Dermatofibromas
Dermatofibromas commonly develop on the arms and legs of adults between 20 and 50. Also called histiocytomas, these brown-, red-, or purple-colored hardened skin lumps are generally benign, although some itch and/or feel tender to the touch.
Most patients with dermatofibroma don't need medical treatment. However, changes in the color or size of the growths can signify more serious health issues, making it important to notify your dermatologist. To remove dermatofibroma, surgical excision (or cryotherapy), which involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen, is a common procedure.
Epidermoid Cysts (Sebaceous Cysts)
Epidermoid cysts, commonly called sebaceous cysts, are small, round bumps usually found on the back, face, genitals, neck, and torso. Considered benign skin tumors, the cysts originate from clogged hair follicles, often caused by severe acne or injuries penetrating the skin. If the skin covering the cysts breaks, the growths release a cheese-like discharge and become red and painful to the touch when infected.
A common treatment for cysts involves removing the discharge and cyst sac, or capsule, to prevent a recurrence. A dermatologist may also prescribe antibiotics to treat an underlying skin infection. Furthermore, an experienced Boardman dermatologist may suggest laser surgery to treat sebaceous cysts on sensitive areas, such as the face.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles. While a bacterial or fungal infection is the common cause, the condition may also stem from chemical or physical irritation to the follicles. Small red bumps at the site of the inflamed follicles are the primary symptom, along with tender, itchy, or burning skin. Patients with compromised immune systems, diabetes, or obesity have higher incidence rates of folliculitis.
If the folliculitis spreads or the related pain increases, contact Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center. To effectively treat folliculitis, a dermatologist will often focus on eliminating its trigger, along with prescribing antifungal medications, oral antibiotics, and topical antibiotics.
Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthoma (KA) is an abnormal yet benign growth of hair cells. Keratoacanthomas are common in the elderly and people who have extended sun exposure. A KA growth is red with a dome-shaped perimeter and a cratered center. Most growths form rapidly and are found on the arms, hands, face, and torso.
Treatments for keratoacanthoma include cryotherapy — freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen — and curettage — surgical removal by cutting out or scraping off the growth. Your dermatologist will determine the best treatment method.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is small but rough white or red bumps that usually form on the upper arms, buttocks, and thighs. While the bumps don't itch or hurt, they can have an aesthetic impact on a patient. Cases tend to worsen during winter and when humidity levels are low, causing the skin to dry out. Keratosis pilaris is thought to be genetic, and patients often have a parent with this condition.
Because keratosis pilaris often disappears by age 30, the condition usually doesn't require medical treatment. Instead, your dermatologist may suggest intensive moisturizers to help reduce the roughness, while more severe cases may require medicated creams with urea or alpha-hydroxy acids.
Lipomas
Lipomas are soft, fatty tissue nodules frequently found on the neck, shoulders, and torso. The nodules are slow-growing and painless unless the growths put pressure on a nearby nerve. Lipomas can develop individually or in multiples and are genetic. They're usually benign and are the most common form of tumors.
Treatment is usually unnecessary unless a lipoma compresses surrounding nerves and/or tissue. If treatment is needed, your dermatologist may surgically remove the nodule or use steroids to shrink the size.
Molluscum Contagiosum
A common skin condition, molluscum contagiosum, is caused by a highly-contagious virus. Symptoms generally include small flesh-colored or pink bumps on the skin except on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. School-aged children often develop this condition from skin-to-skin contact or by sharing a contaminated object, such as clothing or towels. The bumps appear in groups ranging from several to hundreds and appear up to six weeks after exposure to the virus.
Molluscum contagiosum can spread on an individual’s body through scratching or if the affected area comes into contact with another body part. While this condition frequently clears on its own, your dermatologist may use a combination of treatments, such as curettage and topical medications.
Neurofibromas
Similar to lipomas, neurofibromas are soft, fleshy nerve tumors under the skin that are generally benign and painless. Some patients may experience occasional numbness and/or pain as the growth presses on a nerve and should seek medical attention if this occurs.
