Painful hard lump under skin. 8 Common Causes of Painful Hard Lumps Under Skin: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Medical Attention

01.03.202111.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the most frequent causes of hard lumps under the skin. How can you identify different types of skin lumps. When should you consult a doctor about a lump under your skin. What treatments are available for various skin lumps and growths.

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Epidermoid Cysts: Slow-Growing Lumps with Distinctive Characteristics

Epidermoid cysts are a common type of skin lump that develop when skin cells become trapped beneath the surface. These cysts have several distinguishing features:

Slow growth rate, often persisting for years
Small blackhead may be visible at the center
Can leak yellow, foul-smelling discharge
Usually painless, but may become tender if infected
More prevalent in men and typically appear after puberty

Epidermoid cysts can occur anywhere on the body but are most frequently found on the face, neck, and torso. While generally harmless, these cysts may require treatment if they become infected or cause cosmetic concerns.

Diagnosing and Treating Epidermoid Cysts

How are epidermoid cysts diagnosed? A dermatologist can usually identify these cysts through visual examination. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions. Treatment options for epidermoid cysts include:

Observation: If the cyst is small and asymptomatic, your doctor may recommend monitoring it.
Incision and drainage: For infected cysts, this procedure can provide relief.
Surgical excision: Complete removal of the cyst and its wall prevents recurrence.
Intralesional corticosteroid injections: Can help reduce inflammation and size of the cyst.

Lipomas: Benign Fatty Tissue Growths

Lipomas are another common cause of hard lumps under the skin. These benign tumors develop from fatty tissue and have several characteristic features:

Most prevalent in adults aged 40-60
Generally painless
Slow-growing
Rubbery texture
Mobile when touched

While the exact cause of lipomas remains unclear, factors such as physical trauma may play a role in their development. In rare cases, multiple lipomas can be associated with genetic conditions like Gardner’s syndrome.

Managing Lipomas: When to Seek Treatment

Are lipomas dangerous? In most cases, lipomas are harmless and don’t require treatment. However, you may want to consider removal if the lipoma:

Causes pain or discomfort
Grows rapidly or becomes very large
Interferes with movement or daily activities
Creates cosmetic concerns

Treatment options for lipomas include surgical excision, liposuction, and steroid injections. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate approach based on the size and location of the lipoma.

Dermatofibromas: Small, Hard Bumps with Distinctive Coloration

Dermatofibromas are firm, small lumps that develop under the skin. These growths have several unique characteristics:

Color ranges from dark pink to brown or black, depending on skin tone
Firm, rubbery consistency
More common in women
Typically no larger than 1 cm across
Slow growth rate

The exact cause of dermatofibromas is unknown, but some individuals report a history of minor trauma, such as insect bites or splinters, at the site where these lumps develop.

Identifying and Managing Dermatofibromas

How can you distinguish a dermatofibroma from other skin lumps? One telltale sign is the “dimple sign” – when you pinch the skin around the lump, it creates a small dimple. While dermatofibromas are benign and often don’t require treatment, options are available if they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns:

Cryosurgery: Freezing the growth to destroy the tissue
Surgical excision: Complete removal of the dermatofibroma
Laser therapy: Can help reduce the appearance of the growth
Corticosteroid injections: May help shrink the dermatofibroma

Keratoacanthoma: Rapidly Growing Skin Tumors

Keratoacanthomas (KAs) are distinctive skin growths that can be mistaken for more serious conditions. These tumors have several unique features:

Rapid growth, reaching up to 3 cm in just a few weeks
Often appear on sun-exposed areas like hands and face
May resemble a pimple initially, then develop a crater-like center
Can cause itching or pain
Contain a core of keratin (a protein found in skin cells)

While the exact cause of keratoacanthomas is unknown, sun exposure is believed to play a significant role in their development.

