Spotlight on Skin: Understanding Lumps and Bumps
Discovering a new lump or bump can be quite a worrying experience, especially if you do not know what it is.
Today we will discuss ‘lumps and bumps’ the colloquial phrases often used to describe various irregularities or growths on the body.
These can include cysts, lipomas (benign fatty tumors), swollen lymph nodes or other types of masses.
What’s on My Skin?
Is it a skin tag, keloid, cornu cutaneum, mole, a squamous cell carcinoma? These are just a few ‘lumps’ and ‘bumps’ we can see on the skin and identifying common symptoms such as pain, tenderness, redness, swelling and changes in appearance are very important for their proper diagnosis.
It should be a concern especially if they change in size, shape, or texture or if they cause pain or other symptoms. What to do? In the first instance using a camera and ruler allows us to have a baseline for monitoring purposes.
Factors that contribute to the development of lumps and bumps include:
- Genetics. A family history of certain skin conditions or hereditary disorders may predispose individuals to develop certain types of lumps and bumps.
- Age. Some skin growths, such as seborrheic keratoses or lipomas, become more common with age.
- Hormonal Changes. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, may contribute to the development of certain types of skin growths, such as skin tags or fibromas.
- Obesity. Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of developing lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors.
- Sun Exposure. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources (such as tanning beds) can increase the risk of developing certain types of skin growths.
Other factors include:
- Skin Trauma or Irritation. Repeated friction, pressure or irritation to the skin can lead to the formation of skin tags or keloids (excessive scar tissue).
- Infections. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi can sometimes result in the formation of lumps or bumps, such as abscesses, warts or cysts.
- Immune System Disorders. Certain autoimmune conditions or immunodeficiency disorders may predispose individuals to develop specific types of skin growths or increase the risk of infections that can lead to lumps and bumps.
- Occupational or Environmental Exposures. Exposure to certain chemicals, toxins or environmental pollutants may increase the risk of developing certain types of skin growths or skin-related conditions.
- Personal History. Individuals with a history of certain skin conditions, such as acne or eczema, may be more prone to developing related skin growths or complications.
In ancient times, people often used various plants and natural substances to treat skin growths.
Are you suffering from any foot condition? At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help. One of our podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000.
We hope you have a feetastic day!
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
