Possible Causes Of 'White Bumps' On Hands And Fingers

Has a mystery white bump just appeared on one of your fingers, or are your hands covered in a whole collection of white bumps? You will want to unveil the cause of this bumpy problem in order to alleviate the condition, or at least be sure that nothing pathological is going on. 

Let's take a look at some of the possible causes of white bumps on the hands or fingers, and what you can do about them. 

Corns And Calluses Can Affect the Fingers, Too

Corns and calluses — which are thickened, hardened, and white- or lighter-colored areas of skin that form as the result of repeated friction or pressure — are typically associated with the toes. They can, however, appear on any area of the body subjected to constant friction and pressure. On the fingers, calluses can be associated with guitar players or manual workers, for example. 

While corns and calluses are not normally medically dangerous and can be treated at home by moisturizing them regularly and gently using a pumice stone to remove some of the hardened skin, if your callus is painful or interferes with your work or other daily activities, you would be advised to see a doctor. 

Dyshidrosis

Dyshidrosis is a form of ezema that leads to dry and itchy skin with numerous deep blisters, which can appear either on the hands or the feet. While there is no cure for dyshidrosis and patients are likely to experience periodic flare-ups of the condition, it can help to keep your hands dry — immersing them in water for long periods of time can make the condition worse. Since stress can also contribute to flare-ups, finding effective relaxation techniques can help you find relief as well. 

Herpetic Whitlow

Herpetic whitlow is a herpes simplex infection of the hands. White blisters similar in appearance to cold sores on the lips will appear on the fingers when someone has this infection, most typically on a thumb. Herpetic whitlow is an extremely painful condition, often transferred by herpes lesions on the lip and more frequently seen in healthcare providers, who have had close contact with patients with active herpes lesions. It will heal fully within two or three weeks even without medical treatment, so long as you give your hands as much of a rest as you can. 

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that manifests as numerous tiny little "bumps". These bumps can appear on the hands, and though the bumps are most often red in color, they can also be white. 

The bumps are, in fact, plugs of dead skin cells, and are often accompanied by dry skin. People with keratosis pilaris also often experience terrible itching. The condition can be alleviated with proper moisturization and tends to be worse during colder months of the year. 

Bug Bites And Splinters

When splinters remain lodged in the skin and new skin forms around them, this often results in thickened and hardened patches of skin, which may appear white in color. This is one of the most frequent causes of white bumps on the fingers. The splinter or other foreign object that cause the initial reaction may still be present in the skin, as well.

The same type of reaction can happen when bug bites or small injuries are repeatedly disturbed by scratching. 

Should I See A Doctor About the White Bumps on My Hands?

If you have a persistent white bump or multiple white bumps on your hands or fingers, you have no idea what caused it even after reading about the possible conditions and circumstances that can produce these bumps, and you are in pain or simply worried, our advice is to consult your primary care provider or a dermatologist for diagnosis and, where applicable, treatment. 

The hands are one of our most crucial tools, and if your white bumps are stopping you from living your life, you should definitely see a doctor.