Diagnosis is based on a physical examination, review of your medical history, and/or CT or MRI scan. Neurofibromas are usually only treated if the growth affects a nerve, and most don't recur after removal.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Often mistaken for a pre-cancerous growth or wart, seborrheic keratosis is a benign growth generally seen in middle-aged or elderly people. Most patients develop several seborrheic keratoses, which are tan or brown and appear on any body part, commonly the back, chest, face, and torso. This condition is genetic and is not contagious.
A seborrheic keratosis is usually diagnosed through a physical examination from your Boardman dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center. However, the growth may be biopsied to distinguish it from skin cancer.
Skin Cysts
Skin cysts are common and appear anywhere on the body. These cysts are closed pockets of tissue filled with fluid or pus and are benign. Skin cysts are usually smooth and may feel like a pea under the skin. They can develop for many reasons, including after an infection or around foreign bodies, such as piercings.
Treatment is rarely needed for skin cysts but may be required if the skin cyst becomes infected, inflamed, or produces another concern. Your dermatologist may drain the cyst or use a cortisone injection to shrink the cyst’s size. Schedule an appointment for skin cyst treatment with our dermatologists.
Warts
Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts are classified as one of five types — common, filiform, flat, periungual, and plantar (foot). Warts are generally painless and benign but are contagious and can be unappealing for some patients. Most people develop at least one wart during their lifetime, and HPV is spread from skin-to-skin contact with a wart or by sharing an infected item, such as a towel.
Many warts resolve without medical treatment over several months after its first appearance. Your dermatologist may use in-office and at-home methods to effectively treat warts. If you are concerned about a wart or if it has not resolved on its own, contact Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center to schedule an appointment for treatment.
Cherry Angioma
Cherry angiomas are common skin growths that can develop almost anywhere on the body. Cherry angiomas are commonly known as red moles, senile angiomas, or Campbell de Morgan spots. These growths are typically found on those 30 or older. Cherry angiomas appear red due to their collection of small blood vessels under the skin.
Cherry angiomas are often bright red, circular, or oval in shape and small. This type of skin growth is not typically a cause for concern. However, it may be concerning if a cherry angioma bleeds or changes in size, shape, or color. If changes occur, consult your dermatologist in Boardman, OH, as these may indicate skin cancer.
Dilated Pore Of Winer
A dilated pore of Winer is a common, enlarged skin growth that develops at the hair follicle, where hair grows. This giant blackhead pimple (comedo) can occur anywhere on skin that contains hair follicles, but it is most commonly found on the head, neck, and torso. Dilated pores of Winer can affect anyone but generally affect adults and the elderly.
A dilated pore of Winer can range from a few millimeters to more than a centimeter in diameter. While blackheads and a dilated pore of Winer form due to clogged pores, a dilated pore of Winer is much larger. These growths are noncancerous, cannot be spread, and pose no threat to overall health.
Keloid Scars
When the skin sustains an injury, scar tissue grows over the wound to protect and repair the damage. In some cases, extra scar tissue can grow and form a smooth, hardened growth known as a keloid, which may grow much larger than the original wound’s size. This type of scar can form anywhere on the skin-covered body.
Keloid scars can be flesh-colored, pink, or red and feature a raised, lumpy, or rigid appearance with an itchy patch on the skin. While these scars can be itchy and irritating, they typically are not harmful to your general health or dangerous. If they grow large enough, however, these scars can restrict movement and cause discomfort.
Moles
Moles, or nevi, are the most common type of skin growth. Skin moles form clustering melanocytes, the skin’s pigment-producing cells. Moles can appear brown, black, blue, pink, or skin-colored, and they are typically flat, but they may appear raised as well. Some people are born with moles, but moles may develop during childhood or later in life.
Certain genetic factors may dictate the number of moles you have, but it may also depend on environmental factors, such as sun exposure. Having numerous moles may be among the most significant predictors of skin cancer. Most moles are harmless, but some moles may develop into cancer. Schedule a skin examination with our dermatologists today.