Flesh-colored bumps on the skin can be unsightly and irritating. Their causes are many, ranging from a hereditary disorder to something as simple as an insect bite or as serious as skin cancer. Consult your doctor if you notice any change in the appearance of the affected skin.
Keratoacanthomas
Keratoacanthomas, also referred to as KA, are round, flesh-colored bumps found on the skin. The exact cause of KA is not yet known. However, according to the National Health Service Website, or NHS, they are often associated with sun exposure, or exposure to other harmful chemicals such as tar. They're also linked to an underdeveloped immune system. KAs are typically found in people with fair skin. They aren't common among people younger than 20, and are found in men more than in women. KAs are relatively harmless and disappear over time, although they are often mistaken as skin cancer. The first step is to have a sample tested by a laboratory. Once skin cancer has been ruled out, the only treatment is surgical removal. This is performed under a local anesthetic.
Keratosis Pilaris
According to the Mayo Clinic, keratosis pilaris is a buildup of a hard protein known as keratin. Keratin is responsible for protecting the skin from infection.
The condition is relatively painless. Symptoms include small, flesh-colored bumps that resemble acne on the skin, as well as dry, itchy patches of skin. Treatment available for keratosis pilaris depends on the individual. Treatments typically include:
Topical exfoliants, which are medical creams that, depending on the strength, can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor;
Topical corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory drugs that work by decreasing cell turnover by suppressing the immune system; and
Topical retinoids, which come from vitamin A and work by bolstering cell turnover and averting the plugging of the hair follicle.
Use treatments continuously for effective results. Stopping the treatment causes the condition to return.
Lipoma
A lipoma is a lump that grows beneath the skin and muscle layer. Lipomas are easy to identify. If pressed with a finger, they are soft in texture and move freely under the skin. This is a harmless condition. Lipomas contain no cancerous cells but can be irritating. These lumps are generally small in size and painless, unless they grow near a nerve or contain a lot of blood vessels. The Mayo Clinic says the cause of lipoma is unknown, but they have been linked to genetic factors.
In general, a lipoma does not require treatment. However, if it's in a location that is causing irritation, the following treatments are available:
Surgical removal -- After the lump has been removed, recurrences are rare.
Steroid injections -- This treatment does not totally remove the growth but shrinks it.
Liposuction -- A needle is used to drain the fatty deposits. This procedure only shrinks the lump and does not remove it permanently.
Moles
Moles, also known as nevi, are small, fleshy spots that develop on the skin. They come in a range of colors, including brown, flesh-colored or yellowish. They are typically harmless; however, in some instances, they can be cancerous. According to the Mayo Clinic, scientists are unsure why moles develop.
Your doctor can determine whether the mole is cancerous. Once cancer has been ruled out, the mole can be removed in one of two ways:
Shave excision -- This procedure involves the doctor numbing the area and then surgically removing the mole with a blade.
Excisional surgery -- This method involves cutting the mole out and surrounding healthy skin, then using sutures to close the skin.
Seborrheic Keratoses
This skin growth is common among older adults. It typically appears as a black, brown or skin-colored growth on the chest, shoulders, face or back. According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes are unknown. Treatment is only necessary if there is irritation.
