Small Bumps All Over the Legs That Are Flesh Colored

Small, flesh-colored bumps on the legs may appear for a variety of reasons. Depending on their cause and location, they may cause no symptoms or they may itch, become irritated or spread to other areas of the body. Report any new skin growth to your doctor, as only a medical professional can accurately diagnose skin bumps and rule out skin cancer.

Types

Keratoacanthomas, keratosis pilaris, skin tags, warts and molluscum contagiosum account for most cases of flesh-colored bumps on the legs. Keratoacanthomas are round growths with a depression or crater in the center that holds a pasty substance. These bumps typically develop on the face, hands and forearms, but they may occur on the legs or other areas of the body. Keratosis pilaris are flesh-colored, slightly itchy bumps that develop on the upper arms, thighs and cheeks. The bumps feel like sandpaper and are sometimes mistaken for acne. Molluscum contagiosum is characterized by dome-shaped bumps with a dimple in the center, while skin tags are soft stalks of skin that normally appear in skin folds.

Causes

Keratoacanthomas are associated with sun exposure and arise from hair follicles in the skin, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Following a minor injury, cells inside the hair follicle begin multiplying and form a mass. The mass then grows until it reaches its maximum size before disappearing. Keratoacanthomas are sometimes misdiagnosed as squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma because of their appearance.

Keratosis pilaris is a common inherited disorder associated with dry skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the bumps of keratosis pilaris are actually skin pores plugged by an accumulation of dead skin cells. Warts and molluscum contagiosum are caused by a viral infection, and there is no known cause of skin tags, although friction may play a role in their development.

Treatment

Following biopsy to rule out malignancy, treatment of keratoacanthomas involves injections of corticosteroids and/or surgical removal, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Mild keratosis pilaris may respond to frequent application of moisturizers, but topical retinoids or mild chemical peels are generally required to get rid of the bumps, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. No treatment is necessary for flat warts, molluscum contagiosum or skin tags, although cryotherapy is effective at removing the growths for cosmetic reasons.

Considerations

Although a number of products are available over the counter to treat warts, skin tags and other skin bumps, these products are not always effective and may even be harmful with improper use. If you want to remove your skin bumps because they become irritated, are causing other symptoms or are cosmetically displeasing, contact a dermatologist for advice.

Warnings

Even small, flesh-colored bumps may be cancerous, notes the Merck Manual of Health and Aging. Any new growth or change in an existing bump requires immediate evaluation by a medical professional to rule out skin cancer. If your doctor suspects skin cancer, a sample of the bump will be removed for biopsy.