What are Skin Growths?

Skin growths are a benign condition that consists of a lump of tissue projecting out from surrounding skin. The most common skin growths are:

Moles: Moles are small skin marks caused by pigment producing cells in the skin. They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some contain hair. They may occur anywhere on the body. Most are dark brown or black, but some are flesh-colored, red or yellow. They can change in appearance over time. Some can develop into cancer. Benign moles are generally smaller than the size of a pencil eraser.

skin growths

Warts: Warts are a harmless skin growth caused the human papilloma virus. Warts can be spread to other parts of the body or to other people by contact. Warts are slow growing and range in appearance from papules and plaques to large, flowering cysts with tiny black dots. Warts can grow anywhere on the body. Warts are most common among children and young adults. There are five kinds of warts: 

  1. Common warts are rough, shaped like a dome, and gray-brown in color. They appear most often on the hands.
  2. Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet. They look like hard, thick patches of skin with dark specks and may be hidden beneath calluses. Plantar warts may cause pain when you walk. 
  3. Flat warts grow on the face, hands, arms or legs. They are normally smaller size of a pencil eraser, have flat tops, and can be pink, light brown or light yellow. 
  4. Filiform warts usually grow around the eyes, mouth, nose, or beard area. They are the same color as the skin and have growths that look like fingers or threads sticking out of them. 
  5. Periungual warts grow under and around the toenails and fingernails. They look like rough bumps with an uneven surface and border.

Skin tags: Skin tags are projections of smooth or irregular skin, flesh-colored or more deeply pigmented, projecting from surrounding skin, often connected by a narrow stalk to the surrounding skin. They often appear around the eyelids, neck, groin, underarms and under the breasts. They are usually painless, but may become irritated and itch.

What you need to know

Most skin growths are benign and harmless. However in some cases it’s important to determine if certain moles are benign or cancerous. Some benign growths can indicate a systemic condition, including hormonal disorders. Most benign growths do not require treatment unless they produce symptoms. A skin biopsy may be needed to evaluate lesions that have changed or that display characteristics of malignancy.

 

Do’s and Don’ts

Do…

  • Consult a doctor about removing any skin tags, warts or especially moles.
  • Consult a doctor if you notice any change in your skin growths, including increase in size, change in color, pain, bleeding, cracking or oozing.
  • Be careful treating warts with over-the-counter drugs, particularly genital warts, which are best treated by a doctor.
  • Keep the skin clean and moisturized.

Don’t…

  • Pick at moles, warts or skin lesions to prevent infecting the area and worsening the condition.
  • Get impatient. Home remedies can take days or weeks to work. Again, in most cases it’s best to consult a doctor.

Treatment Options

  • Cryosurgery
  • Dermabrasion
  • Desiccation

Results

Testimonials

David Shapiro (LuckyJuProductions)
David Shapiro (LuckyJuProductions)
09:09 09 Feb 23
Dr. Silva was phenomenal. Truly a wonderful experience. I felt understood as a patient and like my feelings mattered in how my treatment was approached.I'm grateful to have found Laser & Skin Surgery Center of Northern California. I know that part seems canned or copy and pasted, but it's not. I wanted to use the full name. And I guess I didn't find them, they were referred to me. And I'm grateful they were.
Wendy Campbell
Wendy Campbell
03:14 02 Feb 23
I had a Diamond Glow facial with Kayla. She was professional and friendly and made me feel immediately at ease. She explained the treatment and its benefits. I loved having my lips included as part of the treatment. My skin feels and looks amazing! Thank you, Kayla!!!
Piper Dellums
Piper Dellums
17:46 16 Sep 22
I have traveled the world and gone to the best of the best dermatology and skin care specialists from Beverly Hills to South Africa and Dr Alison S Kang at Laser and Skin is THE VERY BEST OF THE BEST!!! I would travel across state lines to be in her care. I feel seen, heard and leave feeling beautiful. The entire staff is so friendly and professional and the location is gorgeous. I couldn't recommend this medical facility enough. Thank you L&S. You've done it again.
Paula Gregory
Paula Gregory
22:45 26 Aug 22
I love love love Dr Chotzen. She always knows what’s best! I have total trust in her decisions on what is best for me:) she never pushes any services on me. I always leave there looking very natural…. Also, Gem at the back desk is one of my favorite people. She is very sweet and caring person and very knowledgeable!
Elizabeth Volosciuc
Elizabeth Volosciuc
18:00 21 Aug 22
I’ve been coming here since 2020 for acne scar treatments. I am beyond pleased with their staff and services. I’ve been Dr. Silva’s patient since the beginning and she makes me feel like a priority patient whenever I have concerns or questions. Kathy, who’s been treating me, is the nurse who I trust completely with my face! She’s so skilled, experienced, and just a joy to work with. Kathy truly wants what’s best for your skin, her insight is so helpful and I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Dr. Silva and Kathy have gotten familiar with my skin and assign proper settings for my skin type. They truly put care and thought, trying to assign treatments, knowing what intensity my skin can and cannot handle. I’ve seen a dramatic improvement of my skins texture and appearance. I feel so much more confident in my skin than I ever have. So glad I found this place!
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