PAEDIATRIC | ADULT | SURGERY
The human skin is rarely ever speckless. Lumps, bumps, moles, and freckles are all “imperfections” that give your canvas character. Whilst some abnormalities on the skin are harmless, others may indicate more ominous skin disorders brewing underneath the layers. In recent years, an increase in skin condition diagnoses [1] has been noted in Singapore; the numbers largely attributed to increased awareness and discussion spaces on this topic. Pursuing “porcelain skin” and the endless quest for a clear complexion has also driven many to extreme vigilance.
In recognition of the collective interest in this topic, we have curated an essential guide on everything you need to know about skin abnormalities. By the end of this article, you should be able to distinguish when your skin warrants a visit to a dermatologist and when to embrace your skin’s natural quirks. However, if you are still unsure, we advise getting checked out by your dermatologist to be on the safe side.
Attempting to self-diagnose your skin condition may confuse you and even drive you to paranoia. Several types of skin abnormalities and growths develop on the skin, but some are more common than others. So, let’s look at common skin abnormalities and when they might warrant medical intervention from an experienced dermatologist.
Medical intervention includes evaluation and potential excision of a skin abnormality. Treatment methods generally include but are not limited to:
| NAME | TYPE OF GROWTH | DETAIL | WHEN TO VISIT A DOCTOR | TREATMENT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin cysts  | Lumps | Typically harmless and slow-growing.Round lump-like growth under the skin. No openings or punctures on the growth; however, there may be a dark spot in the middle.Can change colours if it becomes infected. Types of cysts [2] include epidermoid, sebaceous, pilonidal, ovarian, and pilar cysts. | Typically does not cause any issues apart from being physically visible. Can cause complications like infection and inflammation, which can cause pain, discharge, and cyst enlargement. Seek medical intervention early before there are complications. | Cyst removal usually entails removing the sac in which the cysts are encapsulated. Where infections are present, you will be prescribed antibiotics and advised for incision and drainage of the cyst with dressings before finally excising the cyst. Fluid from the cyst can be sent for laboratory testing to tailor the antibiotics accordingly. Cyst wall and contents will be sent for histology to confirm the diagnosis. |
Lipomas | Fatty growths | Lipomas [3] are typically soft to the touch and are easily movable when pressure is applied. They often feel like a lump under the skin.Typically same colour as the surrounding skin and does not cause skin changes or discolouration.Generally painless, although some people may experience discomfort if the lipoma presses on nearby nerves or tissues. | Lipomas are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they become bothersome or painful. While lipomas are typically non-cancerous, examining them to rule out other potentially more serious conditions is advisable. | If a lipoma grows, causing pain or interferes with your daily activities, your doctor may excise it through a minor surgical procedure. |
Moles | Pigmented cells | Moles [4] are common skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body. Made up of pigmented cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin responsible for the colouration of the skin, hair, and eyes.Typically small, round, or oval, and varies in colour, ranging from light brown to dark brown or black. | While most moles are harmless, some changes can indicate potential skin issues, including cancer. New moles that develop in adulthood may also be a cause for concern. If you notice any changes in a mole, consult a dermatologist. Changes to watch out for include changes in size, colour, and shape, as well as if it’s bleeding, itching, or causing pain or discomfort. If you have a family history of skin cancer, you should have regular skin checks by a dermatologist. | Some individuals choose to remove moles that they find unsightly. If a mole exhibits suspicious characteristics, such as changes in size, colour, or shape, it may need to be excised and biopsied to determine if it is cancerous. Moles that cause irritation and are rubbing against clothing or accessories, get frequently scratched, or cause discomfort due to their location may also be excised. |
Skin tags | Papillomas | Small skin growths [5] that appear on the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, and other areas where skin frequently rubs against skin or clothing.Typically flesh-coloured or slightly darker, with a narrow stalk attaching them to the skin's surface.Generally harmless and painless, although they can become irritated or inflamed if they are located in high-friction areas. | Most skin tags are harmless and do not require medical attention. However, you may consider seeing a dermatologist for an evaluation and potential skin tag removal. | Do not remove skin tags at home by cutting or tearing them off, as this can lead to infection, bleeding, or scarring. Safe and effective methods by a dermatologist to remove skin tags, which are typically for cosmetic purposes, include: Cryotherapy (freezing)Electrocautery (burning)Excision (surgical removal) |
Warts | Skin growths | Warts [7] are non-cancerous skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on various body parts, including the hands, feet, face, and genitals.There are several types of warts, including common warts and genital warts. | Seek medical advice and treatment if you have bleeding or painful warts, if they are located on the genitals, if they are rapidly spreading, or if you have any other concerns. | Depending on the underlying cause, size, and location, treatment includes: CryotherapyTopical treatmentsLaser therapySurgical removal |
Now that you have a rough idea about the differences between skin abnormalities, you may be wondering what causes them and how to prevent them from developing in the first place. While your dermatologist can discuss this more in-depth after taking note of your medical history and lifestyle habits, it is a good idea to be aware of the common causes of several skin growths.
Here are some main causes of the various skin abnormalities:
As many factors lead to the development of skin abnormalities and growths, it can be overwhelming and challenging to identify the underlying cause. Consulting a dermatologist can greatly help you determine if your skin growth is a serious problem or simply due to genetics or lifestyle factors. Once you have these answers, you can put your mind at ease, knowing that there is either no cause for concern or that there are treatment options for you.
Even if skin growth turns out harmless, you may find it unsightly and unattractive, thus impacting your self-confidence. This is why cosmetic and aesthetic treatments have become increasingly popular over the past few years, especially in post-pandemic Singapore [9]. With the rise of non-invasive methods such as electrocautery and cryotherapy, going under the knife for surgical removal is no longer the only option. Whether it is medically necessary to remove or treat a skin abnormality or if the removal is purely for cosmetic reasons, there are several options for patients with skin conditions to explore today.
If you are still concerned about a particular skin growth or wish to start treatment, contact us today for a skin consultation with our experienced dermatologist, Dr Uma.
Tel: +65 9023 0905
321 Joo Chiat Pl, #05-01A Parkway East Specialist Hospital, Singapore 427990
Tel: +65 6320 0310
290 Orchard Road 09-01/02 Paragon Medical Centre, Singapore 238859
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