Common benign skin growths include: Seborrhoeic keratoses, Sebaceous hyperplasias, Skin tags, Milia and Syringomas.
These skin growths present as little bumps or rough spots and they may grow slowly over time.
In general, these skin growths are harmless and can be treated conservatively. Treatment/ Removal may be desired if they are deemed to be cosmetically displeasing, or if they are causing itch or discomfort.
Seborrhoeic keratoses usually present as brown spots or brown bumps on the face. They can also occur on the neck or body. They usually start developing around middle age. They can be flat or raised, and may increase in size slowly. Sometimes, they can resemble viral warts. These growths can be removed by cryotherapy, electrocautery or lasers.
Sebaceous hyperplasias are caused by overgrowth of sebaceous glands. They present as yellowish/orangy bumps on the face, especially over the cheeks and forehead. They can be removed via electrocautery or lasers.
Skin tags are little extra outgrowths of skin. They typically appear on the neck and underarms. There seems to be a genetic predisposition towards developing such skin lesions, as they often run in families. With time, skin tags can grow and “hang” off the skin like little grapes. Skin tags can be removed with electrocautery or lasers.
Milia are tiny epidermal cysts which occur on the face. They typically have a white, smooth and round appearance. Most small milias can be “extracted” or removed using electrocautery or lasers.
Syringomas are benign sweat gland tumours. They tend to develop near the lower eyelids, and present as small, subcentimeric translucent round bumps. This condition is often hereditary-it tends to run in the family. They start to grow during early adulthood around the 20s-30s. They can be removed via electrocautery or lasers.