Differentiating Keratoacanthomas from Skin Cancer

Why is it important to have a keratoacanthoma evaluated by a dermatologist? These growths can closely resemble squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. A biopsy is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for keratoacanthomas include:

Observation: Some KAs may resolve on their own within a few months
Surgical excision: Complete removal of the growth
Cryosurgery: Freezing the tumor to destroy it
Topical or intralesional medications: Can help shrink or eliminate the KA

Swollen Lymph Nodes: When Your Immune System is on Alert

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a crucial role in your immune system. When they become swollen, they can create hard lumps under the skin. Characteristics of swollen lymph nodes include:

Tenderness or pain when touched
Varying sizes, from pea-sized to grape-sized
May feel rubbery or firm
Often found in clusters in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin
Can be accompanied by other symptoms like fever or fatigue

Swollen lymph nodes are typically a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness. However, in rare cases, they can indicate more serious conditions such as cancer.

Assessing and Treating Swollen Lymph Nodes

When should you be concerned about swollen lymph nodes? While most cases resolve on their own as the underlying infection clears, you should consult a healthcare provider if:

The swelling persists for more than two weeks
The nodes continue to enlarge or become hard and immovable
You experience unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats
The swelling is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing

Treatment for swollen lymph nodes typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications, or in some cases, further diagnostic tests to rule out more serious conditions.

Boils and Carbuncles: Painful Skin Infections

Boils and carbuncles are types of skin infections that can create hard, painful lumps under the skin. These infections are typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and have several distinguishing features:

Start as red, tender bumps that quickly fill with pus
Can grow larger and more painful over time
May develop a white or yellow tip that eventually ruptures and drains
Often appear in areas with hair or excessive sweating
Carbuncles are essentially clusters of boils and can be more severe

Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or certain skin conditions may be more susceptible to developing boils and carbuncles.

Managing Boils and Carbuncles: Home Care and Medical Treatment

How can you treat a boil at home? For small boils, the following measures may help:

Apply warm compresses to promote drainage
Keep the area clean and covered
Avoid squeezing or attempting to pop the boil
Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed

When should you seek medical attention for a boil or carbuncle? Consult a healthcare provider if:

The boil is on your face or spine
It’s larger than 2 inches in diameter
You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
The infection doesn’t improve with home treatment
You have recurring boils

Medical treatment may include incision and drainage, antibiotics, or both, depending on the severity of the infection.

Skin Cancer: When to Be Concerned About a Skin Lump

While many skin lumps are benign, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs that could indicate skin cancer. The three main types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma – can present as lumps or growths on the skin. Warning signs include:

Asymmetry in shape or color
Irregular or jagged borders
Changes in color or multiple colors within one growth
Diameter larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolution or changes in size, shape, or color over time

It’s important to note that skin cancer can develop even in areas not typically exposed to the sun.

Detecting and Treating Skin Cancer

How is skin cancer diagnosed? If you notice a suspicious growth, a dermatologist can perform a visual examination and may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for skin cancer depend on the type, size, and location of the cancer, but may include:

Surgical excision
Mohs micrographic surgery
Cryosurgery
Radiation therapy
Topical medications
Immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced cases

Early detection and treatment of skin cancer significantly improve outcomes, highlighting the importance of regular skin self-examinations and professional skin checks.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Skin Lump

While many skin lumps are harmless, certain signs warrant medical evaluation. You should consult a healthcare provider if you notice:

Rapid growth or changes in size, shape, or color of a lump
Persistent pain or tenderness
Signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or discharge
Lumps that don’t resolve within a few weeks
Multiple lumps appearing suddenly
Any growth that matches the ABCDE criteria for melanoma

Remember, early detection and treatment can be crucial for managing potentially serious conditions. When in doubt, it’s always best to have a healthcare professional evaluate any concerning skin changes.

Diagnostic Approaches for Skin Lumps

How do doctors diagnose the cause of a skin lump? The diagnostic process may involve:

Physical examination and medical history review
Dermoscopy: A non-invasive technique using a special magnifying device
Biopsy: Removal of a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis
Imaging studies: Such as ultrasound or MRI, if deeper tissues are involved
Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or other systemic issues

Based on these findings, your healthcare provider can determine the nature of the lump and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Understanding the various causes of hard lumps under the skin can help you better assess when to seek medical attention. While many skin lumps are benign and may resolve on their own, others can indicate more serious conditions that require prompt evaluation and treatment. By staying vigilant about changes in your skin and consulting with healthcare professionals when needed, you can ensure optimal skin health and overall well-being.

