Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin condition that is benign and resembles warts. It is characterized by its brown, black, or tan color and has a waxy, scaly, and slightly raised appearance. These growths typically occur on the face, head, neck, chest, or back and can appear as a single growth or multiple growths. They can vary in size, ranging from tiny to over an inch in diameter. As individuals age, they may develop more of these growths over time.
The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis remains unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. While these skin growths are harmless and not contagious, some patients may choose to have them removed if they find them bothersome or if the growths cause irritation due to clothing. There are various treatment options available, including cryosurgery, curettage, electrocautery and ablation.
Actinic Keratosis (AK), also called solar keratosis, is one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated conditions. AK is a precancerous skin growth caused by the sun or indoor tanning. It often appears as a reddish, rough, scaly patch or spot that develops on skin that wasn’t protected from the sun over years—commonly on your face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp or neck.
More specifically, AKs are skin lesions that typically develop on the most exposed areas of the body and are considered an early warning sign of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer. According to the American Skin Association, “They appear as 1-4 mm red to brown spots that do not go away. They often have a rough and gritty texture and are often easier felt than seen. The skin surrounding the spots might appear red and irritated. These spots may sting, itch or bleed upon scratching. One cannot predict which AKs progress to squamous cell carcinoma, but lesions on the lips and ears have a higher likelihood of progression.”
A commonly found type of angioma, known as cherry angioma, is a harmless skin growth resembling a mole. It occurs due to an excessive growth of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. Typically, cherry angiomas are more prevalent in individuals above the age of 30 and tend to increase in number as one gets older. However, if a sudden appearance of numerous cherry angiomas takes place, it may indicate the presence of another type of angioma that necessitates immediate medical examination by a dermatologist.
Cherry angiomas are characterized by their small, smooth, and vibrant red bumps, which can range in size from as tiny as a pinhead to as large as a quarter-inch in diameter.
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