What are moles?
Moles vary in color, from flesh-tone to brown or black. Moles are usually fairly small and round. Moles increase during your first several decades, but in middle age and your senior years, they gradually dissipate.
Excessive sun exposure can cause new mole growth, regardless of your age. If your moles change in appearance, including color, borders, or size, schedule mole removal as quickly as possible. Melanoma can start inside moles and could be causing those changes.
What are the different types of skin bumps?
There are many kinds of common skin bumps, including:
Warts
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. Warts appear as skin bumps that grow nearly anywhere on your body. They can also appear as long flat pieces of skin. Warts are usually the result of exposure to human papillomavirus, and they can sometimes spread to others.
Dermatofibromas
Dermatofibromas are mistaken for mosquito bites, but they last longer. They're usually hard bumps in a variety of colors. They’re often painful and itchy.
Seborrhoeic Keratoses
This type of skin growth tends to happen as you age. Seborrhoeic keratoses are similar to warts in appearance, but they may look more scaly and can also grow bigger than most warts.
No matter which skin bump you’ve got, your provider at Advanced Dermatology can remove it if it makes you uncomfortable.
What is the difference between cysts and lipomas?
Cysts are round and are usually firm or semi-firm. If your cyst ruptures, the dead skin cells, hair, and fluids inside exit the area to leave your skin smooth again. Without surgical excision, the internal sac containing the cyst materials refills sooner or later.
Lipomas look similar to cysts but are often larger. Lipomas are very easy to manipulate when you touch them. Lipomas contain fat cells, and they're not dangerous. However, lipomas can appear in inconvenient areas and may be embarrassing or uncomfortable.
When should I see the doctor for skin growths?
If you have a new skin growth or if an existing skin growth changes shape, color, or has different borders, see the team at Advanced Dermatology promptly. You may need excision, like a mole removal, followed by testing.
Reach out for skin growth help at Advanced Dermatology now. The experienced medical team can remove most skin growths quickly, with no downtime needed. Use online booking or call Advanced Dermatology to schedule now.