8 Causes and How They’re Treated

Hard Lump Under Skin: 8 Causes and How They’re Treated

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Lumps can form under the skin for many reasons, including cysts or swollen lymph nodes. You may want to contact a doctor for an exam if lumps change in size or appearance.

Lumps, bumps, or growths under your skin aren’t uncommon. A lump can form under your skin for many reasons.

Often, lumps are harmless (benign). Specific traits of the lump can sometimes tell you more about possible causes and whether you should contact a medical professional.

Read on to learn more about common causes of hard lumps under your skin and when it’s a good idea to have a lump checked out.

Language matters

You’ll notice that the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, fluctuating between the use of “men” and “women.”

Although we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.

Unfortunately, the studies and specialists referenced in this article didn’t report data on, or include, participants who were transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, or genderless.

Was this helpful?

Epidermoid cysts are small, round lumps under your skin. They usually develop when skin cells shed and move into your skin instead of falling off. Epidermoid cysts can also be due to hair follicle damage or a buildup of a protein called “keratin.”

Epidermoid cysts:

grow slowly
may not go away for years
may have a small blackhead in the center of the bump
can leak yellow, foul-smelling discharge (keratin)
are usually painless but can become red and tender if infected

According to research, these cysts are also twice as common in men and typically don’t develop before puberty.

You can find these cysts anywhere on your body, but you’ll most often see them on your face, neck, or torso.

Learn more about epidermoid cysts.

Lipomas develop when fatty tissue grows under your skin, forming a bulge. These lumps are common and usually harmless. The exact cause of lipomas is unclear, but they may result from physical traumas.

Multiple lipomas can also sometimes be a symptom of an underlying genetic condition such as Gardner’s syndrome.

Lipomas:

are most common in adults 40 to 60 years of age
are rarely painful
grow slowly
feel rubbery
may seem to move when you touch them

They can appear on any part of your body but most often appear on your shoulders, neck, torso, or armpits.

Learn more about the symptoms and causes of lipomas.

A dermatofibroma is a small, hard bump that grows under your skin. This skin lump is harmless, but it might sometimes itch or hurt.

Although it’s not clear what causes dermatofibromas, some people report having had splinters, insect bites, or other minor trauma at the spot where the lumps develop.

Dermatofibromas:

range from dark pink to brown or black, depending on a person’s skin tone
have a firm, rubbery feeling
according to research, are more common in women
tend to be no bigger than 1 centimeter (cm) across
grow slowly

You can develop dermatofibromas anywhere, but they often appear on your lower legs and upper arms.

Discover more about dermatofibromas.

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a small skin tumor that grows out of your skin cells. Sun exposure may play a part in KA development, as it’s more common in high-exposure areas such as your hands or face.

KA may look like a pimple at first but will grow larger over several weeks. The center of the lump can burst, leaving what looks like a crater.

These lumps:

may itch or feel painful
can grow up to 3 cm in just a few weeks
have a core of keratin that may look like a horn or scale in the center of the bump
are more common people with light skin and older adults

Learn more about keratoacanthomas (KAs).

A skin abscess is a round, pus-filled lump that develops when bacteria gets underneath your skin’s surface.

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of skin abscesses. Your body reacts to the bacteria by sending white blood cells to the infection site. As tissue around the area dies, a hole forms and pus fills the hole, which causes an abscess.

Abscesses:

have a firm membrane surrounding them
feel squishy due to pus
may be painful
may be surrounded by inflamed skin
may feel warm to the touch
may leak pus from a central pinprick-sized opening

Skin abscesses can develop anywhere on your body.

Learn more about their causes and treatments.

Lymph nodes or lymph glands are small groups of cells located in various parts of the body. The lymph nodes respond to infections by trapping infectious or damaged cells and helping to get rid of them.

As part of the body’s immune response, lymph nodes produce lymphocytes that can cause swelling in the nodes.

Some common reasons lymph nodes may swell include:

bacterial infections such as mono or strep throat
viral infections including the common cold
tooth abscesses
cellulitis or other skin infections
immune system disorders

You may notice swelling at one or more sites including:

under your chin
in your groin
on either side of your neck
in your armpits

Learn more about the causes and symptoms of swollen lymph nodes.

A hernia is a lump that develops when part of your body, such as one of your organs, pushes through the surrounding tissue.

