When to See a Doctor

Most acne-like bumps tend to be harmless and aren’t cause for alarm. Of course, you should see your doctor or a dermatologist if:

• Skin symptoms affect your emotional health
• Skin bumps change or worsen in appearance, or last for extended periods
• You are in pain, or the skin lesions cause other discomforts, like itching, swelling, or redness
• You don’t know what is causing the abnormal lesions
• You suspect an infection, cancer, or other skin condition that may run in your family
• A skin lesion or nodule appears infected, inflamed, or atypical

In reaching a diagnosis, your doctor will perform a physical exam and inspect your skin. He or she will ask questions about the lesions, your medical history, and lifestyle. A skin biopsy or additional testing can assist in confirming a diagnosis.

In some cases, you can conduct your visit via telemedicine. Although it's sometimes necessary to see your doctor in person, there are several benefits to telemedicine visits, such as saving the time spent commuting to and from the doctor's office or waiting around for your appointment to start. If you're interested in telemedicine but haven't tried it before, start by asking your doctor's office if they offer the option for virtual appointments and take time to read more about the process.

Potential Causes

1. Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a common but harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. These bumps are not painful or itchy.

The bumps associated with keratosis pilaris feel rough and appear on dry skin. Keratosis pilaris seems to be worse in the winter months and clears up as the weather warms up. It runs in families.

Keratosis pilaris cannot be cured or prevented. But it can be treated with moisturizers and creams that improve skin’s appearance.

2. Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful acne-like bumps under the skin. These nodules­ or lesions appear in areas where hair roots exist near sweat glands—places where pimples usually would not show up. The armpits, buttocks, groin, breasts, and inner thighs can all be affected by HS and may cause pitted areas of skin containing blackheads that emerge in pairs or as a double-barreled pattern.

HS affects up to 4 percent of the population, according to Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to keeping it from getting worse. Note that HS prevalence seems to be the highest among Black American women among all women and across all races. HS in people of color is often misdiagnosed as other conditions that cause lesions. By providing outreach and support in communities of color, it is possible for more people in these groups to receive accurate diagnoses and to have access to early and appropriate treatments that may reduce disease severity and burden.

Symptoms appear as flare-ups that come and go, and severity comes in three stages.

When HS worsens, the acne-like lesions can grow deep into the skin and become painful. Lesions may rupture and leak blood stained pus, which often has a foul odor.

As skin bumps heal, scarring may form. If scarring develops under the armpits, it can make moving the arm difficult and painful. Thick scarring in the groin area and inner thighs can make it harder to walk.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for HS, but treatment and lifestyle changes can bring about relief and reduce incidences of flares. Proper daily skin care and doctor-prescribed antibiotics, corticosteroids, and more can help manage flare-ups. For more severe cases or cases that don’t improve, treatments like biologics help to calm the immune system and stop the inflammation responsible for symptoms. Humira (adalimumab) is the only biologic approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating hidradenitis suppurativa. A dermatologist is the best professional to understand the differences between HS and other skin diseases and prescribe the right treatment.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that causes a skin infection. MRSA infections are often mistaken for acne because the first signs include red, swollen lesions that look like pimples. While acne tends to be harmless, a MRSA skin infection is a staph infection appearing on the skin and indicating a more significant problem within the body.

MRSA has signs that set it apart from acne.

The most accurate way to confirm a MRSA diagnosis is by getting a skin biopsy at the hospital or your doctor’s office.

A biopsy involves taking a small sample of skin from the affected area for examination under a microscope. Depending on the results of the biopsy, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist or other specialist for further evaluation and testing.

Most strains of MRSA are treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, your doctor will need to drain a superficial abscess, but most people with MRSA recover fully.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a common skin problem often seen during the summer months and caused by hair follicle inflammation. Symptoms include tiny red pimples that might be filled with pus. They can appear anywhere on the body but often appear on the thighs, buttocks, neck, and armpits.

A bacterial or fungal infection usually causes folliculitis. In some cases, this infection can spread and cause non-healing crusty sores. Folliculitis is not life-threatening, but it can be itchy, painful, and embarrassing. Severe infections can lead to hair loss and scarring.

Folliculitis is treatable. Mild cases are manageable with simple skincare measures. However, for more severe or recurring cases, your doctor can prescribe strong prescription creams or antibiotics.

Managing Your Emotional Health

Beyond itchiness, redness, and pain, skin conditions create discomfort and may cause embarrassment and frustration. After all, many of these conditions can be chronic, painful, and visible. Additionally, they may affect other aspects of your physical and emotional health, and how you see yourself, your future, and the world around you.

Acne-like lesion conditions may make you want to be alone and start to withdraw from friends, family, and social activities. And people with skin conditions are at high risk for developing depression that can linger even after skin symptoms have resolved.  

If you feel stressed and overwhelmed because of your skin’s appearance, the most important thing you can do is seek out help from a mental health professional. Additionally, try to spend time with loved ones and connect with others dealing with similar skin problems. Acting as early as possible can help to better cope with the effects of living with a visible skin disease.

A Word From Verywell

If you develop stubborn acne-like lesions from any of these skin conditions, a dermatologist or other healthcare provider can help you. This person can figure out the cause and create a treatment plan.

Try to remember that treatments will take time to work, and your skin needs time to heal. Make sure you are consistent with your skincare routine and treatment plan. Stay positive and don’t give up on having clearer skin.