There’s no need to panic if you notice a new lump or bump on your skin. There are literally hundreds of conditions that could cause these, and most of them are harmless. Still, there are rare occasions when that bump could need treatment and even fewer that may suggest a serious issue.
Today’s blog is a guide to help you know when to call MD Vein & Skin Specialists. Dr. Clement Banda and our team can help you with any lump, bump, or cyst, treating them when appropriate or putting your mind at ease when your issue is harmless. Let’s look at some of the more common causes and treatment options for any lumps you might experience.
One of the most common forms of epidermoid cyst, the sebaceous version forms when the oily substance produced by a sebaceous gland becomes trapped below the skin’s surface. Inside this closed pocket, sebum collects, and the cyst grows slowly and usually without pain. While the lumps produced by sebaceous cysts are harmless, they won’t spontaneously disappear. Treatment involves draining the cyst, but it’s possible for the cyst to recur. A minor surgical procedure to drain the cyst and remove its outer sac may be necessary for large or persistent cysts.
Irritated and inflamed hair follicles are annoying, but not harmful, and they generally respond well to home care. Often resulting from shaving or friction from clothing, a simple change in habits or fabrics may be all you need. If you make no progress with home care, Dr. Banda may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat other causes.
Soft, subcutaneous benign tumors, lipomas sometimes resemble sebaceous cysts, but instead have a soft and rubbery feel. They also grow slowly and remain harmless unless pressing on a nerve. Treatment is only necessary if the appearance of the lipoma bothers you or to relieve rare pain. Pain may result from a lipoma exerting pressure on other organs.
Similar in structure to sebaceous cysts, skin cysts can sometimes disappear on their own and they don’t generally need treatment unless they become inflamed or infected. Draining relieves any pressure symptoms caused by the cyst, but like their sebaceous cousins, removing the sac is the only way to assure the cyst is gone.
Cherry angiomas are harmless cherry red colored bumps, usually one-quarter of an inch or smaller in size. They have no symptoms and unless their appearance bothers you, there’s no need for treatment, and some methods could result in a scar where the angioma was.
These typically grow quickly as red bumps with a central crater, becoming quite large, up to about three inches in diameter in some cases. Keratoacanthoma is a low-level squamous cell skin cancer. Keratoacanthoma tend to resolve on their own but may also be treated with various types of skin surgery.
Any skin bump that concerns you may be worth medical investigation. Contact MD Vein & Skin Specialists by phone or online using the booking link. Dr. Banda identifies and treats your condition as needed, giving you peace of mind about your skin. Arrange your consultation today.