There are several types of hernias. They typically appear in the abdominal area (inguinal hernia), below your chest, or above your hips.

Symptoms of a hernia include:

a bulge you can push in
pain when you strain the area by coughing, laughing, or lifting something heavy
a burning sensation
a dull ache
the sensation of fullness or heaviness at the hernia site

Discover everything there is to know about hernias.

A ganglion cyst is a small, round, fluid-filled lump that grows under the skin’s surface, usually on your hands. The cyst sits on a small stalk that may seem movable.

It’s not clear what causes ganglion cysts: They’re typically harmless, but irritation to your joints and tendons may play a part.

Ganglion cysts:

are often painless but may cause tingling, numbness, or pain if they press on a nerve
can grow slowly or quickly
appear most often in people between 15 to 40 years of age
according to specialists, appear most often in women
are usually smaller than 2. 5 cm across

These cysts most often develop on wrist joints and tendons, but they can also develop on your palm or fingers.

Learn more about ganglion cysts.

Click through the gallery below to see pictures of the conditions mentioned in this article.

Lumps under the skin are very common and can have a range of causes. In many cases, lumps go away without treatment.

It’s not always possible to tell exactly what causes a lump. If you notice a lump under your skin, keep an eye on it. In general soft, movable lumps are harmless and will likely improve with time.

It’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional if you notice:

skin discoloration, swelling, or pain
pus or other fluid leaking from the lump
tenderness or swelling in the surrounding area
changes in color, shape, and size, especially with rapid or steady growth
a high fever
a lump that’s more than 1 cm across
hard or painless lumps that appear suddenly

Last medically reviewed on May 31, 2023

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Diseases and conditions: Ganglion cyst of the wrist and hand. (2022).
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/ganglion-cyst-of-the-wrist-and-hand/
Diseases and conditions: Lipoma. (2018).
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/lipoma
Ganglion cyst. (2021).
nhs.uk/conditions/ganglion/
Hernia. (2022).
nhs.uk/conditions/hernia/
Inguinal hernia. (2019).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inguinal-hernia
Keratoacanthoma. (n.d.).
aocd.org/page/Keratoacanthoma
Lymph nodes and cancer. (2021).
cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/lymph-nodes-and-cancer.html
Myers, DJ, et al. (2022). Dermatofibroma.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470538/
Overview: Abscess. (2019).
nhs.uk/conditions/abscess/
The lymphatic system. (2021).
lymphoma-action.org.uk/about-lymphoma-what-lymphoma/lymphatic-system
Zito PM, et al. (2023). Epidermoid cyst.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499974/
Zito PM, et al. (2023). Keratoacanthoma.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499931/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 31, 2023

Written By

Crystal Raypole

Edited By

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Medically Reviewed By

Alana Biggers, MD, MPH

Copy Edited By

Maggie Hellwig

Mar 27, 2019

Written By

Crystal Raypole

Edited By

Kelly Morrell

Medically Reviewed By

Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Crystal Raypole — Updated on May 31, 2023

Potential Causes and Treatment Options

Skin Lumps: Potential Causes and Treatment Options

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Skin lumps are generally not considered dangerous. If you notice changes in the color or size of the lump, you may want to have a dermatologist check for cancer.

What are skin lumps?

Skin lumps are any areas of abnormally raised skin. The lumps may be hard and rigid, or soft and moveable. Swelling from injury is one common form of skin lump.

Most skin lumps are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous. Skin lumps are generally not dangerous, and usually don’t interfere with your everyday life. Talk to your healthcare provider or dermatologist if you’re worried about any abnormal growths on your skin.

Skin lumps can be caused by a number of health conditions that range in severity. Common types and causes of skin lumps include:

trauma
acne
moles
warts
pockets of infection, such as abscesses and boils
cancerous growths
cysts
corns
allergic reactions, including hives
swollen lymph nodes
childhood illnesses, like chicken pox

Trauma

The most common cause of skin lumps is trauma or injury. This type of lump is sometimes called a goose egg. It occurs when you hit your head or another part of your body. Your skin will begin to swell, causing a lump that may also be bruised.

Skin lumps caused by injury usually swell suddenly, within a day or two of the traumatic event.

Cysts

A cyst is another typical cause of skin lumps. A cyst is an enclosed area of skin tissue that forms underneath the outermost layer of skin. Cysts are usually filled with fluid.

