading to larger areas), Dr. Gonzalez says you should see a doctor for professional help for more aggressive medication and, if you have sores more than six times per year, preventative medication.

6. Dermatosa Papulosa Nigra (DPN)

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These brown or black bumps look like moles and occur on the face and neck primarily happen in skin of color. Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, Connecticut-based dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale University says, “There’s no concern except those bothered by them cosmetically.”

Causes of dermatosa papulosa nigra: It’s genetic. “There is no known cause at this point, but we know it runs in families,” says Dr. Gohara.

How to treat dermatosa papulosa nigra: Again, there’s no harm in these marks, but if you don’t like the look of them, you can get in-office removal treatments. According to Skin of Color Society, that includes “scissor excision, shave excision, cryosurgery, electrodessication, curettage, dermabrasion, and laser removal.” Just know with deeper skin tones, there’s a risk of these procedures triggering skin coloration problems so be sure to create a post-care plan with your derm.

7. Keratosis Pilaris

“Squeezing or picking at these lesions causes worsening effects like redness and the potential for scarring as well,” says Dr. Engelman.

Causes of keratosis pilaris: Often referred to as “chicken skin,” this genetic condition is caused by a buildup of keratin—the protein that protects skin, hair, and nails from infection and other harmful environmental toxins. “The buildup forms a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle,” Dr. Engelman adds.

How to treat keratosis pilaris: Instead of picking, use a chemical exfoliant that has salicylic acid and glycolic acid, or products such as AmLactin to calm the inflammation and gradually smooth out the bumps over time, Dr. Gonzalez says. “If that doesn’t work, see a dermatologist or an esthetician who can properly treat you,” recommends Dr. Engelman. Treatment options include the topical medication tretinoin (a.k.a. Retin-A) to exfoliate the area, pulsed dye laser to treat redness, and chemical peels, Dr. Gonzalez adds.

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8. Blackheads And Whiteheads

These might be some of the most commonly popped bumps—but keeps your hands off if you can.

Causes of blackheads and whiteheads: “Blackheads consist of the same thing as whiteheads—pores that become clogged with oil—except the oil has oxidized after being exposed to the air, giving it a black or brownish hue,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “Squeezing them can force the bacteria even deeper and causes trauma to the skin.”

How to treat blackheads and whiteheads: The best ingredients for dealing with blackheads are salicylic acid and retinol. These exfoliants promote cell turnover, preventing dead skin cells from plugging up your pores.

To work the oil and dirt out without picking at your blackheads or applying pressure, use an over-the-counter exfoliant like Differin Gel. “It will work to bring the blackhead to the skin’s surface, leaving you with a fresh face in just days,” says Dr. Engelman.

And look for makeup and skincare products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, to ensure that what you’re using on your face won’t contribute to any future bumps.

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9. Seborrheic Keratoses

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Dr. Zeichner says seborrheic keratoses are rough brown bumps that typically occur on areas that get a lot of sun exposure, like the face, chest, and back. They’re totally benign, Dr. Gonzalez says, but they can get in the way since they can get caught in clothing and feel scaly.

Causes of seborrheic keratoses: “These are solid growths of extra skin that build up on the surface of your body,” says Dr. Zeichner. Sun exposure doesn’t help, but even if you lather up with sunscreen daily (which you should!), these bumps might still be in the cards for you since they’re genetic.

How to treat seborrheic keratoses: Instead of trying to pop them, Dr. Zeichner recommends visiting your dermatologist if they become irritated or inflamed—your derm may even be able to get treatment covered through your insurance.

“If you are bothered by the appearance, speak to your dermatologist about a treatment called Eskata, which is the only FDA approved treatment for them,” advises Dr. Zeichner. The treatments cost about $375 per session and typically require two sessions to work; each session treats four to five spots. Otherwise, you can opt for cryotherapy to freeze them off or have them gently burned off, adds Dr. Gonzalez.

10. Lipomas

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A lipoma is a fatty deposit underneath the skin that might feel like a cystic pimple. They’re non-cancerous and generally harmless, although they can become painful if they grow too big.

