Venous lakes are bluish, purplish, vascular papules that occur on sun exposed areas such as the ears and lips. They are a result of long-term sun exposure and sun damage. As they are harmless, no treatment is necessary. However, they can be treated or removed if bothersome or symptomatic. Categories Disclaimer: The information on this…
Skin tags are very common, benign, skin growths. They present as fleshy outgrowths of the skin, at times extending from a stalk or stem. They are frequently found in areas of high friction such as around the neck, in the axilla (armpits), or in the groin folds. They are usually flesh colored, but can also…
Seborrheic keratoses are very common skin growths that tend to develop with age. They are benign and not worrisome. These growths are commonly found on the head, neck, chest, or back, though they can appear anywhere on the body with the exception of the palms and soles. Seborrheic keratoses can be white, tan, brown, or…
Sebaceous hyperplasia are benign, non-worrisome, enlarged oil gland growths. They present as pinkish orange or yellow papules, sometimes with a central dell, most commonly found on the central face of middle aged or older people. Sebaceous hyperplasia can also be found on the chest, areola, mouth, or groin region. It is thought that they may…
Pyogenic granulomas are benign vascular growths that grow rapidly and frequently present as raised, red lesions that bleed with minor trauma. These lesions are most commonly found on the face or fingers, but can also develop on other parts of the skin or oral mucosa (lips or gums). Children, teenagers, young adults, and pregnant women…
A neurofibroma is a benign, non-cancerous, nerve tumor that presents as a soft, flesh colored, bump on or under the skin. It can occur in isolation as a non-worrisome skin growth or rarely, when numerous lesions are present, as an association with a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis. Most neurofibromas do not require treatment. Categories…
A mole, also known as a nevus (plural: nevi), is a very common skin growth. Moles develop as a result of clusters of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin. Although a mole can be present at birth (called a congenital nevus), most nevi appear during childhood and adolescence. Most people have between 10-40 moles.…
Lipomas are common fatty tumors that present as soft or rubbery, lumps or bumps underneath the skin that are easily moved. They can occur as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions (oftentimes occurring in families). Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body where fat tissue is present, but are most common on the trunk,…
A lentigo is a benign skin growth that resembles a freckle. It is usually a tan or brown spot that is flat or only slightly raised. It can vary in size and shape and can occur as a singular lesion or as multiple lesions (lentigines). Lentigines have been classified into several different types depending on…
Keloids are thick, firm, hard growths that occur as a result of excessive scar tissue formation. They differ from ordinary scars and hypertrophic scars in that the scar tissue extends and spreads beyond the original wound margin. Rarely, these growths can occur spontaneously, even without any preceding skin injury. Keloids are more common in darker…
An infantile hemangioma is a kind of vascular tumor made up of blood vessels, commonly referred to as a “strawberry birthmark.” The vascular tumor can be superficial (growing on the skin surface), appearing as a bright red, bumpy, lesion. It can also be deep (growing under the skin), presenting as a bluish lump. These vascular…
A hypertrophic scar is a thickened, raised, oftentimes pink or red scar. Hypertrophic scars can be symptomatic – causing burning, itching, or discomfort. These thickened, raised scars are more likely to occur in areas where there is significant tension on a healing wound; examples include the back, chest, shoulder, elbows, or knees. Though treatment is…