Dermal Lesions

Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and imperfections on the surface can impact our self-image negatively. If you are bothered by dermal lesions or skin imperfections, there are treatment options available. Cherry angiomas, seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, and sebaceous gland hyperplasia are a few of the common skin flaws we treat through professional cosmetic removal.

Most skin irregularities are benign and not cause for medical concern but can impact how you feel about yourself. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their skin, so learn about your treatment options.

What Causes Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas are frequently called red moles because of their appearance. The exact cause is unknown, but scientists believe a genetic factor predisposes some people to their formation. They are most common in those over the age of thirty and can increase in size and number as you age.

These mole-like skin growths are composed of small blood vessels, which accounts for their red appearance. Cherry angiomas are classified as benign tumors and are almost always harmless to your health. As the name suggests, they are often bright red and can appear anywhere on the body.

What is Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common dermal lesions found in adults. They are almost always benign and can appear tan, brown, black, or white. They are often raised lesions that resemble a wart and appear on the chest, back and arms.

Seborrheic keratosis is most common after the age of fifty, but it can plague younger adults as well. The outer layer of skin is the epidermis, and keratinocytes are cells that make up much of this layer. Keratinocytes regularly flake off as they are placed by younger cells. When keratinocytes grow in larger numbers than usual, seborrheic keratosis lesions can result.

Seborrheic keratosis growths are almost always benign, but if they appear to increase in size, you develop several over a short period of time or experience bleeding from the growths, visit your primary care provider.

Understanding Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous glands are attached to the hair follicles on our bodies and serve to release sebum on the skin’s surface. Sebum serves an essential purpose in keeping our skin hydrated and flexible. When these glands become enlarged, usually on the forehead and cheeks, it causes shiny bumps to appear.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless, but they are often treated for cosmetic reasons. Though harmless, sebaceous hyperplasia can mimic basal cell carcinoma, which is a form of skin cancer. Our providers will take a biopsy during your appointment to ensure that the bumps are sebaceous hyperplasia before initiating treatment.

Skin Tags

Skin tags can appear on any part of the body as harmless dermal growths that appear as small pieces of skin that hang from the surface. They are most common on areas of the body that experiences friction from clothing or skin against skin. Their cause is unknown, but experts believe these tags happen when collagen clusters become trapped within the skin.