Skin Growths & Lesions
Acrochordon
Skin Tags
Skin tags (acrochordons) are a common, benign type of growth that appears on the surface of the skin, often hanging by a stalk.
They vary in size, growing as large as 5 cm and they frequently appear in skin folds of the armpits, neck, belly, and groin. Skin tags appear more often in those who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. Although harmless, they resemble other growths, such as seborrheic keratoses, warts, or molluscum contagiosum, and your doctor may want to examine them closely to rule out such conditions. Exact cause is not known, but skin tags may result from skin that rubs against other skin, high levels of growth hormones, or insulin resistance.
Cherry Angiomas
Senile Angiomas, Campbell de Morgan Spots
Cherry angiomas are small, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths made up of clusters of tiny blood vessels.
As groups of blood vessels, this gives them their red or bright cherry-like color and are one of the most common types of vascular skin lesions. Cherry angiomas are harmless and don't recquire any treatment unless they bleed, become irritated, or are a cosmetic concern.
Their appearance is smooth, dome-shaped, or slightly raised growths ranging in size from a pinpoint to a few millimeters in diameter. Usually bright red, they can also appear as purple or dark blue they age.
Contributing factors
- Typically appear in people over age 30 and become more common with age.
- Family history increases the likelihood of development.
- Can sometimes appear during hormonal changes during pregnancy.
- Potential link to chemical exposures
Even though cherry angiomas are generally harmless and a natural part of aging, if you notice any sudden growth or changes in size, shape, or color, or it becomes painful or bleeds frequently—consult your dermatologist.
Dermatofibromas
Dermatofibromas are firm bumps, or nodules, that form in the deep layers of the skin.
They can appear pink or dull red, or can resemble a mole (nevi). They are usually small, about a quarter-inch to half-inch wide, but can grow to be over an inch in diameter. When pinched, dermatofibromas tend to create a dimple on the skin where the nodule attaches to the upper layers of the skin.
They are common and tend to occur in response to an injury, even minor events like an insect bite. This makes them more likely to appear on the arms and legs.
Dermatofibromas may persist for years, but since they are benign lesions, they can be left alone without treatment. If their prescense is bothersome, such as making it difficult to shave, they can be removed or shrunken with surgery or cryotherapy (freezing).
Milia
Milia are small, white or yellowish, dome-shaped bumps that commonly appear on the skin.
They form when keratin (a protein found in skin cells) becomes trapped beneath the skin surface, this can happen from blocked sweat ducts or pores, skin trauma such as burns or rashes, clogging pores with heavy skincare products, or as skin ages and natural exfoliation slows down. Their appearance is tiny, hard, white or yellowish bumps often resembling small pearls typically 1-2 mm in diameter commonly found on the face, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead, but they can occur anywhere on the body. Milia are harmless, non-inflammatory, and do not cause pain or discomfort.
Types
- Primary Milia - Develop spontaneously and are common in newborns (often called "baby acne", but not related to acne).
- Secondary Milia - Occur as a result of skin damage, such as from burns, blisters, or prolonged sun exposure.
Milia often resolve on their own, particularly in newborns, but adults can seek treatment from their doctor for help.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum Contagiosum is an infection caused by a poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum virus). The result of the infection is usually a benign, mild skin disease characterized by lesions (growths) that may appear anywhere on the body.
The lesions, known as Mollusca, are small, raised, and usually white, pink, or flesh-colored with a dimple or pit in the center. They often have a pearly appearance and are usually smooth and firm. In most people, the lesions range from about the size of a pinhead to as large as a pencil eraser (2-5mm in diameter). They may become itchy, sore, red, and/or swollen.
Affected areas
Mollusca may appear alone or in groups, and can occur anywhere on the body including:
- Face
- Neck
- Arms
- Legs
- Abdomen
- Genital area
The lesions are rarely found on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
Risk factors
The disease is common enough that you shouldn't be surprised if you see someone with it or if someone in your family becomes infected. Although not limited to children, it is most common in children 1 to 10 years of age.
