Skin tags are common, soft growths that may be skin-colored or darker than the surrounding skin. They most often develop in areas of friction, including the neck, underarms, and groin. Depending on the size of the growth and your individual skin tone, skin tags can be safely treated with freezing or simple removal.
Seborrheic keratoses are very common benign growths that typically start to appear in the 30s or 40s. They often have a characteristic “stuck-on” appearance and may be smooth or rough, flat or raised, with color ranging from skin-toned to dark brown. These growths can become itchy or irritated, particularly in areas of friction. When bothersome, they can be treated by freezing or shave removal.
Moles are benign collections of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. They vary widely in size, shape, and color. While most moles are harmless, routine monitoring for changes in size, shape, color, or borders is essential for early detection of skin cancer, including melanoma. Benign moles that are irritated or cosmetically undesirable can be removed via shave removal or excision.
Benign skin growths are non-cancerous spots or bumps caused by aging, genetics, sun exposure, friction, or minor skin injury.
Visits to dermatologists involve evaluation of an unusual skin growth
Not all skin growths look the same — professional diagnosis is essential for peace of mind
Most benign growths are removable in a single, minimally invasive in-office procedure
Angiomas are firm, bright red or purple bumps that commonly develop after age 40, affecting all skin tones and occurring equally in men and women. When angiomas appear on cosmetically sensitive areas, become irritated, or grow large enough to cause symptoms, treatment options include cautery, shave removal, or vascular laser.
Sebaceous hyperplasia results from enlarged oil glands and appears as small, shiny, yellow bumps, most often on the face. Patients frequently describe their skin as oily. If these lesions are bothersome, they can be effectively treated with electrocautery.
Milia are tiny cysts that appear as small white bumps just beneath the skin’s surface. They can occur at any age and most commonly affect the eyelids, cheeks, and jawline. Milia are more frequent in patients with significant sun exposure. Some may improve with topical retinoids, while others require in-office extraction.
Our team in Columbia, South Carolina, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating benign skin growths across all skin types. We tailor treatment recommendations to your individual needs and provide clear guidance regarding healing, scarring risk, and the possibility of recurrence.
“Dr. Spring was just fabulous to deal with. She listened intently and had a great personality to boot. I’m almost 82 years old, and my initial visit with her was one of the best experiences I have EVER had with any physician. I feel privileged to have her as my doctor, and I highly recommend her!!!”
“Dr. Spring was amazing. She explained everything thoroughly and respected my concerns.”
“Dr. Spring and her staff were upbeat, attentive, and caring. They saw my anxiety prior to my procedure and took an extra moment to talk through it with me, which made me feel like they care about me as a whole person. I’ve never felt anxious prior to treatment before so this extra step really hit home.”
“Kudos to Dr. Spring. She has the Eye of an Eagle, the Heart of a Lion, yet the Hand of a Woman! Best surgeon ever!”
If you are concerned about a skin growth or have a lesion that has become irritated, symptomatic, or cosmetically bothersome, a professional evaluation can help determine the most appropriate next step. During your visit to Capital Skin and Laser, the growth will be carefully examined to confirm the diagnosis and review treatment options if removal is desired. Schedule a consultation by completing the online contact form.
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