Overview

We all get lumps, bumps and marks on our skin that may concern us. But, whilst it can be worrying to find a new lump or mark, most of the time these are completely harmless.

Lumps, bumps, and marks may be caused by several things. These include a superficial injury to the skin but may also be part of the natural ageing process. Some of these are present since birth and others develop later in life. 

Most moles and red marks on our skin are not harmful and therefore do not need any treatment. However, if you notice a new bump, a change to a mole or a red mark appears on your skin, then it is a good idea to speak to one of our dermatologists. As skin experts, they will be able to examine your skin, put your mind at ease and suggest any treatments, if needed.

Here are some of the more common benign (non-malignant/non-cancerous) lumps and bumps found on the skin.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Introduction

Seborrheic keratoses are benign/non-cancerous growths on the skin, which appear raised, can be dry or crusted and can become itchy or uncomfortable. They are often a brownish color and may therefore be confused with moles but can vary in color from a light tan to black. They may occur on their own or in clusters, and their size can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. 

The good news is that they are not infectious, they never turn malignant (cancerous) and can be removed for cosmetic reasons.

Statistics

Seborrheic keratoses are extremely common. Over 90% of adults over the age of 60 have one or more, and are, therefore, considered a sign of skin ageing. They occur in males and females of all races, typically beginning to erupt in the 30s or 40s and they are uncommon under the age of 20. They also tend to run in families. 

Diagnosis

After a careful physical examination, your dermatologist can diagnose these very easily. 

Treatment 

Seborrheic keratoses are usually only removed for cosmetic reasons, or if they become irritated or uncomfortable. If you choose to have them removed, this can be done easily and quickly through cryotherapy, where they are frozen, or by scraping them off under a local anesthetic (known as curettage). Our dermatologists will explain these treatment options during your consultation and recommend the best approach for your case.

Dermatofibroma

Introduction

A dermatofibroma is an overgrowth of the fibrous tissue within the dermis (the deeper of the two main layers of the skin). They can be considered fibrous knots. They are also known as histiocytomas. Their cause is not clear; however, they often seem to appear after a minor injury to the skin or an insect bite.

They look like a pea-sized lumps just below the top layers of the skin and are quite firm to the touch, but not painful. They are usually brown in color but may have a darker rim around them and be slightly lighter in the middle. They are sometimes mistaken for moles or melanoma, but the good news is that they are harmless and require no treatment unless they start growing or changing. 

Statistics

Dermatofibromas are most common in adults, particularly women, and usually appear on the arms or legs. People of every ethnicity can develop dermatofibromas. 

Diagnosis

Dermatofibromas are not cancerous, and usually require no treatment. However, if you find a new growth on your skin it is always a good idea to talk to one of our dermatologists to put your mind at rest. Their diagnosis is usually made during a physical examination. 

Treatment

Dermatofibromas may go away on their own, so treatment is rarely needed. However, if they are changing, if they are at a site where they become irritated or if you find them unsightly, then you may choose to have them removed. Removal is a simple procedure done under a local anesthetic. If you wish to have them removed, you may be left with a scar.