What should you know about skin growths keratosis?

Some keratoses form as rough, scaly patches after long-term sun exposure. Others are raised, waxy or stuck-on-looking growths. A clinician may need to examine the surface, colour, border and surrounding skin to distinguish a benign keratosis from another skin condition.

A lump can also represent an inflamed follicle, a boil or another growth. Basal Cell Carcinoma can sometimes resemble a sore or scaly spot, so a lesion that changes should not be diagnosed from a photograph alone.

Do not scrape, cut or burn a growth yourself. Photograph it in good light, note when you first noticed it, and track changes in size, colour, texture, bleeding or tenderness. Arrange a dermatology assessment if it is new, repeatedly irritated, or difficult to identify.

After examination, options may include observation, freezing, prescribed medicines or removal. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the growth’s location; an intralesional steroid injection is used for selected inflammatory skin lesions, not for every keratosis.

Seek prompt medical review for a growth that bleeds without clear injury, develops a persistent crust, becomes painful, grows quickly, or changes in colour or outline. Seek urgent care for spreading redness, marked swelling, fever or severe pain around the area.

Ask what type of keratosis or growth is being considered, whether it needs a skin sample, what changes should trigger review, and which treatment fits its location and texture.