Skin Growths

Skin growths are a general term for new skin changes that have not resolved. In the plainest terms, they are areas of the skin that look or feel different from the surrounding tissue. They may be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and can vary in color from flesh-toned to dark brown or even red. Growths can appear anywhere on the body and may be temporary or permanent. Some can appear, bleed or weep, scab, seemingly resolve, only to appear yet again. While many are completely harmless, some may require monitoring or removal if they change in appearance or cause discomfort.

There are many kinds of skin growths. Some of the most common include:

• Moles (nevi): Usually small, round, or oval spots that are brown, black, or flesh-colored. They may appear at birth or develop over time. Most are harmless, but changes in size, shape, or color may require evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist.
• Milia: Benign skin growth that often appears as tiny, white or yellowish bumps just under the surface of the skin. They can be mistaken for whiteheads, but unlike acne, milia are not caused by clogged pores or bacteria. Instead, they are small cysts made up of trapped keratin, a protein that helps form skin, hair, and nails.
• Skin tags: Soft, flesh-colored pieces of skin that often form on the neck, underarms, or eyelids. They are benign and common in adults, especially as people age.
• Seborrheic keratoses: Waxy, wart-like growths that appear stuck onto the skin. They are very common in older adults and are noncancerous.
• Warts: Caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts often appear on the hands, feet, and other areas of the body. They can spread through skin contact and may resolve on their own or require treatment.
• Cysts: Small sacs under the skin filled with fluid, keratin, or other material. They may become inflamed or infected, but are usually harmless.
• Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps beneath the skin. They are generally slow-growing and noncancerous.
• Actinic keratoses: Rough, scaly patches that develop in sun-exposed areas. These are considered precancerous and can potentially progress to skin cancer if untreated.
• Dermatofibromas: hard, raised bumps most often found on the arms, legs, and trunk, but they can appear anywhere on the body. One distinctive feature is the “dimple sign”: when the sides of the lesion are squeezed, the center of the dermatofibroma often dimples inward.

Most benign skin growths cause no symptoms other than their appearance. However, certain signs may indicate a need for medical attention:

• A mole or growth that changes in size, shape, or color
• Itching, pain, or tenderness in the area
• Bleeding or crusting that does not heal
• Rapid growth or a change in texture
• Irregular borders or multiple colors within one lesion

If you notice any of these warning signs, it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Joshua Freedman for evaluation.

The exact cause of skin growths varies depending on the type, but several common factors contribute:

• Genetics: Family history plays a role in the number and type of moles, skin tags, and other growths you may develop.
• Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the leading cause of actinic keratoses and a significant factor in the development of skin cancer.
• Age: Many benign growths, such as seborrheic keratoses and skin tags, become more common with age.
• Viruses: Certain viruses, such as HPV, cause warts.
• Hormones: Hormonal changes, including those during pregnancy, can trigger the development of skin tags or darkening of existing moles.
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, friction from clothing, or certain medical conditions may increase the likelihood of skin tags or cysts.

Skin growths affect people of all ages, genders, and skin types. However, some groups are more likely to experience them:

• Children and teenagers: Warts are more common due to higher exposure to viruses.
• In adults over 40, benign growths such as seborrheic keratoses, lipomas, and skin tags are frequently seen as people age.
• Fair-skinned individuals are more prone to actinic keratoses and other sun-related growths due to lower natural protection from UV radiation.
• People with a family history of unusual moles or skin cancer are at higher risk for concerning growths that require careful monitoring.