Common Skin Growths

Seborrheic Keratoses

What are seborrheic keratoses?

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a common, non-cancerous growth of the skin. The term “benign” indicates that it is not cancerous.

SK typically occurs in individuals over the age of 50, but younger people can also develop it. These growths may resemble something adhering to the skin. They can appear in shades of light tan, brown, or black. Distinguishing between normal skin and the growth is usually straightforward. Sometimes, these growths have a scaly appearance.

Individuals may have one or multiple of these growths. When there are several, they are referred to as “seborrheic keratoses.”

What are symptoms of seborrheic keratoses?

SK lesions are usually asymptomatic, but they may cause itching. They tend to occur most frequently on specific areas of the body, such as the trunk (chest, abdomen, and back) and face.

Testing for seborrheic keratoses

A medical professional will examine your skin to determine if you have SKs by observing any skin changes and palpating them. If the medical professional is uncertain whether a skin growth is an SK, they may perform a “biopsy.” During a biopsy, a medical professional will either take a small sample of the growth or remove the entire growth. Another medical professional will then examine the tissue under a microscope to check for skin cancer.

The medical professional may also perform a “dermoscopy” test. In this test, they will examine the skin with a small microscope that has a light on it. The medical professional will hold this over the area with skin changes. The microscope and light help the medical professional see under the skin, which can help determine if a spot is an SK or something else.

How are seborrheic keratoses treated?

While most people with seborrheic keratoses (SK) do not require treatment, a dermatologist can remove them if they are bothersome or unsightly. The following are some common methods used to remove SK:

• Cryotherapy: This involves using liquid nitrogen, which is a very cold liquid, to freeze the SK. It may leave an area of lighter skin where the SK was.

• Excision: A doctor or nurse can remove the SK after numbing the skin using a scalpel or other small tool. They might then freeze the SK with liquid nitrogen to get rid of abnormal tissue under it.

• Electrosurgery: The doctor can use electricity to burn away the SK after numbing the skin. They might take off the SK first with a scalpel or other small tool, and then use electricity to get rid of abnormal tissue under it.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition where the glands in your skin that produce oil become enlarged and form small, flesh-colored to yellow bumps on the face of adults. These bumps can look like other skin conditions such as basal cell carcinomas or even molluscum contagiosum. Sebaceous hyperplasia is more common in men and in patients who have had organ transplants.

Treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia is mainly for cosmetic purposes and includes cryotherapy, curettage, and laser therapy. Cryotherapy involves freezing the bumps, curettage involves scraping them off, and laser therapy involves using a laser to remove them. 

Ephilides (Freckles)

Ephilides, also known as freckles, are small, dark spots that appear on the skin of people with fair skin, especially redheads and blonds, after being exposed to the sun. They tend to get darker in the summer and lighter in the winter. If you have a lot of freckles, it could mean that you have spent too much time in the sun and you might be at risk of getting skin cancer.

Freckles are usually harmless and don’t need any treatment. But if you want to lighten them for cosmetic reasons, you can use bleaching creams, chemical peels, or cryotherapy.

Lentigines (Liver spots)

Lentigines, also known as liver spots, are small, brown patches that appear on the skin of people with fair skin after being exposed to the sun. They can look like moles and are usually found on the face, neck, upper trunk, forearms, and hands. Lentigines are harmless, but they can sometimes turn into a type of skin cancer called lentigo maligna. If you notice any changes in a lentigo, such as rapid growth, change in color or surface contour, you should see a doctor. Lentigines can be caused by too much sun exposure and can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Treatment for lentigines is mainly for cosmetic reasons. Options include cryotherapy, chemical peels, laser therapy, and bleaching creams containing hydroquinone.

Cherry angioma

Cherry angiomas are small, red growths that appear on the skin of adults. They are harmless and usually appear on the trunk and proximal extremities. They can bleed if injured but do not require treatment. Laser therapy is an option if you want to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

Dermatofibromas

Dermatofibromas are small, firm bumps that are usually found on the arms or legs. They are harmless and usually don’t cause any symptoms. If they do, you can treat them with corticosteroids or simple excision.

Epidermal Inclusion Cysts

Epidermal inclusion cysts (EICs) are small, firm, flesh-colored bumps that can appear on the face or upper body of adults. They have a tiny hole in the center, which is where the cyst comes from. EICs happen when some skin cells get stuck under the skin and mix with dirt and oil. On the scalp, EICs are called pilar cysts or trichilemmal cysts and can be identified by looking at them under a microscope. Sometimes, people who have many EICs also have other skin or health problems.

If an EIC doesn’t break open, it doesn’t need any special treatment. But if it does break open, it can get infected and cause pain and swelling. In that case, a doctor might need to drain it and give you medicine to help it heal. If you have a lot of EICs, your doctor might want to check if you have any other health problems that could be causing them.

Milia

Milia are small, white or yellow bumps that can appear on the faces of women and newborns. They don’t usually cause any pain or discomfort. Milia happen when some skin cells get stuck under the skin and mix with dirt and oil. Sometimes, people who have other skin problems can also get milia.

If someone wants to remove milia, they can go to a doctor who can make a small cut in the skin and take out the milia. Sometimes, a special cream called tretinoin can help to treat and prevent milia.

Pyogenic Granulomas

Pyogenic granulomas are small, red bumps that can appear on the fingers, face, and lips. They can bleed easily and might look scary, but they’re not dangerous. Pyogenic granulomas happen when the skin reacts to an injury or irritation. They can also happen during pregnancy. If someone wants to remove a pyogenic granuloma, they can go to a doctor who can use different methods like cutting it out or using a laser. But sometimes, pyogenic granulomas can come back even after they’re removed.