| Skin Growths Strange skin growths on our skin is just part of being human. Though most skin growths are usually unwelcome, they are not necessarily dangerous. However, knowing which growths are troublesome and which are not can be tricky. Here’s a quick look at some of the skin growths that can appear on your body. Skin Tags A skin tag is a small benign tumor that forms primarily in areas where the skin forms creases, such as the neck, armpit, and groin. They may also occur on the face, usually on the eyelids. Though larger have been seen, they are usually between the size of a grain of rice and a golf ball. Click here for more information Warts Warts can grow almost anywhere on the skin and they can look quite different depending on the body's surface. Some may appear rough and cauliflower-like, while warts on the face and neck can appear flattened or smooth. All warts are caused by a virus. Common warts, flat warts, plantar warts, filiform warts, periungual warts, and lastly, genital warts are all caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and, thus, are usually quite contagious. However, different strains of the virus cause different types of warts (there are 70 different strains!). Warts are very common. Estimates say that up to 25% of the population has a wart at any one time. While most warts are considered harmless, benign (non-cancerous) growths, some warts, particularly genital warts, may become cancerous. Removal of warts is not always necessary, but your doctor may try freezing, burning with various acids or with electric current, using immune-system-boosting drugs, or laser therapy to remove these skin growths. Some warts, however, are resilient and repeated treatments can be painful. Boils Boils generally start as red, tender areas, but progress to larger lumps that often turn white as pus collects under the skin. Boils arise from skin infections that start in a hair follicle or oil gland. Most infections are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus. Boils usually do not require immediate medical attention; however, if you are in poor health and develop a high fever and chills, a trip to the emergency room is needed (this might mean that the bacteria has invaded the bloodstream). If several boils form in a group, called a carbuncle, seek medical attention as well. Most simple boils can be treated at home. As soon as a boil is noticed, simply apply a hot soak or heat pack to increase circulation and help fight infection. If the boil is soft, large and pus-filled, draining the boil can help. However, it may be safer to let a doctor do the draining. Antibiotics may also be required to clear the infection. |
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