What is That Growth on My Skin?

Your skin is an important factor in your daily life, responsible for many of your feelings of comfort or discomfort. For this reason, it can be alarming to notice growths on skin, whether they are completely new or an older mark that has changed slightly. To rule out serious conditions like skin cancer or even melanoma, it is recommended that anyone who notices a change in their visit a local dermatologist clinic. However, there’s no reason to fear: many growths on skin are perfectly benign. Read on to learn about some of these common growths.

Dermatofibromas
According to John Hopkins Medicine, this condition takes the firm of small, firm, red or brown bumps, often on the legs. The bumps are caused by an accumulation of fibroblasts, the soft tissue cells under the skin. Dermatofibromas can sometimes become itchy or painful, in which case it can be removed by a dermatologist.

Dermoid Cysts
This type of benign tumor is often composed of hairs, sweat glands and sebaceous glands, but some internal dermoid tumors may even contain cartilage, bone fragments and teeth. They can be removed by a dermatologist specialist for cosmetic reasons.

Keloids
Keloids are smooth, firm, raised fibrous growths on the skin that form on the site of a wound. They are more common in African Americans and other groups with dark skin tones. Unfortunately, keloids respond poorly to most treatments, although injections of corticosteroid drugs may help to flatten them. Other approaches can include surgery or silicone patches to further flatten the keloids.

Pyrogenic Granulomas
Like keloids, these red, brown, or bluish-black raised marks usually form after an injury to the skin. However, this condition is caused by excessive growth of capillaries, a type of small blood vessel, and swelling. Some pyrogenic granulomas disappear without treatment, but this growth on skin can also be removed with surgery. A biopsy may also be needed to check for skin cancer.

Do you have one of these growths on your skin? Or are your symptoms different? Whatever the case, make sure to head to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist soon to have your condition officially diagnosed and make sure you don’t have a serious issue, like skin cancer.