Causes of lipomas: Lipomas are often genetically linked, so you can thank your parents if you notice one start to pop up, says Dr. Gonzalez.

How to treat lipomas: Even though Dr. Pimple Popper “pops” lipomas for her clients on the reg, you should not give it a try at home. Breaking open your skin will make it red, angry, and potentially let bacteria into the area. Your best option is to have a dermatologist remove it by burning it off or taking a laser to it to reduce scarring.

11. Cherry Angiomas

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These bright red benign bumps are made up of tiny blood vessels. They tend to pop up on the face, chest, belly, and back.

Causes of cherry angiomas: Their cause is unknown, but there is a genetic component that might make you more prone to getting them.

How to treat cherry angiomas: Considering these are filled with blood, popping them is definitely not the move. However, removal is pretty straight forward, Dr. Gonzalez promises. A trip to the dermatologists office for a laser or a cautery treatment will leave you bump and scar-free.

12. Sebaceous Cysts

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Another Dr. Pimple Popper fave, these skin-colored bumps are full of a yellow cheese-like material that Dr. Gonzalez says you probably won’t want to see or get a whiff of. And though they’re typically benign and asymptomatic, these can sometimes become painful if they’re inflamed, infected, or get ruptured, she adds.

Causes of sebaceous cysts: These random build-ups of keratin, which looks like a pimple under the skin, pop up on areas of the body with a high volume of oil glands.

How to treat sebaceous cysts: “Treatment-wise, you have a few options,” Dr. Gonzalez says. You can have your derm inject them with steroids to help the inflammation go down and reduce the bump’s appearance, or your doctor can perform surgery to remove the keratin-filled capsule inside, which is a pretty good option since the cyst is likely to become inflamed again unless it’s totally removed.

13. Sebaceous Hyperplasia

These small yellowish bumps that pepper the forehead or center of the face are super-common. They tend to appear with age and are often mistaken for pimples or skin diseases.

Causes of sebaceous hyperplasia: While totally harmless, the bumps are caused by an overgrowth of oil glands on the face. Unfortunately, there are no signs or symptoms to look out for, you’ll just see ’em when you see ’em (sorry!).

How to treat sebaceous hyperplasia: If you’re bothered by their appearance and long for the days when your skin was smooth and clear, Dr. Gonzalez says dermatologists can lightly burn these doughnut-looking bumps off with electrocautery, laser them off, or freeze them off with cryotherapy.

14. Rosacea

While you might associate rosacea with a redness or a temporary flushing of the skin, Rebecca Marcus, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Maei MD, says rosacea can also be spotty and blotchy, resembling acne with its characteristic small, puss-filled or crusted bumps. This skin condition can even appear on the eyes, causing them to become red and inflamed. Keep your hands off these bumps though; you’ll do far more harm than good with any tinkering, and you’ll likely want to consult a derm to figure out the best plan of attack for managing flare ups.

Causes of rosacea: “Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory condition involving the facial skin,” says Dr. Marcus. “Although the exact cause of rosacea is poorly defined, it is thought to come from an exaggerated innate immune response combined with neurovascular dysregulation.” According to Dr. Marcus, several common triggers may cause a person’s rosacea to flare, from exposure to heat or stress and engaging in exercise to substances like caffeine and alcohol or even foods like chocolate and spicy cuisines.

How to treat rosacea: Unfortunately, there’s no miracle solution when it comes to curing rosacea. That said, a dermatologist can treat symptoms and contain especially bad flare ups with topical and oral antibiotics, topical vasoconstrictors, or medications. Lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are other options that may alleviate or reduce the appearance of rosacea’s redness. You’ll also want to make smart choices when it comes to your skincare regimen and general lifestyle. “Gentle skin care is especially important, as is avoidance of triggers when possible, and strict photon-protection, preferably with a mineral based sunscreen,” says Dr. Marcus.

15. Eczema

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Have a few bumpy or flaky dry patches on your face or body? Resist the urge to pick or scratch these areas. The spots could be eczema, and itching can actually trigger a response that leads to more eczema.

