Cysts are one of the most common benign skin growths. A cyst consists of a sac or enclosed capsule filled with fluid or semisolid material. Typically, they present as round or dome shaped, nodules or lumps on or underneath the skin. The overlying skin can be unchanged or can have a small opening or punctum.

Dermatofibromas are common, benign skin growths most typically found on legs of women. They present as a pinkish brown, firm, scar-like bump. Sometimes, their appearance is attributed to a preceding insect bite, ingrown hair, or other minor injury or trauma. As the skin growths are harmless, no treatment

A hypertrophic scar is a thickened, raised, oftentimes pink or red scar. Hypertrophic scars can be symptomatic - causing burning, itching, or discomfort. These thickened, raised scars are more likely to occur in areas where there is significant tension on a healing wound; examples include the back, chest,

An infantile hemangioma is a kind of vascular tumor made up of blood vessels, commonly referred to as a “strawberry birthmark.” The vascular tumor can be superficial (growing on the skin surface), appearing as a bright red, bumpy, lesion. It can also be deep (growing under the skin), presenting as

Keloids are thick, firm, hard growths that occur as a result of excessive scar tissue formation. They differ from ordinary scars and hypertrophic scars in that the scar tissue extends and spreads beyond the original wound margin. Rarely, these growths can occur spontaneously, even without any preceding

Lipomas are common fatty tumors that present as soft or rubbery, lumps or bumps underneath the skin that are easily moved. They can occur as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions (oftentimes occurring in families). Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body where fat tissue is present, but are most common

Acanthosis nigricans presents as a darkening and velvety thickening of the skin, most commonly affecting the neck, armpits, and groin region. It is most commonly associated with obesity and insulin resistance; people who have acanthosis nigricans are more likely to develop diabetes. In very rare instances,

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It is a chronic, recurring rash characterized by dry, inflamed skin, and intense itching. Children are most commonly affected, but the condition can occur at any age. In infants, the rash most typically involves the cheeks. In young children, the creases

Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema that develops after the skin comes in contact with a substance that acts as an irritant or allergen. The affected areas become red, inflamed, and itchy. Swelling, blistering, crusting, and oozing can also occur. Irritant contact dermatitis is the more common type,

Eczema refers to a group of conditions characterized by dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. The most common kind of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Other forms of eczema include contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. The term eczema is often used by people to refer

Folliculitis is the medical term for inflammation of a hair follicle. It typically presents as pink bumps or pustules (pus filled bumps) centered around a hair follicle. The condition can appear anywhere on the body where there are hairs, including on the face, chest, back, buttocks, and/or legs. The

Granuloma annulare is a harmless type of skin rash that often presents with ring-shaped lesions. Although the condition can appear anywhere on the skin, favored sites are the hands, feet, elbows, and ankles. It is typically found in children, teenagers, and young adults. Granuloma annulare is more prevalent

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory condition which presents with deep, painful nodules or lumps under the skin. The painful nodules can rupture, leading to drainage of pus and blood. Over time, the painful nodules can connect, forming tunnels under the skin. The condition often results

Intertrigo is a common rash found in the folds of the skin. Common areas of involvement include the groin, in the folds of the abdomen, and under the breasts. Because of the friction, warmth, and moisture in the skin folds, the affected areas become red and raw. Symptoms can also include itching and

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition characterized by rough, bumpy skin most often found on the back of the arms, thighs, and cheeks. It is a common finding in those with dry and sensitive skin. It typically affects children and teenagers and can improve or resolve over time. The condition is

Lichen simplex chronicus is a condition where repeated scratching or rubbing of a site creates a localized, itchy, thickened, leathery patch of skin. Lichen simplex chronicus can present as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions—usually in areas that are easy to reach. The most commonly involved