The contents of a cyst may remain under the skin or rupture out of the cyst. Cysts are most often soft and moveable, unlike hard warts or corns. Most cysts aren’t cancerous. Cysts are usually painless, unless they become infected.

Swollen lymph nodes

You may also encounter skin lumps where your lymph glands are located. Lymph glands contain white blood cells that help fight infection. The glands under your arms and in your neck may temporarily become hard and lumpy if you have a cold or infection. Your lymph nodes will return to normal size as your illness runs its course. Should they remain swollen or enlarged you should consult your healthcare provider.

Childhood illness

Childhood illnesses, such as mumps and chicken pox, can also give your skin a lumpy appearance. Mumps is a viral infection that affects your salivary glands. Your swollen glands can give your cheeks a chipmunk-like appearance.

The herpes zoster virus causes chicken pox. During a bout of the chicken pox, your skin is marked with pink bumps that rupture and become crusty. Most children receive vaccinations to protect against these childhood diseases.

Your doctor will ask you a series of questions to help diagnose the cause of your skin lump, such as:

Who first discovered the lump? (sometimes a loved one is the one that mentions a lump or skin finding)
When did you first discover the lump?
How many skin lumps do you have?
What are the color, shape, and texture of the lumps?
Does the lump hurt?
Are you experiencing other symptoms? (such as itchiness, fever, drainage, etc. )

The color and shape of the lump can be an important part of diagnosing the problem. A mole that changes color, grows in size to larger than the size of a pencil eraser, or has an irregular border is a red flag. These characteristics are signs of possible skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma is another form of skin cancer that looks like an ordinary skin lump or pimple at first glance. A lump could be cancerous if it:

bleeds
doesn’t go away
grows in size

Discuss any unusual skin lumps with your healthcare provider. You may need a skin biopsy if your lump appears suddenly and without explanation. A biopsy is the removal of a small sample of your skin tissue. Your doctor can test the biopsy sample for cancerous cells.

Home care

Discomfort or pain from lymph node swelling, enlarged salivary glands, or a skin rash caused by a viral illness can be managed. You should try ice packs, baking soda baths, and fever-reducing medication.

Skin lumps caused by injury usually fade on their own as the swelling goes down. Applying an ice pack and elevating the area can reduce inflammation and ease pain.

Prescription medication

You will need antibiotic medications to help the lumps heal if your skin lump is caused by an infection or abscess.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe topical medications to eliminate acne bumps, warts, and rashes. Topical skin ointments and creams may contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help reduce local infection and bacteria found in cystic acne. The acid may also help decrease the amount of skin that has built up around a wart.

Corticosteroid injections are a possible treatment for skin lumps that become inflamed. Corticosteroidsare powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Cystic acne, generalized skin infections, and benign cysts are among the types of skin lumps that can be treated with corticosteroid injections. However, these injections can have side effects near the area of injection, including:

infection
pain
loss of skin color
shrinking of soft tissue

For this reason and more, corticosteroid injections are generally used no more than a few times a year.

Surgery

A skin lump that causes continual pain or is hazardous to your health may require a more invasive medical treatment. Skin lumps that may warrant drainage or surgical removal include:

boils
corns
cysts
cancerous tumors or moles
abscesses

Most skin lumps aren’t serious. Usually, treatment is only necessary if the lump is bothering you.

You should go to a doctor any time you’re concerned about a growth on your skin. Your doctor can evaluate the lump and make sure it’s not a symptom of a serious underlying condition.

Last medically reviewed on November 30, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Basal cell carcinoma. (n.d.).
aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q—t/skin-cancer
Lumps and swelling. (2015).
nhs.uk/conditions/lumps/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Boils and carbuncles.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/basics/definition/con-20024235
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Prednisone and other corticosteroids.
mayoclinic.org/steroids/art-20045692
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Epidermoid cysts.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sebaceous-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20352701

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 11, 2023

Written By

Erica Roth

Edited By

Ari Howard

Nov 30, 2017

Medically Reviewed By

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Erica Roth — Updated on May 11, 2023

Subcutaneous seals – General information, Causes.

