3 Types Of Skin Bumps Never Try To Pop

1 Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris, also known as "chicken skin," is a common skin condition in which small bumps appear on the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "These rough bumps are actually plugs of dead skin cells. The plugs appear most often on the upper arms and thighs (front)."

People often confuse these bumps with pimples, but they are caused by keratin and are completely harmless. If dry, rough areas of skin (which sometimes look like sandpaper) become bothersome, contact your doctor, who can easily treat keratosis pilaris.

2 Cold Sores

Cold sores, which are small blisters that form around the lips, can be bothersome and unsightly. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which infects over half of the American population by the time they reach their twenties.

Cold sores have many home treatments available, but getting rid of them is not recommended. Since the sores are blisters filled with fluid, some people think they should release the fluid, but they are not. Instead, try using over-the-counter ointments and applying cold compresses.

3 Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hair occurs when hair gets trapped under the skin and causes irritation and inflammation. When hair gets trapped or enters the skin, the skin reacts to the hair as if it were a foreign body and tries to fight it. Often the ingrown hairs turn red and fill with pus.

Since they look like pimples, people think they should try to pop them, but it can cause even more problems. The best thing to do is to let the ingrown hair grow on its own. If you feel you absolutely must do something about your ingrown hair, gently wash the area with a cloth, then use a sterile needle to remove the crusted tip of the hair from the skin.