Common Skin Growths

Benign growths often have a wart-like appearance. They are typically scaly, brown and often somewhat greasy. They vary in size and thickness and often appear to be stuck onto the skin surface. They most often appear in middle aged adults and the elderly. Their cause is unknown, but a genetic predisposition may be present in some families.

There are many types of skin growths the most common are

• Dermatofibromas – small, firm, red or brown bumps caused by an accumulation of soft tissue cells under the skin. They often occur on the legs and may itch.
• Lipomas – round or oval lumps under the skin caused by fatty deposits. They are more common in women and tend to appear on the forearms, torso, and back of the neck.
• Skin tags – soft, small, flesh-colored skin flaps on the neck, armpits, or groin.
• Nevi – small skin marks caused by pigment-producing cells in the skin. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some contain hair.
• Dysplastic Nevi – larger than normal moles atypical moles are not always round. Atypical moles can be tan to dark brown, on a pink background. These types of moles occur anywhere on the body.
• Pyogenic granulomas – red, brown or bluish-black, raised marks caused by excessive growth of capillaries and swelling. They usually form after injury to the skin and bleed easily.
• Seborrheic keratosis – flesh-colored, brown, or black wart-like spots. More common in middle-aged and older people. They may be round or oval and look like they are stuck on the skin.

Treatment of these types of benign skin growths is usually not necessary unless growths are irritated or inflamed. However it is always smart to have a skin screening with one of our board certified dermatologist on an annual basis. Call us today at 847-459-6611 and schedule your appointment.