Bumps on the skin have many causes, including clogged pores, hormones, dirt, bacteria and viruses, ingrown hair injury, exposure to heat and sun, and some skin conditions. Due to their different causes, skin bumps manifest differently. They could appear as pimples, acne, skin rash, Keratosis, blackheads, and skin tags, to mention but a few. Most of these bumps are harmless and begging.
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Most of these issues can be managed at home or through over-the-counter medication. This article looks at five ways to manage bumps on black skin or people of African heritage.
Exfoliate
You have probably heard of this term before, especially now that skin care is quite popular. However, you may not know that exfoliating could solve your acne, Keratosis, and other skin bumps.
Exfoliation removes dead skin and built-up dirt from the skin’s surface using tools like a brush and exfoliating gloves or chemicals. Dead skin clogs skin pores and causes dry skin and ingrown hairs. For example, when pores are clogged by dead skin, the hair curls back and grows into the skin, causing ingrown hairs that manifest as razor bumps.
Melanin-rich skin exfoliation should be done with caution despite its benefits. For starters, avoid using any harsh exfoliating tools. Abrasive tools can damage or irritate your skin, leading to hyperpigmentation, especially on black skin.
That is why experts recommend chemical exfoliants. The chemicals should also be gentle, preferably containing beta or alpha hydroxy acids. These chemical exfoliants are very gentle on black skin.
Read Also: Black Skin: 3 Types of Skin Tags
Cleanse and Moisturize Your Skin Everyday
Cleansing and moisturizing can help you manage bumps on black skin like blackheads. Research has found that darker skin loses moisture faster than lighter skin tone. When the skin is too dry, it could trigger the excessive production of oils, causing clogging that leads to skin bumps. Therefore, you must keep your skin clean and supple.
The best time to cleanse is immediately after showering. Ensure that your cleanser is noncomedogenic so it doesn’t clog skin pores. While cleansing, use warm water, pat dry skin, and moisturize.
Dermatologists recommend using moisturizers that contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These humectants help the skin retain moisture. Preferably, go for moisturizers in the form of ointment or creams. Additionally, moisturizers that contain fragrances can irritate the skin. Moisturizing will also help you manage the dryness that comes with acne treatment
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Using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It’s a popular antioxidant, antifungal and anti-bacterial. It’s therefore used to kill the bacteria that causes acne, one of the many bumps on black skin. A 2017 study showed that essential oil reduced acne spots among people with mild acne.
However, there were observed side effects, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommended further research on its effectiveness in managing acne. NCCIH found that this oil can cause contact dermatitis in some people. Therefore, if you wish to use Tea Tree, it’s advised that you apply it on a spot and watch how you react to it before applying it to your acne.
Over the Counter Medication (OTC)
OTC medications have also been proven to help manage bumps on black skin. You can buy various forms of medication depending on the types of bumps you are battling. However, when purchasing these products, look out for those with the following ingredients:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Alpha hydroxy acids
- Retinoids
- Azelaic acid
- Salicylic acid
Medications with these ingredients are scientifically backed and proven to be more effective depending on your condition
Read Also: Black Skin: 8 Damaged Skin Barrier Signs
Consult a Dermatologist
If all the above four ways of managing bumps on black skin fail, you should seek professional help. This is often the most effective treatment. The dermatologist will examine you and prescribe the next cause of action. Medical treatment for bumps on the skin ranges from surgery to laser treatment, curettage, cryosurgery, and cantharidin, to mention but a few
Bumps can occur on anybody, including black people. However, it can be a much more sensitive issue for black people, especially since bumps on black skin can lead to hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, a raised skin bump could be a sign of skin cancer. Therefore, if you have concerns about your skin bumps, have it checked by a dermatologist to rule out any dangerous conditions.
Should you need a moisturizer for your dry, normal, oily or combination skin, check out Amazon and take your pick.
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