Skip to content 
They often:
- Appear suddenly
- Move to different locations
- Itch intensely
- Fade within hours or days
7. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that frequently affects the knees.
Signs include:
- Thick, raised plaques
- Silvery scales
- Dry skin
- Itching or soreness
What You Can Do While Waiting for Your Appointment
If the bumps are not severe, these simple measures may help:
- Keep the area clean with mild soap and water.
- Avoid scratching, which can increase irritation or lead to infection.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing.
- Apply a cool compress for itching or swelling.
- Use an unscented moisturizer if the skin feels dry.
- An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help relieve mild itching (unless the bumps appear infected).
- If itching is caused by an allergic reaction, an over-the-counter antihistamine may provide relief. Follow the label directions or ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Avoid These Mistakes
Until you know the cause, try not to:
- Pop or squeeze the bumps.
- Use harsh alcohol or hydrogen peroxide repeatedly.
- Scratch the area.
- Apply multiple creams at the same time without knowing the cause.
Watch for These Symptoms
Pay attention to whether the bumps:
- Increase in size
- Become painful
- Fill with pus
- Spread to other areas
- Become warm to the touch
- Develop blisters
- Bleed easily
Taking clear photos every day can help you track changes and show your healthcare provider.
When You Should Seek Medical Care Sooner
Don’t wait for your scheduled appointment if you develop:
- Fever
- Rapidly spreading redness
- Severe pain
- Significant swelling
- Pus draining from the bumps
- Difficulty walking because of pain
- Trouble breathing or swelling of the face or lips (which may indicate a severe allergic reaction)
These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.
How Doctors Diagnose the Cause
Your healthcare provider may diagnose the condition through:
- A physical examination
- Questions about recent exposures or allergies
- Your medical history
- Occasionally, a skin scraping, swab, blood test, or biopsy if needed
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause and may include moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, antibiotics, antifungal medications, antihistamines, or other therapies.
The Bottom Line
Raised bumps near the knees are often caused by relatively common conditions such as folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, eczema, allergic reactions, or insect bites. Most are not medical emergencies, but monitoring the bumps closely and practicing gentle skin care is important while waiting for your appointment.
If the bumps worsen quickly, become painful, show signs of infection, or are accompanied by fever or difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately rather than waiting for your scheduled visit.