Painful Skin Bumps in Children

There are a few relatively common skin lesions that are painful or tender in children. Probably the most common cause of a painful bump in a child during the summer months is an insect bite reaction. Bees, wasps, hornets, and also spiders can cause acutely painful skin lesions. Bacterial infection of the skin can cause a boil (furunculosis). A larger and deeper infection is called an abscess. An abscess needs immediate medical attention. Localized to the margin of the eyelid is a painful inflammation known as a stye. At the lips, and other areas on the face, painful blisters are typical of herpes simplex. Recurring painful blisters on the face or another location are always suspicious for recurring herpes simplex. Warts typically are not painful, but sometimes they get bumped or banged and become painful.