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General information

Subcutaneous lumps may occur spontaneously, such as in infectious diseases or inflammation of the lymph nodes, or from a blow. Numerous bumps and bumps on the skin, as well as single ones, can occur. Infections, tumors, the body’s reaction to injury or damage can all lead to swelling, lumps, or bumps on or under the skin.

Depending on the cause, the bumps can vary in size and be hard or soft to the touch. On the skin, the bump may be reddened or ulcerated. The lumps may be painful or painless, depending on the cause of the injury.

Causes

There are a lot of reasons for the appearance of various bumps on the skin and all of them are directly related to skin diseases:

Lipoma (benign tumor of adipose tissue). The bump can be of any size (from a few millimeters to several centimeters). Usually painless, without discoloration of the skin, firm to the touch.
Mole. The bump on the skin is soft, brown or black, absolutely painless.
Skin cancer. A seal or bump can occur in various places on the body, have a different color (from normal to dark), soldered to the skin and surrounding tissues. Accompanied by soreness and suppuration in the later stages of its development.
Enlarged lymph nodes. The lump is located above the lying lymph nodes, dense and hot to the touch, painful, the size is from a pea to a walnut, not soldered to the surrounding tissues. It is combined with the presence of infection in the body (temperature, intoxication).
Intradermal cyst. The formation of various sizes, usually of a dense consistency, with unchanged skin color. It can periodically become inflamed, even with the release of the contents to the outside.
Skin abscess. The bump is dense and painful, the skin above it is red and hot, there is pus inside. It is associated with an increase in body temperature.
Hemangioma. It is a bump of red color, soft or dense consistency, painless.
Warts. They are bumps or nodules of different sizes, painless or slightly painful. The skin above them may retain its natural color or take on red tones.
Malignant tumors of superficial structures. These formations include basal cell carcinoma, soft tissue sarcoma, neurofibromatosis, etc. Bumps and seals can be from a few millimeters to tens of centimeters. At the beginning of the disease, they are painless and do not cause much distress to the patient. Later, they can become inflamed and decompose.
Presence of foreign bodies. These are all kinds of fragments, bullets and other items. In this case, the bump depends on the size of the foreign body, often painful.
Rheumatoid nodules. They are seals on the skin that absolutely do not manifest themselves. However, in addition to this, pain and deformity of the joints can be detected.

A ball under the skin on the arm, leg, stomach: what are the reasons

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Seals and bumps on the human body is a problem that everyone can face. They are able to appear on any part of the body – hands (hands, phalanges of fingers), legs (knees, feet), face, back, and so on. In some cases, they can not be detected immediately, because they hide under the hair and in the folds of the skin. What is the nature of their appearance and are they safe? As practice shows, these are often harmless seals that need treatment. Such skin lumps are often uncomfortable, may cause pain, and are blue or white, reddened, and accompanied by fever.

However, a variant of a malignant tumor cannot be excluded, and therefore, if bumps and seals appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only a high-quality specialist will determine the source of the problem and the cause of its occurrence, prescribe a medicine. In addition, only a doctor is able to understand the type of tumor, because if it turned out to be malignant, then not a second should be lost. In this article, we will look at the main causes of the appearance of seals and white balls that form under the skin on the hands.

Causes of subcutaneous balls on the hands

Hygroma

If a small and inactive ball on the side of the wrist was found on the hand and has a dense structure, then it is quite possible that this is a hygroma. This problem does not cause discomfort or pain, and is not capable of harming human health. At the same time, it does not look aesthetically pleasing, and when it appears in the palm of your hand, it can interfere with full-fledged work.

Important! Hygroma is an accumulation of fluid between the tendon fibers, which can disappear with an accidental mechanical shock. It’s better not to hit your hand on purpose, because you can make a mistake with the diagnosis, only a doctor can confirm the presence of a hygroma.

Dermatofibroma

In this case, the induration looks like a small, dense, reddish ball. It consists of a connective tissue of a fibrous structure, therefore it is harmless to human health and the only negative effect from it is not an aesthetic appearance.

Neurofibroma

In this situation, the seal resembles a fleshy ball, which is in a static position and does not move when the hand is pressed. In fact, it is a pathologically grown soft tissue located in the deep layers of human skin.

Important! Such a ball is a problem and requires treatment, because if the problem is ignored, it can provoke the development of cancer cells in the human body.

