What Are Subcutaneous Nodules?
- Written By: Drue Tibbits
- Edited By: Angela B.
- Image By: Morten Amundsen
- Last Modified Date: 17 April 2013
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2003-2013 Conjecture Corporation
Subcutaneous nodules are bumps under the skin. They have a variety of causes and are usually benign. Most subcutaneous nodules will go away without treatment, but some require medical treatment for the cause of the nodule or surgical removal of the nodule itself. Although most subcutaneous nodules are harmless, some are malignant or are a sign of metastatic cancer.
The skin has three main layers — the outer layer, or epidermis, which actually has five layers of its own; the middle layer, or dermis, which has two layers of its own; and the inner layer, or subcutaneous tissue. Nodules, or bumps, that form under this inner layer of skin are subcutaneous nodules. The nodules may or may not be tender to the touch. The masses may be soft or firm, fixed in place or free-moving under the skin. Sometimes the skin covering the nodule appears red or changes color.
Insect bites can result in subcutaneous nodules, as can infections and abscesses. Cysts also are a common form of subcutaneous nodule. Granulomas are a type of subcutaneous nodule caused by inflammatory disorders. Metabolic disorders, such as hemochromatosis, also can result in the formation of these nodules. Certain types of subcutaneous nodules are genetic and run in families.
These bumps under the skin can appear anywhere on the body and in a wide range of sizes. They can be so small as to be barely felt, or large enough to be easily visible. The nodules may be filled with liquid or with solid mass. Some nodules, such as abscesses, can spontaneously erupt and drain fluid. Some nodules are nothing more that fat that is encapsulated under the skin.
Subcutaneous nodules are often named for the area where they appear or the disease with which they are associated. Ganglion cysts are subcutaneous nodules on the top of the hand or foot, or on the wrist. Rheumatoid nodules may develop in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for such nodules is dictated by the cause and symptoms of the nodules. Treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, surgical drainage or surgical removal.
Self-treatment of subcutaneous nodules is not advised. The material inside the nodules may be infectious and create new nodules in areas of contact. Benign nodules may become infected as a result of improper lancing or removal. Left alone, a subcutaneous nodule may resolve itself but, if improperly treated, may result in scarring. A doctor should check any suspicious lumps, because subcutaneous nodules are sometimes symptomatic of cancer in other areas of the body.
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Discuss this Article
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anon330555
Post 4 |
I have these little tiny bumps under my skin on my arms, hands, legs, and especially the back of my ankles and top of my feet. I do have metastatic cancer stage 4, so maybe this is the reason. |
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fify
Post 3 |
I only experienced subcutaneous nodules once in my life and that was due to strep throat. I didn't realize I had strep throat and delayed going to the doctor for it. I got really sick after about two weeks of symptoms and that's when I realized that I had nodules under my skin on my legs. It was really weird and slightly painful if I pressed down on them.
I went to the doctor right away after this and he tested me for strep which came back positive. He said that since I delayed treatment, I developed something called rheumatic fever. This is a side effect of strep throat that causes a fever and even rheumatism. The subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules are also a symptom of it.
I was put on antibiotics right away and once my strep throat was treated, the nodules also went away. It was scary though! It's amazing how the body works and one thing can lead to another when you're sick. |
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turquoise
Post 2 |
@burcidi-- I'm not an expert on this but as far as I know, painful subcutaneous nodules happen with acne rosacea because sunlight damages the thin blood vessels in the skin which ends up forming pustules filled with pus. If these aren't treated and kept clean, they get infected and form into nodules.
I would imagine that they would disappear along with the rosacea since they are caused by it. Scarring and blemishes is likely. These happen with acne as well, but I'm sure that they can be made to fade away with skin treatments as long as there isn't a recurrence of rosacea.
There might be other reasons for subcutaneous nodules though, like the article mentioned. So make sure to check with your doctor about these questions for definitive answers. |
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burcidi
Post 1 |
Do we know why subcutaneous nodules associated with rosacea are formed?
I developed rosacea recently and the nodules aren't very visible but I can feel them with my fingers. I've never felt nodules under my skin before so I know that it has to do with this skin condition. I've read that rosacea tends to happen and then disappear for a while. I'm taking oral medications given to me by my doctor as treatment right now and it looks a lot better.
What I'm wondering is, will the nodules remain even after the rosacea resolves itself? Or will it also disappear along with it?
Do subcutaneous skin nodules leave permanent scars or any visible marks after treatment? |
