Bumps can appear on the elbow for various reasons, such as skin irritation, arthritis, eczema, or an injury.
Bumps on the elbows range in size from small to large, may be hard or soft, and may or may not be itchy or inflamed. If left untreated, underlying medical conditions such as arthritis can cause permanent tissue damage.
This article covers possible causes of elbow bumps, from common to rare. It also discusses symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
The following skin conditions may cause elbow bumps:
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema causes inflamed, itchy rashes on the skin. These rashes may appear as small raised bumps on the elbow.
Although eczema can affect any area of skin, it is common on the:
- inside of the arms or elbows
- behind the knees
- hands
- feet
- face
A combination of genetic and environmental factors can cause a person to develop eczema. Eczema can develop alongside food and respiratory allergies and asthma.
People with eczema have more sensitive skin, and the condition can flare up when they use certain products, especially those with fragrances.
The symptoms of eczema may include:
- dry and irritated skin
- itchy skin
- thick, leathery, scaly, or bumpy patches of skin
- dry and irritated eyelids and eye problems such as cataracts
There is currently no cure for eczema. However, doctors will primarily treat it with topical corticosteroids.
Learn more about remedies for eczema here.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition resulting from immune dysregulation that causes chronic skin inflammation.
People typically develop symptoms on the:
- elbows
- knees
- lower back
- face
- scalp
People with plaque psoriasis develop discolored, scaly plaques on different body parts. In addition, they may also have the following symptoms:
- discolored patches in the folds of the body, known as inverse psoriasis
- pain or swelling of the joints, known as psoriatic arthritis
- pitting or other changes in the nails, known as nail psoriasis
- tiny bumps on the skin that are small and scaly, known as guttate psoriasis
- red, swollen skin with pus-filled bumps or brown dots, known as pustular psoriasis
- burnt-looking skin with symptoms of itching, fever, and chills, known as erythrodermic psoriasis, which can be life threatening
Find pictures of psoriasis.
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic autoimmune condition most common in people with light skin tones.
Genetic and environmental factors can cause dermatitis herpetiformis. Gluten is a
Dermatitis herpetiformis causes itchy, red, fluid-filled bumps on the skin on areas such as the:
- elbows
- knees
- buttocks
- lower back
- scalp
Often, only small scratches on the skin will be evident in these areas since the blisters are very fragile, and a person can destroy them easily by scratching.
A doctor can diagnose dermatitis herpetiformis by analyzing a skin sample for antibody proteins. Antibody proteins appear on areas of affected skin in 92% of people with the condition.
See the differences between dermatitis herpetiformis and eczema.
The following conditions affect the bones or muscles and may cause bumps on the elbow:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the
Osteoarthritis happens when cartilage degrades through wear and tear. Cartilage is the tissue found where two bones meet to form a joint. It acts as a cushion and provides lubrication for the joints. However, the repetitive use of joints over a lifetime can damage the cartilage, leading to joint pain and swelling.
Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage of the elbow becomes worn out.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- pain and stiffness in the joints
- tender or swollen joints
- decreased mobility
- crepitus, or the grinding or cracking sound when moving a joint
- weak muscles around a joint
- unstable joints
There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis. Treatment includes a variety of pain medications, including analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Learn more about elbow arthritis, including treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes painful swelling in the joints, including:
- elbows
- wrists
- fingers
- knees
- ankles
- toes
The symptoms of RA include:
- swelling, tenderness, or stiffness of the joints
- fatigue
- low grade fever
- firm lumps or nodules under the skin
- anemia or low red blood cell count
If a person does not receive treatment, inflammation can cause tissue damage and affect the shape of the joints. People who have RA can develop rheumatoid nodules, which are firm, round bumps under the skin.
There is currently no cure for RA. However, people can use medication and lifestyle changes such as exercise and physical therapy to reduce joint pain and swelling and to slow progression.
Learn more about how RA affects the body.
Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause severe joint pain. It affects different joints, usually one joint at a time. This includes the joints in the fingers, wrists, and elbow.
The cause of gout is a buildup of uric acid in the joints. Genetics may play a role in this process, but environmental factors may also. These include medications a person may take, their diet, and any other health conditions they may have.
The symptoms of gout include:
- red and hot swelling in the affected joint
- extreme pain
- white bumps known as “tophi”
Treatment to decrease swelling and pain often involves medications such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and the anti-inflammatory medication colchicine. It may also include lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet and exercising, which can help
Read about foods to eat and limit with gout.
The following sections describe conditions arising from soft tissue that may cause bumps on the elbow:
Lipoma
A lipoma is a soft, noncancerous fatty growth underneath the skin.
A doctor can usually identify a lipoma during a physical exam. The cause is not clear. However, doctors may associate lipomas with certain conditions, family history, or trauma. They can be small or grow to a considerable size.
There are different types of lipomas, such as conventional, atypical, fibrolipoma, angiolipoma, hibernoma, and others.
The symptoms of a lipoma include round, soft, and rubbery masses that should not be painful. If they are painful, it may be an angiolipoma.
Olecranon bursitis
Bursitis occurs when a fluid-filled sac in the elbow called the olecranon bursa becomes inflamed. People usually develop this condition in response to an infection or after an elbow injury.
It is often a treatable condition. However, if the area is infected and the person does not get timely treatment, it can lead to sepsis. In a 2017 study on olecranon bursitis in a military population, septic cases accounted for 24% of all cases.
Symptoms of olecranon bursitis include:
- swelling at the tip of the elbow
- a round, painless sac on the bony part of the elbow, also known as a swollen bursa
- warmth, pain, or swelling of the bursa, indicating inflammation or infection
If someone experiences signs of infection, such as pain over the bursa, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and fever, they should see a doctor.
An uninfected bursa will likely heal with rest and anti-inflammatory medication. A person can use elbow pads and reduce physical activities to limit pressure on the elbow joint and allow it to heal. To clear an infected bursa, a person will need to take antibiotics.
Olecranon fracture
An olecranon fracture occurs when the tip of the elbow, which is part of the ulna, breaks. The ulna is one of the three bones that form the elbow joint. This very painful fracture usually results from trauma.
This kind of fracture can be dangerous when the bones break in a way that makes them stick out of the skin or there is a deep wound. Doctors call this an open fracture, and it requires immediate treatment to avoid infection. About
The typical symptoms of an olecranon fracture are pain and swelling in the tip of the elbow. The swelling can appear as a lump. A person will not be able to extend the arm against gravity.
Additional symptoms may include:
- bruising
- numbness in the fingers of the affected hand
- joint instability
Treatment will involve immobilizing the elbow and, in some cases, surgery.
Malignant elbow tumor
Malignant or cancerous elbow tumors are rare, so doctors may be unfamiliar with them and may misdiagnose them. Noncancerous tumors are
The types of malignant tumors that may affect the elbow are:
The symptoms will vary depending on the type and size of the tumor. A person may experience the following symptoms:
- severe pain in the elbow bone
- fever
- anemia
- lump or swelling on the surface of the affected area
- night sweats
- a broken bone that
occurs without an injury - limited joint movement
Doctors may recommend chemotherapy and surgery to remove a cancerous tumor and save a person’s arm.
If a person has elbow bumps that cause pain or discomfort and make daily activities difficult, they should talk with a doctor. Fast-growing bumps may also be a cause for concern.
If the elbow bumps become hot and red, the person develops a fever or severe pain, or any other concerning symptoms, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Skin conditions, joint inflammation, and injuries can all cause bumps, lumps, or swelling on the elbow.
In many cases, bumps on the elbow are not serious and will resolve with home remedies and rest. If a person develops concerning symptoms or their elbow bumps get in the way of daily life, they should discuss their symptoms with a doctor.