Wen or lipoma

If a small ball appears on the fingers, it is quite possible that it is a lipoma (a harmless and benign tumor formed from fat cells). The skin over this ball has the usual color and is easily folded, while the formation itself has clear boundaries.

Important! The wen may gradually grow, as a result of which it will begin to cause pain. It can be removed with the help of surgeons.

Atheroma

Also, a ball may appear on the skin of the hands, which can be easily confused with a wen – atheroma. Atheroma is a cyst (clogged sebaceous gland). Outwardly, the seal resembles a small round ball with noticeable outlines, which is sebum accumulated in the capsule of the sebaceous gland. Such seals eventually become inflamed and can fester, so they need to be removed in time with the help of surgical intervention.

Nodules on the joints

If a person suffers from arthritis or arthrosis, the appearance of nodules on the joints is quite expected. Outwardly, these are small, immovable and hard nodes that can be cured by following the doctor’s instructions.

Condylomas, papillomas and warts

These skin lesions may vary in shape (round, oblong) and size, color (yellow, flesh or brown) and surface (scaly or smooth). Their cause may be a hormonal failure, mechanical damage or a viral infection that has entered the body.

Papillomas and warts can be located on any part of the body without any reason and are often absolutely harmless. If a wart is found on the hand or fingers, then there is nothing to be afraid of, because it is harmless, and there are enough special means and folk methods to eliminate it.

Pustules and inflammations

If a mass of seals appears on the skin, then an infection that has entered the body may be the cause:

Staphylococcus – this bacterium can cause suppuration. Initially, the skin will turn red, after which various seals will appear on it. The disease is often accompanied by high fever and requires immediate treatment.
Erysipelas – rapid spread of lumps and bumps throughout the body.
Phlegmon – purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous fatty tissue.
Carbuncles and boils – seals that occur when the sebaceous glands or hair follicles are damaged.

Important! Only a surgeon can deal with these problems, so if you find such seals, you should immediately go to the hospital.

Balls on the feet

Usually women suffer from this problem, the result of the balls can be:

Uncomfortable or tight shoes that interfere with blood circulation and damage the joints.
Varicose veins.
Inflammation of adipose tissue and blood vessels, resulting in erythema nodosum.

Hernia

A lump near the navel, inner thigh, or groin is a hernia. On palpation, it resembles a soft and very painful ball. The reason for the formation of a hernia is the falling out of the internal organs through the weak points of the abdominal wall when the intrauterine pressure is hanging.

Malignant tumors

These diseases are rare, but they are very dangerous and need immediate treatment. At first, they look like a small knot that begins to grow and develop.

Painful hard lump under skin. 8 Common Causes of Painful Hard Lumps Under Skin: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Medical Attention

Epidermoid Cysts: Slow-Growing Lumps with Distinctive Characteristics

Diagnosing and Treating Epidermoid Cysts

Lipomas: Benign Fatty Tissue Growths

Managing Lipomas: When to Seek Treatment

Dermatofibromas: Small, Hard Bumps with Distinctive Coloration

Identifying and Managing Dermatofibromas

Keratoacanthoma: Rapidly Growing Skin Tumors

Differentiating Keratoacanthomas from Skin Cancer

Swollen Lymph Nodes: When Your Immune System is on Alert

Assessing and Treating Swollen Lymph Nodes

Boils and Carbuncles: Painful Skin Infections

Managing Boils and Carbuncles: Home Care and Medical Treatment

Skin Cancer: When to Be Concerned About a Skin Lump

Detecting and Treating Skin Cancer

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Skin Lump

Diagnostic Approaches for Skin Lumps

8 Causes and How They’re Treated

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Potential Causes and Treatment Options

Trauma

Cysts

Swollen lymph nodes

Childhood illness

Home care

Prescription medication

Surgery

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Subcutaneous seals – General information, Causes.

General information

Causes

A ball under the skin on the arm, leg, stomach: what are the reasons

Causes of subcutaneous balls on the hands

Hygroma

Dermatofibroma

Neurofibroma

Wen or lipoma

Atheroma

Nodules on the joints

Condylomas, papillomas and warts

Pustules and inflammations

Balls on the feet

Hernia

Malignant tumors

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