Growth

Most skin growths — moles, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, warts, cysts — are harmless, but some are not, and telling the difference is exactly what a dermatologist is trained to do. Dr. Blair Harris examines growths with a dermatoscope and, when there is any question, takes a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis rather than guessing. Growths that are benign but irritated, catching on clothing, or cosmetically bothersome can usually be removed in a brief office visit.

Skin growths can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections like human papillomavirus (HPV) for warts, genetic predispositions for moles, friction or irritation for skin tags, and aging for seborrheic keratoses. Some growths may be associated with underlying medical conditions or skin diseases.

• Moles

  Clusters of pigmented cells that can vary in color, size, and shape.

• Warts

  Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear as rough, raised growths on the skin.

• Skin Tags

  Small, soft growths that hang off the skin and are often found in areas of friction.

• Seborrheic Keratoses

  Noncancerous growths that appear as waxy, stuck-on lesions on the skin.

Treatment options for skin growths depend on the type, size, location, and whether the growth is benign or requires further evaluation. Dr. Harris will develop a personalized treatment plan based on these factors. Common treatment approaches include:

• Sun Protection

  Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing can help prevent the development of new skin growths.

• Avoiding Irritation

  Preventing friction or irritation in areas prone to skin tags can help reduce their formation.

• Regular Skin Checks

  Monitoring existing moles and growths for changes in size, shape, or color is essential for early detection of skin cancer.

Any growth that is new, changing, bleeding, or simply looks different from your others (the "ugly duckling") should be evaluated promptly — early evaluation is far simpler than late treatment. For patients with many moles, we recommend periodic skin exams so changes are caught against a known baseline.