Gummas

Gummas are small, usually harmless growths that occur in the connective tissue under the skin, typically on the arms, legs, or torso. They can also appear on the face, particularly around the eyelids and lips. Gummas are a characteristic feature of the skin condition known as rheumatoid arthritis, although they can also occur in people without this condition.

In rheumatoid arthritis, gummas are one of the visible manifestations of the disease's inflammatory process. They are a result of the accumulation of casein, a protein, in the skin tissue. The exact cause of gummas is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response.

Gummas are usually small, painless growths that range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. They can appear as lumps or nodules under the skin and are often described as firm, rubbery, or doughy in texture. Gummas may change in size and number over time, and they can become tender to the touch when the underlying rheumatoid arthritis flares up.

In people without rheumatoid arthritis, gummas may be mistaken for other types of skin growths, such as wens or cysts. However, in most cases, gummas are not cause for concern and do not require treatment. They may be inflamed or tender as part of an unrelated skin condition or during an allergic reaction. Physicians may remove a gumma for diagnostic purposes to rule out other conditions that may be lurking beneath the surface.