12 skin bumps that look like pimples but aren't

Sophia MitrokostasSep 9, 2022, 21:03 IST

Some spots you see may not be acne at all.kpboonjit/Shutterstock

Not all red skin spots are caused by acne.
Many other skin conditions can result in bumps that look like normal blemishes.

Spotting a new blemish can put a damper on anyone's day, but not every skin bump is a pimple.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is caused by blocked pores that become infected by bacteria. There are plenty of skin conditions that mimic the look and feel of acne.

Insider consulted with dermatologists and doctors to identify a few of the most-common skin bumps that may masquerade as pimples, but are actually something totally different.

Milia can look like whiteheads.

They're not quite the same.Shutterstock

Rosacea can cause red patches and bumps on the skin.

This means the skin is very sensitive.Lipowski Milan/Shutterstock

Periorificial dermatitis can cause “breakouts” around the nose and mouth.

It can be caused by the use of steroids.Nau Nau/Shutterstock

It’s easy to mistake folliculitis for body acne.

Showering after you exercise can help.Shutterstock

Sebaceous hyperplasia can look like large pimples.

They can appear on the scalp.Shutterstock

Molluscum contagiosum can cause doughnut-shaped bumps on the skin.

They look just like pimples.Shutterstock/ Lukassek

Keratosis pilaris can cause small bumps on the skin.

Keratosis pilaris can be a genetic condition.Shutterstock

Your pimples might be an allergic reaction.

Your makeup could be to blame.Sarah Schmalbruch/INSIDER

Chickenpox can cause a rash that looks surprisingly like acne.

Chickenpox causes a blister-like rash on the skin.Shutterstock

Staph infections can mimic acne.

They can be painful.Shutterstock/Wendy Townrow

Monkeypox is contagious and can involve painful pus-filled lesions.

Monkeypox lesions can look different.UK HSA

Some types of skin cancer can look like pimples.

You should be checked often.Joe Raedle/Getty

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