What are white small bumps on the ankle?

Fact Checked

Once an individual have white small bumps on the ankle, there are certain conditions that might be responsible. These bumps might vanish or might be part of an underlying medical condition. The best way to get a proper diagnosis is to schedule an appointment with a doctor so that careful assessment can be carried out.

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Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms tend to vary depending on the exact cause of the small-sized white bumps. They might be present all the time or manifest only when triggered by certain factors. The potential triggers can range from rubbing or scratching the affected area or due to allergic reactions to a particular substance. The bumps can be painful or itchy and also soft or hard to the touch. As for the surrounding skin, it might become red in color and rough.

What are the possible causes?

The small white bumps might be triggered by acne which is a skin condition that affects millions of individuals all over the world. Remember that acne most often affects the face and upper torso but it is also possible to develop in any part of the body. This skin condition develops once the pores are blocked.

White bumps on the ankles
The potential triggers can range from rubbing or scratching the affected area or due to allergic reactions to a particular substance.

The common cause for the development of the small-sized white bumps is folliculitis. This skin issue often occurs in men who have but can manifest on any part of the body that has hair follicles. Once the hair follicles are inflamed and become infected by fungi or bacteria, the affected area ends up with small white bumps.

Keratosis pilaris is issue affecting the skin that is also called as goosebumps. Take note that keratin is a rigid protein that protects the skin. On the other hand, build-up of keratin can clog the opening of the pores. If this happens, a hard plug forms and results to rough bumpy skin with white or even red-colored small bumps.

Medical care

In some individuals, he/she might require medical care to help clear up the small white bumps on the ankle, depending on the condition he/she has. There are medicated lotions or ointments. Topical exfoliants can also be used to smooth out the skin.

As for severe cases for folliculitis, it would require oral antibiotics in order to clear up any infection together with medicated ointments.

Natural treatment options

There are also several self-care measures that can be done at home. Initially, the individual should avoid irritating the skin since this most often instigates the white bumps as well as making them even more noticeable. The skin should be cleansed lightly and utilize an oil-free moisturizer. Make sure that the skin is clean, healthy and properly moisturized.

For individuals who have folliculitis, an electric razor should be used to help minimize the inflammation of the hair follicles. It is also recommended to massage the area to be shaved and utilize a damp cloth to lift out the hairs more easily.

Considerations to bear in mind

The small white bumps are not often serious conditions but once they become infected, they are considered serious. When it comes to serious infections, it can lead to scarring and destruction of the hair follicles and even turn into internal infections that are difficult to treat. A doctor should be consulted so that a proper diagnosis can be given as well as start the appropriate treatment plan.

 

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