Skin Growths

What are the common skin growths?

Most people develop skin growths with age. These include seborrhoeic keratoses, skin tags, sebaceous hyperplasia and syringomas.

Seborrhoeic keratoses are small brown warty growths on the face, scalp, chest and back. They are related to age and genetic factors.

Skin tags are very common growths on the neck, armpits, under breasts and eyelids. They may grow more quickly during pregnancy, puberty or weight gain.

Sebaceous hyperplasia are enlarged oil glands often in people with oily complexions. They are skin coloured or yellowish small bumps usually on the forehead, nose and cheeks.

Syringomas are small skin coloured sweat gland growths found below or around the eyes. There is sometimes a family history and it is more common in women.

How are these growths removed?

Fortunately most of these growths are quite superficial and can be easily removed with laser or electrosurgery. Topical anaesthetic (numbing) cream is applied for 30 minutes and the procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes to perform. The skin usually takes about a week to recover. It is possible for new skin growths to develop in future after several years.