- People with weakened immune systems (i.e. HIV-infected persons or persons being treated for cancer) are at higher risk for getting and their growths may look different, be larger, or be more difficult to treat.
- Atopic Dermatitis may also be a risk factor for getting it due to frequent breaks in the skin. People with condition also may be more likely to spread molluscum contagiousm to other parts of their body for same reason.
- People who live in warm, humid climates where living conditions are crowded.
Transmission
The virus that causes molluscum spreads from direct person-to-person contact and through contaminated fomites including linens such as clothing, towels, bathing sponges, pool equipment, and toys.
Someone with molluscum can spread it to other parts of their body by touching or scratching a lesions and then touching their body somewhere else. This is called autoinoculation. Shaving and electrolysis can also spread mollusca to other parts of the body.
Molluscum can spread from one person to another by sexual contact, many (but not all) cases in adults are caused by this.
The virus remains in the top layer of skin (epidermis) and does not circulate throughout the body; therefore, it cannot be spread through coughing or sneezing. Since living on the epidermis, once the lesions are gone, the virus is gone and you can no longer spread it to others.
Long term effects
Recovery from one molluscum infection does not prevent future infections. Molluscum contagiosum is not like herpes viruses, which can remain dormant in your body for long periods and then reappear. If you get new molluscum contagiosum lesions after you are cured, it means you have come in contact with an infected person or object again.
The lesions caused by molluscum are usually benign and resolve without scarring, however, scratching at the lesion, or using scraping and scooping to remove the lesion can. For this reason, physically removing the lesion is not often recommended in otherwise healthy individuals.
The most common complication is a secondary infection caused by bacteria, this may be a significant problem in immunocompromised patients.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratoses are benign, dark skin growths that typically appear in adulthood.
Though they can grow rapidly and become quite large, they are noncancerous. These growths are not related to sun damage, can be found on both covered and uncovered areas of the skin, and often runs in families.
Initially, seborrheic keratoses present as slightly raised, light brown spots that gradually evolve into darker, thicker lesions with a rough, warty texture. The cause of them are unknown and usually an individual who has one, is likely to develop more over time.
They can occur anywhere on the body, with common sites being the head, neck, chest, and back.
Even though typically harmless, people often choose to their seborrheic keratoses removed due to the growth becoming unsightly, itchy, or irritated from friction with clothing.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a benign skin condition causing small, yellow, or flesh-colored bumps to appear on the nose, forehead, and/or cheeks.
This condition is characterized by the enlargement of sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum (oil) that lubricates the skin. Although they are commonly seen on the face, it is possible for them to appear anywhere sebaceous glands are present. They are smooth to the touch and are not painful.
Common factors
- Aging - It is more common in middle-aged and older adults, as sebaceous gland activity changes with age.
- Hormonal changes - Hormonal imbalances can stimulate sebaceous gland activity.
- Genetics - A family history of sebaceous hyperplasia increases the likelihood of developing it.
- Skin type - People with oily skin may be more prone to this condition.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless, but your doctor will want to inspect the bumps closely to rule out other skin conditions.
Warts
Warts are growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
They are very common, particularly in school-age children and can spread by direct contact to other parts of the body, or to others. They are painless unless they appear on the soles of the feet.
It can take up to 12 months for the growth to appear after the initial infection. Over time, the skin may develop small bumps and become thicker, with a potential change in color. Some warts may resolve without treatment—children often see them disappear within 2 years, while in adults, it could take 5 to 7 years.
Types
- Common warts (verruca vulgaris) - Can appear anywhere on dry skin, are more commonly seen on hands, & can appear in clusters.
- Flat warts - Often seen on the face or legs, are smaller & usually difficult to see.
- Plantar warts (foot warts) - Located on soles of the feet, weight of the body pushes them into deeper tissue which can make them painful.
Warts do have a tendency to return, so repeated treatments may be necessary. For warts that are widespread, don't respond to standard treatments, or keep returning, we do have additional treatment options.