I noticed these hard lumps under my skin mostly along my jaw line. They aren't red or inflamed so they don't bother me as much but the fact they aren't going away does weird me out. I've had them for more than 3 months.
When I google it things come up saying it can be calcium deposits? I also remember reading a book how some products can make calcium deposits under the skin.
Am I going to have to go to a dermatologists and have them dissect it? I can't afford it.

They could be irritated lymph nodes. This can be caused by acne, I don't know how bad of a case you actually have. (looking at your Avatar it would appear as VERY mild) I had an inflamed lymph node, not on my face however, but on my right shoulder. I dislocated it when biking, BMX has given me more injuries then i can count on all fingers and toes =Þ. Anyway, i went to the doctor to have him check it out. He said that it was casued by my dislocation and the lymph node actually inflamed to help my healing process. (i tore 3 main tendons in my right shoulder and rotatory cuff) By the sounds of your description, your "bumps" aren't very large. Mine were not as well, and my doctor said they should reside over time, if large enough or if they are causing you pain/irritation, I think that dermatologists or doctor can inject cortisone. The price however, I don't know i only get cortisone for my allergic reaction to peanut oil... which seems to be put into everything these days, and they run about 75 dollars for 1.00 mg syringe style injection. They also use Epinephrine to give you a boost of adreneline which often times calms swelling due to in your case, swelling of a ???. Hope I could help, good luck, and keep us posted. =)

~ JBAR

it's not really inflamed [red or sore]. it looks like a giant black head under the skin and it's actually black in the center!
there used to be 2 of them but then it got to 4 if you can see.
http://i34.tinypic.com/2yn2xd1.jpg
it doesn't bother me but it is frightening to know i still have growths under my skin.

They look almost like a nodular acne. I've had some, and they stick around a long long time. They don't hurt, don't seem to grow, but when you start getting a group of them, it really makes the texture of the skin rough.

I've had a few removed from the derm, and also a few removed just from a doctor. One large one was where the cheek and the nose join, and it had been there for years. This was what made me decide to go see the derm. They were lanced and then drained. A smaller one just received a needle I think with cortizone. I still have one behind my ear (and no word of exaggeration) it has been there over ten years). Can't see it so didn't spend the bucks getting it removed. But it does bother me.. just knowing it's still there.

I did remove one on my chin area once. I was so frustrated. I had just finished waiting three months to have the derm remove a few others, and then a month after that appointment I got another one. I did the bad "squeeze" and of course nothing came out, but I kept at it for days. And finally a lot of this thick white (very stinky) serum came out. Funny thing.... it didn't leave a scar.

Have you tried squeezing it at all? (Not suggesting that you do, just curious if you have). If you have, was there any discharge? did it get worse? did it hurt at all?

I really think you need to see a Derm, because if it is nodular.. you don't want to be messing with that, and you want to catch it right away.

Hmm i don't know i personally hate going to the doctors and stuff but in your case you might want see a derm. I never once saw a derm or even consulted my doctor about my acne. It just kind of went away over time with the help of OXY CLEAR

I have one of those on my chin and it's driving me crazy. It's been there for about a month and it just stays there, not growing, nothing going away. The location is the worst to me. I tried squeezing it and nothing happened. It's definitely beneath the skin.
Anyone know of any treatment besides a derm extracting it? I don't have insurance for a derm. Maybe something that can get under the skin and penetrate it?

I know, sometimes It's hard to get to a derm, but a lot of doctors will do it to. I have had some success (without scarring) in removing cysts and nodules. I know you really are not suppose to, but sometimes you have no choice.

I'd dab a hot hot wash cloth on the zit. Pat it dry. Sterilize a needle. Wash your hands really good! Be brave and stick the needle in three or four times, and then lightly squeeze a few times. If only blood and a light liquid come ou then Stop for a while and put some sort of topical on it. Keep trying every few hours, and usually it will start to drain (often a white, mushy discharge). Might take a few days. It may not drain all at once so wait a day or so, and try squeezing it again, but not too hard! Keep doing this until it is gone. Make sure that each time you stop squeezing... put some sort of topical antibiotic on it.

Good luck!

Hey thanks! I may just have to try this. I will give it another little while but I'm starting to get desperate. That's a long process so I'm going to have to designate a weekend for that where I can hid haha cuz I bet it's not pretty.

oh ok, the way you described it is exactly how it is for me.
there is too much skin over these bumps for me to imagine ever getting in there without taking a razor blade! plus i'm sure it'll scar for me.
they seem to be getting darker so maybe the skin is finally lifting off it. but i'll keep on using my retin-a to see. thanks

I have the same problem, I have two in particular which are bothering me because I can feel them under my skin. I also think my skin is too thick for a needle to be put in and I the area is already pigmented so I dont want to worsen it.

I am thinking of using retin a for a few weeks to see if I can exfoliate it upwards but I dont know.

I used to get acne like that, but it cleared up when I went on birth control. Mine never had the black centers though... I'd definitely suggest you get it checked out by a reputable derm, because who knows what it is?