Have you noticed a small bump, raised mark or unusual-looking spot on your skin and wondered what it is?
You’re not alone.
As we get older, it is very common to develop different types of skin imperfections. Some may be barely noticeable, while others can become irritating, catch on clothing or jewellery, or simply affect your confidence.
But how do you know what you’re looking at?
Here are seven common skin blemishes and skin imperfections that people often ask us about.
1. Skin tags
Skin tags are small, soft pieces of skin that commonly appear around the neck, underarms, eyelids and other areas where skin rubs together.
They are usually harmless, but they can become annoying if they catch on clothing or jewellery.
Some people also choose to have skin tags removed simply because they don’t like their appearance.
If you have a skin tag that you would like removed, it is important to have the area assessed first.
2. Milia
Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps that are often found around the eyes, cheeks and other areas of the face.
They can sometimes be mistaken for whiteheads, but they aren’t spots and shouldn’t be squeezed.
Trying to remove milia yourself can cause irritation or damage to the surrounding skin.
Professional assessment and removal can be a much better option if you have persistent milia that you would like treated.
3. Small blood spots and cherry angiomas
Small red blood spots, sometimes known as cherry angiomas, can become more noticeable as we get older.
They can occur on different areas of the body and may be particularly noticeable on the chest, back, face or arms.
Many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
However, any unusual or changing skin lesion should be assessed appropriately before cosmetic treatment is considered.
4. Sebaceous hyperplasia
Sebaceous hyperplasia can appear as small, flesh-coloured or slightly yellowish bumps, most commonly on the face.
They are caused by enlarged sebaceous glands and can sometimes be mistaken for spots or other skin imperfections.
If you have small bumps that don’t behave like normal spots and aren’t responding to your usual skincare, it may be worth having them assessed.
5. Age spots and pigmentation
Sun exposure and ageing can cause areas of pigmentation to become more visible over time.
These can appear as flat brown or darker patches on areas that receive regular sun exposure, such as the face, hands, chest and arms.
Not every pigmented mark is suitable for cosmetic treatment, so an assessment is important before considering removal.
6. Small raised blemishes
There are many different types of small raised skin imperfections that people describe simply as a “blemish” or “growth”.
The difficulty is that several different conditions can look similar.
This is why we don’t recommend trying to diagnose or remove a skin growth yourself.
An experienced practitioner can assess the area and advise whether cosmetic removal is appropriate.
7. Moles and other skin growths
Moles and other skin lesions should be treated differently from purely cosmetic blemishes.
If you notice a mole or skin growth that is changing in size, shape or colour, is bleeding, itching or becoming painful, you should seek medical advice rather than simply looking for cosmetic removal.
Your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional can assess anything that may require further investigation.
Can all skin blemishes be removed?
No, and this is an important point.
Before any cosmetic blemish removal treatment, the area should be assessed.
Some skin growths should not be cosmetically removed without appropriate medical assessment, particularly if they are changing or look unusual.
At Facial & Body Sculpting Clinics, we assess the area first and will advise you whether treatment is appropriate.
When should you get a skin blemish checked?
You should seek medical advice if a mark or growth:
- Changes in size, shape or colour
- Starts bleeding
- Becomes painful
- Becomes persistently itchy
- Changes suddenly
- Looks significantly different from your other marks
It is always better to have something checked if you’re unsure.
Thinking about having a blemish removed?
If you have a skin tag, milia, small blood spot or another cosmetic skin imperfection that you would like to have assessed, we can arrange a consultation at our clinics in Egham or Sunbury, Surrey.
Rather than trying to identify the blemish yourself, an assessment allows us to look at the area and advise you on the most appropriate next step.
Read more about our Blemish Removal treatment or contact us to arrange an assessment.
Facial & Body Sculpting Clinics