To thoroughly take care of your skin, be sure to examine your entire body regularly for any abnormalities. You may have had birthmarks or other blemishes on your body for as long as you can remember. However, new or changing skin conditions can be indicative of a problem. Your best chance of eliminating an issue is early treatment.
To help you identify your skin condition, we’ve compiled a list of common skin growths:
Moles – Moles protrude from your skin. They’re typically brown or black. Many moles form before the age of 30 and can slowing evolve over time. You may have singular moles or moles that appeared in bunches. Moles can be removed for either medical or cosmetic purposes.
Freckles – Freckles are extremely common! They do not protrude but appear as dark spots on your skin. Especially fair-skinned patients develop freckles on the face, shoulders, and arms. Typically, they become darker during sunnier months. Freckles are not usually a cause for concern and do not need to be removed. However, freckles are indicative of frequent sun exposure. Keep an eye out for skin cancer warning signs.
Skin tags – Skin tags also protrude from your skin but are more like flaps than bumps. They’re the same color as your natural skin and often grown in your armpit, under your breasts, or in your groin area as you grow older. Typically, they do not pose a threat to your health but can be removed for cosmetic purposes.
Lentigines – Lentigines do not typically protrude from your skin. Like freckles, they are dark spots that appear as a result of sun damage. They do not always but could lead to skin cancer. A lentigo can be eliminated with topical medication or laser therapy.
Seborrheic keratoses – Seborrheic keratoses protrude from the skin. They are brown or black and may develop on your chest or back as you age. Unfortunately, there is no known cause for seborrheic keratoses, but they’re typically harmless.
Scheduling a consultation with your dermatologist is the only way to be sure whether or not your skin growth indicates a harmful medical condition. We’d be happy to help you figure it out!
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