What is a Skin Bump?
A skin bump is an elevated area of tissue. Many skin bumps are benign growths, like a skin tag. Other skin bumps can be a sign of a more serious skin condition, like skin cancer.
Different Types of Skin Bumps
There are many types of skin bumps. Normal skin bumps that typically don’t require treatment include:
- Skin tags, which are small growths of skin, develop in areas where skin rubs against clothing or other skin
- Dermatofibroma, which is a small reddish brown bump usually developing on the legs
- Lipoma, which is a round, moveable bump under the skin
- Cherry Hemangioma, which is a small, usually benign, bright red spot
- Keratosis pilaris, which develops when keratin plugs up a hair follicle
Other skin bumps may or may not require treatment. These should be evaluated by a dermatologist:
- Moles, which are clumps of melanocytes
- Seborrheic keratosis, which is characterized by thick, waxy, or scaly bumps
- Warts, which are caused by skin contact with the human papillomavirus
When You Should Visit Your Dermatologist About a Skin Bump
You should visit a dermatologist if you have a skin bump that is painful, swollen, or red, or if the skin bump is large and in a highly visible area and you want it removed. In the case of moles, you should have a mole evaluated to see if it is changing in size, color, or shape and if you have fair skin, sunburn easily, or have a family history of skin cancer. Abnormal moles are often an early sign of skin cancer.
How Your Dermatologist Can Remove a Skin Bump
Your dermatologist has several methods to remove a skin bump and may recommend:
- Topical medications to reduce the size of the skin bump
- Excision of a skin bump using a surgical tool
- Cryotherapy to freeze the skin bump
- Curettage, to scrape the skin bump
Your dermatologist may also recommend sending the tissue for a biopsy to determine if abnormal or cancerous cells are present.
Want To Know More About Skin Bumps?
To find out more about skin bumps, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Angela Brimhall at Sage Dermatology & Mohs Surgery in Draper, UT. You can reach her in the office by calling (801) 882-9995, so call today.