What should you know about red skin growth?

Describe whether the growth is raised, firm, soft, scaly, crusted, shiny, or ulcerated. Tenderness and sudden swelling can occur with Boils or other inflammation. A lesion that repeatedly bleeds, forms a sore that does not heal, develops a pearly edge, or changes in shape or colour should be assessed because Basal Cell Carcinoma can present as a changing skin growth. A red growth is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

Measure change by comparing photographs taken in similar light rather than squeezing it or repeatedly touching it. The broader topic of Skin Lumps can help you prepare details for an appointment.

Keep the area clean, avoid picking or shaving across it, and protect it from friction. Do not pierce a lump or use strong acids, wart products, or steroid cream without advice. Photograph the growth beside a familiar object and note when it appeared, whether it hurts or bleeds, and any recent injury, bite, or new product. Arrange a skin examination for a new, persistent, or changing growth; a clinician may decide whether monitoring, treatment, or sampling is needed.

Seek prompt care if redness spreads quickly, pain becomes severe, fever develops, or pus and swelling suggest an infection. Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, rapidly enlarging swelling, or a lesion near the eye that affects vision. Even without pain, book an appointment when a growth repeatedly crusts or bleeds, fails to heal, or changes noticeably.

Ask what features make the growth look inflammatory or suspicious, whether it should be photographed or sampled, and which changes require faster review. If it is an inflamed raised scar or lump, ask whether a Steroid Injection Into The Skin has a role and what alternatives exist.