Benign skin lesions
Benign skin lesions
Benign skin lesions are growths on the skin that are not cancerous. They are very common and are not a serious risk to your health. Because they are not cancerous, they do not spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes you may notice more than one at a time.
Most people develop a benign skin lesion at some point in their life. Most types show up in adulthood, but they can appear at any age. There are many different types, and they can vary in appearance, colour and size. They can appear anywhere on the body, and some are permanent while others are only temporary.
Types of benign skin lesions
There are many different types of benign skin lesions. Some of the more common ones are described below.
Epidermoid (sebaceous) cyst
An epidermoid cyst is a smooth, flesh coloured lump on the skin. It is not usually painful, but it may release pus from a small central opening known as a punctum. These cysts are more common in adults, and they are twice as likely to develop in men than in women.
Angioma
Angiomas are small red spots, and there is often more than one. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are more commonly found on the torso. They are raised and usually measure between 0.1 and 1 cm across, and you may sometimes see thin red lines coming from the spot. Angiomas are more common after the age of 40, and it is estimated that 75% of people over the age of 75 have them.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma are yellow lumps that most often appear around the eyes. Anyone can develop them, though they can sometimes be linked to high cholesterol, diabetes or thyroid problems.
Comedones
Comedones are a form of acne caused by pores becoming blocked with oil and dead skin cells. They show up as small bumps with a black or white tip. They are not usually painful, but they may release pus.
Pyogenic granuloma
Pyogenic granulomas are small red lumps caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are more common on the fingers and face, and they often develop where there has been an injury. They can look alarming because they tend to bleed easily, but in most cases the bleeding can be stopped by applying firm, uninterrupted pressure for 10 to 20 minutes. They can affect anyone, but are more common during pregnancy. If you think you have a pyogenic granuloma and it keeps growing, speak to your doctor, as in some cases it may need to be removed. Always speak to a healthcare professional before trying any over the counter treatment.
Skin tags
Skin tags are small growths that are brown or the same colour as the surrounding skin, often found in skin folds such as the neck and armpits. They are very common and are usually small and harmless. You are more likely to develop skin tags if you are living with obesity or have skin folds that rub together, if you have type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance is thought to encourage more skin tags to grow), or if you are pregnant, since hormonal changes are thought to trigger their growth.
Seborrhoeic keratosis (warts)
Seborrhoeic keratoses are yellow, brown or skin coloured growths that often have a waxy or rough texture. They can feel itchy and may become inflamed if rubbed or scratched. They are very common in adults, usually from the age of 30 onwards, and it is estimated that 90% of people aged 60 and above have at least one.
Moles (naevi)
Moles are small, brown or skin coloured spots that can be flat or raised, and they vary in size and shape. If a mole has already been checked and confirmed as benign, it is still important to keep an eye on it for any changes. If you notice a change in how a mole looks, get it checked by your doctor.
Solar lentigo
Solar lentigo are flat brown marks on the skin that can be oval or irregular in shape. They are very common and are related to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. If you notice a sudden change or growth in a solar lentigo, speak to your doctor. Read more about sunscreen and sun safety.
Dermatofibromas
Dermatofibromas are firm, brown or pink lumps most often found on the lower legs, though they can appear anywhere on the body. They can sometimes be painful or itchy, and they are more common in adults.
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Benign skin lesions are usually harmless. If a healthcare professional has already told you it's benign, you don't need to seek further medical advice.
Watching for changes
It's still worth keeping an eye on a benign skin lesion. If you notice any changes to it, get further medical advice.
Contact your GP practice if your skin lesion:
- has changed in size or colour
- bleeds regularly, more than twice a week for 4 weeks
- is persistently itchy
- is painful
- looks different to the rest of your skin lesions
Causes
What causes benign skin lesions?
Benign skin lesions can be caused by many things, including:
- ageing – some types of skin lesion are more common later in life
- genetics – some people are more likely to develop certain types of skin lesions
- exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays – long-term or excessive exposure, from the sun or sunbeds, can cause changes and damage to the skin
- hormonal changes – like during pregnancy, can cause certain types of skin lesions
- certain medications (seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor on this)
- some underlying health conditions
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.
Diagnosis
Your GP will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms to help work out whether the lesion is benign. For example, they may ask:
- when the lesion first appeared
- whether it has changed in size, shape or colour
- whether it causes any other symptoms
Your GP may take a photo of your skin lesion and send it to a skin specialist (dermatologist) if:
- they're unable to confirm whether the lesion is benign
- the lesion is causing problems in your day to day life, such as bleeding or infection
In many cases, your GP will be able to tell you the lesion is benign, and you won't need any further appointments or treatment. The skin specialist may also be able to give this same reassurance based on the photo your GP sends.
If a lesion changes in appearance, it may no longer be benign. It's important to speak to your GP if you notice any changes to your skin lesion.
Read more about the symptoms of skin cancer.
Treatment
Benign skin lesions are usually harmless and generally don't need any treatment.
Things you can do
Do
- keep an eye on the lesion and see your GP if you notice any changes
- be careful when shaving around skin lesions
- protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen
- protect the area if it catches on clothing, glasses or jewellery
Don't
- do not scratch or pick the lesion, as this can cause bleeding or infection
- do not ignore a lesion that's persistently changing
- do not use over the counter treatments without speaking with your healthcare professional first
- do not use sunbeds
Treatment from your doctor
Treatment options for benign skin lesions depend on the type of lesion and how severe it is. Treatment may include:
- surgery: the benign skin lesion is cut out and removed from the body
- cryotherapy: liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion to freeze and destroy affected skin cells
Surgical and cryotherapy treatment may only be offered in rare cases where the lesion is causing pain or making everyday tasks difficult. Whether you are eligible for these treatments is decided by clinical guidance and your health board.
Treatment from private healthcare
If the benign skin lesion is not causing any problems but is on a visible part of your body, like your face, you may choose to have it removed. You'll usually have to pay for this privately.
Make sure the lesion has been checked by a qualified healthcare professional before having it removed. Any procedure you have done should be through a reputable private organisation.