Causes of eczema: “Eczema is a broad term that encompasses several different types of inflammatory skin disorders including atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, asteatotic eczema, and others,” says Dr. Marcus. “The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis: a chronic, itchy, inflammatory skin disease in which the skin barrier is compromised, which may allow infectious agents or environmental irritants to enter, causing dry, itchy, red skin.”

How to treat eczema: No matter the type of eczema you may have, you’ll want to choose gentle, sensitive skin products for prevention; it’s all about keeping your skin barrier healthy and intact with products that contain ceramides and other nourishing ingredients. “People with eczema should moisturize their skin with fragrance-free moisturizer within two to three minutes of exiting the shower or bath,” says Dr. Marcus. “It is also helpful to avoid hot showers—opting for lukewarm instead—avoid fragranced products (fragrance is a common irritant), and avoid scratchy wool clothing, as friction can irritate compromised skin.”

Eczema isn’t really something you should be diagnosing for yourself. You’ll want to consult a dermatologist for a definitive identification as well as the best treatment plan for your skin, which Dr. Marcus says may include topical steroids or other topical or systemic anti-inflammatory medications that you can’t get over the counter. Certain products from the drugstore can help with prevention and to alleviate itchiness.

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16. Warts

These little bumps that appear on the skin are pretty common. Although there isn’t a cure for a lot of viruses, there are ways for warts to be treated, says Dr. Gohara. But by picking a wart, you can spread it to more areas of your skin, or make it irritated.

Causes of warts: Warts occur as a result of the HPV virus and are spread through skin-to-skin or skin-to-surface contact.

How to treat warts: “Keep hands off and seek antiviral treatments such as salicylic acid plasters, TCA or liquid nitrogen therapy, and injectable medications,” Dr. Gohara adds.

17. Boils

“A boil is a generic term for a pus-filled bump under the skin,” says Dr. Gohara.

Causes of boils: Pus in the skin generally connotes an infection with bacteria such as staph aureus” (a type of bacteria), Dr. Gohara explains. So it makes sense that picking at these boils would result in something disastrous—after all, hands are one of the dirtiest parts of bodies. “Picking or piping a boil can certainly stoke the fire adding more inflammation and infection into the mix,” she adds.

How to treat boils: Generally, boils require incision and draining to release the liquid, and if appropriate, the usage of antibiotics, Dr. Gohara recommends.

18. Keloids

“Keloid is a thickened scar that is more likely to occur in those with brown or Black skin,” says Dr. Gohara, adding that earlobes post-piercing are a common area where they develop.

Causes of keloids: There are different causes for keloids, says Dr. Gohara. “The tendency to make a keloid is dependent on how one’s skin responds to trauma.”

How to treat keloids: “One should seek the care of a board-certified dermatologist where injections with steroid, lasers, and surgical removal are all possible options,” Dr. Gohara adds.

When to see a doctor:

Before trying to ID something that might have popped up on your skin, it’s important to know when to seek out a dermatologist’s professional opinion, too. While new spots or bumps aren’t necessarily problematic, and you can develop things like acne and eczema well into adulthood, Dr. Marcus says your threshold for booking an appointment should be relatively low.

“If you have a skin concern that is bothering you and hasn’t been easily resolved with an over-the-counter treatment, you should seek out the advice of a board-certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Marcus. “Although many skin concerns are benign, they can still make a person feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.”

She also suggests going to the doctor if a mole or bump has changed in appearance, proactively scheduling a yearly skin cancer spot check screening, and visiting the office if you think you may have an infection that will need to be treated with an antibiotic. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and the only way to get a truly definitive diagnosis is from a dermatologist.

Headshot of Sabrina Talbert

Sabrina Talbert is the beauty editorial assistant at Women’s Health. With over five years of experience, her bylines have appeared in Byrdie, Nylon, Daily Front Row, and more. She’s passionate about covering topics related to haircare, skincare, and the latest happenings at the intersection of beauty and sports. When she’s not working, you can catch her training for her next race (NYC Marathon loading!) and binge-watching F1 or combat sports.

Headshot of Brian Underwood

Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.


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