Not every mysterious lump or bump on the skin is malignant. There are skin diseases that are potentially fatal, and there are skin diseases that, though irritating and inconvenient, run a definite and limited course. Identifying these benign skin disorders can go a long way towards easing an individual's mind and avoiding unnecessary worry.
Moles
Moles can assume a variety of different appearances, from flat and smooth to rough and raised. Moles can be brown, black skin-colored or yellow. Some are even hairy. Some moles are present at birth. Others appear over time. The vast majority of moles are harmless.
The American Academy of Dermatology warns, however, that sometimes melanoma, a highly dangerous form of skin cancer, develops in or near a mole. Individuals can self-monitor their moles by periodically examining them, keeping an eye out for asymmetry, irregular borders, variations in color, and diameters larger than a pencil eraser. A dermatologist should check moles that exhibit these characteristics.
Keloids
Some people, and African-Americans in particular, are prone to develop raised growths of skin around areas where the skin has been wounded. These fibrous areas of scar tissue are known as keloids. They are an annoyance and can be disfiguring, but generally do not cause any serious health problems. The University of Maryland Health Center lists corticosteroid injections, surgery and silicone patches as sometime effective in reducing the appearance of keloids.
Skin Tags
Small skin colored flaps of flesh called skin tags typically develop in areas where the skin is frequently exposed to friction, such as the armpits, neck or bra line. The University of Maryland Medical Center attests that skin tags cause no health problems other than aesthetic concerns. They can be removed by a dermatologist, who can cut or freeze them off. Over-the-counter skin tag removers are another solution that has recently become available for purchase at pharmacies.
Seborrheic Keratosis
A seborrheic keratosis is a scaly, raised growth that looks as if it is pasted on the skin. Mayo Clinic describes seborrrheic keratosis as "one of the most common types of noncancerous skin growths in older adults."
These growths can be brown, black or pale and are common on the face and torso. They can assume an appearance that is similar to skin cancer, but do not normally become cancerous.
Seborrheic keratosis causes no concerns other than aesthetics, and occasional irritation from clothing friction. A dermatologist can remove them via freezing, scraping or electrocautery.
