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Two of my children have small bumps on their cheeks, backs of their arms and sometimes on their thighs. What could these bumps be and how can we treat them?
Female
asked Jun 08, 2010 at 10:40AM in Dermatology
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1VotesThe fact that both your children have these bumps and have them in the same places provides a starting point.
I would eliminate all external factors, such as fragranced laundry detergent or fabric softener. It could be causing irritation. If you're using a sunblock, try a different brand, or better yet, use hats and clothing when possible.
Once you eliminate the external factors, I'd keep a log of when the bumps appear and what circumstances might have contributed -- certain food items, sun exposure, grass exposure, etc.
In other words, careful detective work will help you to collect data that will help a physician diagnose the problem.
good luck! -
2Votes
answered Jun 11, 2010 at 08:22AMActually, in practice, the most helpful initial information, beyond the history, for the physician is simply identifying the physical character of the "bump". To the doctor, when the patient says "bump" it signifies only a localized elevation of the skin. There are many skin conditions which would cause the skin to be elevated. For the doctor, the color,surface texture, depth within the skin, softness or hardness, mobility, tenderness or itching to touch, tendency to weep or drain, ulceration, distribution pattern and other characteristics of the "bump" may suggest possible diagnoses. These possible diagnoses would then often suggest whether or not external factors need to be investigated. For a non-doctor to get an idea of what disorders are related to what appearance of the "bump", you might want to go to the Merck Description of Skin Lesions:
http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch109/ch109b.html
My point to be made in this Answer is that the specific appearance of the "bump" can set the stage for a diagnosis and treatment and possibly understanding which causes are important to attempt to eliminate or change. All uncertain and symptomatic "bumps" should be evaluated by a physician.. ..Maurice. -
1VotesYes, of course, Maurice. The visual exam is critical. But it is not everything.
Times being what they are, many people don't have the money or time to see a physician every time something "unusual" takes place. And, even if you can see what the bump looks like, that rarely points to a cause, in my experience.
Moreover, I think it's important to take an pro-active role in one's health and that of one's children. And that means first eliminating common culprits. Many people are sensitive to the fragrance and other chemicals that are now ubiquitous in laundry detergent and fabric softeners. Parents are slathering sunscreen on their children without ever thinking it could be harmful or cause a reaction. Food sensitivities are also common. In my experience, many physicians don't even think to ask questions about such factors.
By gathering data and eliminating common culprits in non-critical situations, I think a patient is better able to collaborate with a physician on solving the problem. The question gave no indication of ulceration or other factors suggesting immediate care was called for.
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