As the largest organ in your body, your skin deserves your undivided attention year-round – it protects you from the effects of the environment every day. Spring is a great time to get in the habit of checking your body, all over, once a month, for any abnormalities. As you know, any new or changing skin condition may be indicative of a more serious medical problem. That means your best chance of eliminating an issue later on is early detection and treatment.
Here are four common skin growths to watch for:
- Moles – These are the growths to watch closely. Moles protrude from your skin. They’re typically brown or black. Many form before the age of 30 and can slowly evolve over time. You may have singular moles or moles that appear in bunches. Moles can be removed for either medical or cosmetic purposes. It is important to watch moles for changes in shape, size or color, as this may possibly indicate a skin cancer.
- Skin Tags – Skin tags are flesh-colored flaps of skin that often grown in your armpit, under your breasts, on your neck or in your groin area. They do not usually pose a threat to your health but they can be removed for cosmetic purposes.
- Lentigo – A lentigo (plural lentigines) is a small pigmented spot on the skin with a clearly defined edge, surrounded by normal-appearing skin. They appear as a result of sun damage and are most common in the aging population. A lentigo can be eliminated with topical medication or laser therapy.
- Seborrheic keratoses – Seborrheic keratoses also protrude from your skin. They are brown or black and may develop on your chest, face, under your breasts or your back as you age. Unfortunately, there is no known cause for seborrheic keratoses, but they’re typically harmless.
Do you have a suspicious mole or skin growth you would like to have checked? Don’t wait. Call to schedule an appointment with our office, today.