Usually, they are triggered by somethingacute(short-term), like acne or an ingrown hair.
But they can also be related to a chronic condition, like eczema or psoriasis.
If the bump on your elbow is acne, an over-the-counter treatment liketopical benzoyl peroxideshould help.
Manusapon Kasosod / Getty Images
This article details the most frequent causes of pimples and bumps on elbows.
It also covers treatment options, and explains when to see a healthcare provider.
Manusapon Kasosod / Getty Images
Causes
Bumps on elbows are usually harmless.
Many go away on their own, while some bumps are resulting from a chronic condition that requires treatment.
Acne
Acneis a skin condition that causes pimples.
When a pimple appears, the hair follicles that are located under the skin are clogged.
Acne can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in teenagers.
The bumps vary in color, such as white, brown, red, or skin-colored.
It can appear on theupper armsand may extend to the elbow.
Other common sites include the cheeks, thighs, and buttocks.
The bumpy skin is usually painless, rough, and dry.
Keratosis pilaris usually gets better on its own.
Boils
Aboilis a sore lump deep in the skin because of bacteria forming an abscess.
It may start small, looking like a pimple, and grow in size.
Boils are known to be painful to the touch.
If left unbothered, it should break down on its own over time.
Boils should not be squeezed or picked at, as this may spread the infection.
In some cases, a doctor may be needed to drain the boil.
Folliculitis
Folliculitisis inflammation or infection of the hair follicles.
It can show up anywhere on the skin where there are hair follicles, including the elbow.
It shows up when the hair follicles are damaged.
It may not have symptoms, or the skin may feel itchy or painful.
It is more common in people who have curly hair, but it can happen to anyone.
It is more common on the face and groin but could happen on the elbow.
When an ingrown hair occurs, there is redness, the area is inflamed, and pus may form.
Symptoms may vary, depending on the person.
They are typically painless.
Common warts often develop on the elbows, hands, fingers, and knees.
In most cases, warts disappear within a year or two.
Eczema
Eczemacauses itchy, dry skin and rashes.
Eczema is not contagious.
Babies and children typically get a punch in of eczema called atopic dermatitis.
Adults can get it too.
There are other common types of eczema as well.
Although the cause is unknown, environmental and genetic factors are known to play a role.
This condition can improve over time or get worse.
Speak with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and a plan to manage symptoms.
Psoriasis causes sore patches of thick, discolored skin with silvery scales.
Individuals with psoriasis are known to have issues with the immune system.
Depending on the severity, lifestyle habits, and person, psoriasis can come and go.
This condition can look like several skin diseases.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional so they can give a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
DH most commonly begins after age 20 in people with celiac disease.
People with DH develop an itchy, blistering, burning rash after eating gluten.
If you have avitamin A deficiency, it’s possible for you to developphrynoderma.
These papules commonly form on the elbows and knees.
Vitamin A deficiency is rare.
Lichen Nitidus
Lichen nitidusis a skin condition marked by clusters of tiny, skin-colored papules.
Lichen nitidus is typically seen in children and young adults.
The condition is harmless and resolves on its own.
It is not painful, although in rare cases it may itch.
It’s not common, but skin cancer could also appear as a bump on the elbow.
Popping a pimple can cause infection and scarring.
There are over-the-counter treatments, medication, and home remedies that can help.
Home Remedies
A warm compress may help launch the pores and allow the pimple to drain naturally.
There are a number of home remedies and essential oils that can help ease pimples on the elbow.
A healthcare professional can give the proper suggestions regarding specified treatment depending on the condition.
The proper way to clean and treat the area depends on the diagnosis.
It is important to keep the area clean, use clean washcloths, and be gentle.
Some conditions can be aggravated by the environment, diet, and/or stress.
It is important to be mindful of what makes symptoms better or worse.
Speak with a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Depending on the skin condition, it could be another issue.
There are some skin conditions, such as eczemaand psoriasis, that need additional treatment.
Depending on the severity, the doctor can determine the pop in of treatment needed.
It is important to follow the doctor’s plan and treatment recommendations for certain skin conditions.
It is important to see a doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the pimple.
Summary
A pimple could appear on your elbow due to acne.
A normal pimple will go away on its own.
If you see a bump that concerns you, dont hesitate to call your healthcare provider.
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American Association of Dermatology Association.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ingrown hairs.
Harvard Health Publishing.Getting rid of common warts.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Atopic dermatitis.
2016 Jun;17(2):108-111. doi:10.4103/2319-7250.175657
World Health Organization.Vitamin A deficiency.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Lichen nitidus.
Orchard A, van Vuuren S.Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.
