little white bump on elbow

i have a little white bump on my elbow that has appeared and its hard and tender it looks red around it. what could it be and should i try to pop it.


This discussion is related to Small white bumps on arm.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From your symptoms some possibilities need to be ruled out and these include contact dermatitis, frictional lichenoid dermatitis or dermatitis herpetiformis. Typical symptoms of dermatitis herpetiformis include burning, stinging, and intense itching and rash consists of small vesicles on the extensor aspects like the elbows and knees. It is an autoimmune blistering disorder associated with a gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Investigation which needs to be done is biopsy skin which is the only investigation to diagnose this condition.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.