What are those bumps on your face? You know exactly which ones we're talking virtually: The kind where you're not sure if it'southward a breakout or a reaction to a new cleanser, where yous immediately elevate out your laptop and search for "tiny bumps on confront," hoping for an image that matches (and, ideally, explains what they are). Not all bumps are created equal, but you can identify them based on their colour, size and other symptoms (like itchiness). From there, you can find the most constructive way to treat them, bringing y'all one step closer to making them disappear altogether. Dermatologist Michele J. Farber, Physician, FAAD at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC helps us identify some of the about common bumps.

ane. Acne

acne drawing

What Information technology Looks Like:Annihilation from small red bumps to whiteheads to big, painful cysts. Breakouts can be both inflammatory and noninflammatory. "Inflammatory lesions include red papules, pustules and deeper cysts, and noninflammatory lesions are blackheads and whiteheads," says Dr. Farber .

Why It's Happening:Everything from menses to not washing your face at night tin can lead to acne. "Acne is caused by hormonal factors and changes in sebum production, equally well as inflammation and bacteria in the pare," explains Dr. Farber.

How to Deal With Information technology:The best acne handling depends on the severity, but the best tends to be a multi-pronged approach, including topical lotions and creams and, if it'due south rampant, oral options similar birth control. "Extractions, injections, peels and lasers can be helpful in the office to aid clear peel also," says Dr. Farber. Whatever you lot do, don't option at it, since yous run the chance of scarring.

When to Run across a Doctor:If you lot've been using acne-fighting products since high school and still get breakouts, see your derm. Treating acne sooner can help foreclose acne scars and can assistance improve your peel faster.

Related Reading: Whiteheads vs. Blackheads: Battle of the Blemishes

2. Milia

milia

What It Looks Like: Tiny white bumps beneath your skin, occasionally effectually your eye area.

Why Information technology'due south Happening: Milia are usually caused past rubbing or occlusive creams," says Dr. Farber. "They can also follow trauma or be induced by blisters."

How to Deal With Information technology: They're easy to prevent with topical exfoliants, so await for products that have retinol or glycolic acrid . One time the milia are already there, though, it's non a DIY state of affairs. "They're deeper under the surface than they look and require special tools to remove safely, and then don't squeeze them at home," says Dr. Farber.

When to See a Md: If you lot desire your milia removed, they can either exist easily extracted in your derm'due south office or via laser, which works well if you take a lot. But they're beneficial, so there's no damage in having them.

Related Reading: What Are Milia and How Do They Differ From Acne?

3. Moles

moles

What It Looks Similar: Salubrious moles have defining features: A uniform brown color, well-defined borders, overall symmetry, and clock in under six millimeters. They can be either apartment or raised—either is totally fine.

Why It's Happening: Blame both the dominicus and your genes. Sun exposure causes moles, and genetic factors can dictate whether you accept a few or also many to count. "Moles are collections of melanocytes, or paint-producing cells within the upper layers of the peel," says Dr. Farber.

How to Deal With Information technology: Unless it's irritating or you but don't similar how it looks, you don't have to remove a healthy mole. Merely if you make up one's mind you want to practise it, that'southward a task for your derm. To forbid them from multiplying—and, in general, keep your peel safe—wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. (Dermstore recommends the Mineral Tinted Cream SPF 30 by MDSolarSciences)

When to Come across a Doc: Yous should get at least one time a yr for a skin test to check your moles no matter what, even if they expect normal to you. Healthy moles can exist cut out with either an excision, in which your md cuts a small surface area effectually the mole and sutures the expanse airtight, or with a shave removal, which entails a special blade to cut around the mole on a superficial level. If you detect a mole changing in any style, make an engagement stat. "Concerning features are the ABCDEs of melanoma, which are Asymmetry, Bguild irregularity, multiple Colors, Diameter over six millimeters and Evolution over time," says Dr. Farber.

Related Reading: What to Await During a Skin Test (Plus How to Give Yourself a Skin Check at Habitation)

four. Keratosis Pilaris

keratosis pilaris

What Information technology Looks Like: Ruddy, crude bumps, sometimes on the cheeks only most commonly on the dorsum of your arms, the front of your thighs and on your buttocks.

Why It'south Happening: It's but a harmless—though annoying—skin status. "It'due south very common and seen in almost half of all people," says Dr. Farber. "People with eczema and dry out skin are more predisposed to keratosis pilaris."

How to Deal With Information technology: The fob is to continue your skin every bit smoothen equally possible, and so double up with moisturizing formulas and gentle exfoliants. Dr. Farber recommends looking for ingredients like urea and certain alpha hydroxy acids, which can help shed the bumps.  You could also effort certain retinoid prescription creams. Whatever you lot exercise, don't choice the bumps. Information technology'll merely irritate the keratosis pilaris and make matters worse.

When to Come across a Doctor: If keratosis pilaris drives you crazy or seems to be getting worse, y'all can visit your doctor to explore your treatment options.

Related Reading: 8 Little-Known Facts About Keratosis Pilaris

five. An Allergic Reaction or Sensitivity

allergy sensitivity

What It Looks Like: Bumps (or even rashes) that are ruddy and itchy. If it'south a bad allergic reaction, yous may discover oozing or blister-like bumps—but, besides severe itchiness, there shouldn't be any hurting.

Why It's Happening: When physical or chemic agents, like acids, in harsh soaps damage the peel'due south barrier, they can cause skin irritation. An allergic reaction, on the other mitt, is an actual allowed response to certain ingredients, like fragrances or preservatives.

How to Bargain With It: Cease using whatever information technology is that caused the reaction and get an over-the-counter cortisone cream. "Steroid creams can treat more express eruptions, and antihistamines are also extremely helpful for itch," says Dr. Farber. She also recommends washing up with lukewarm h2o (even in the shower) and gentle soaps, since hot water may exacerbate irritation.

When to See a Doctor: It's a practiced idea to visit your dermatologist anytime this happens, since information technology's so easily treatable. Merely make an appointment ASAP (or even go to urgent care) if the reaction covers a large area of the body, pain, blistering or lesions in the mouth or groin.

Related Reading: 10 Signs You Have Sensitive Pare