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- Dr Sharon Crichlow
- Reading Time: 5 Mins
You notice a new bump, mole, or tag on your skin. Maybe it’s been there for years, but suddenly, it seems bigger, darker, or just… different. Is it something to worry about? Should you leave it alone or book an appointment to have it removed with a dermatologist?
The truth is, not all skin growths are created equal. Some are completely harmless, while others can become irritating, painful, or even a sign of an underlying issue. But how do you know which ones need treatment and which you can safely ignore?
If you’re unsure whether to leave it, treat it, or remove it, keep reading. This could be the reassurance, or nudge you need to take the next step.
Key Takeaways
- Not all skin growths are harmless – If a mole, wart, or tag changes in size, colour, or starts bleeding, it’s best to get it checked.
- Removal isn’t just for medical reasons – growths can be taken off for comfort, aesthetics, or peace of mind, it’s a personal choice.
- Professional removal is the safest option. While some at home treatments exist, dermatologist approved methods ensure proper removal and aftercare.
Table of Contents
Harmless or Harmful? The Key Differences
| Type of Growth | Characteristics | When to Be Concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Tags | Soft, flesh-colored, usually found in friction areas (neck, underarms). | Only if irritated, inflamed, or growing rapidly. |
| Cherry Angiomas | Small, red, raised spots caused by blood vessel clusters. | If they start bleeding frequently or change in size. |
| Seborrheic Keratoses | Rough, waxy, or scaly growths that appear with age. | If they become irritated, painful, or rapidly increase in number. |
| Lipomas | Soft, fatty lumps under the skin that grow slowly. | If they become painful, grow rapidly, or press on nerves. |
| Changing Moles | Growth in size, irregular borders, color changes, or bleeding. | Should always be checked by a dermatologist. |
| Actinic Keratoses | Rough, scaly patches caused by sun damage. | Potentially precancerous—should be assessed by a dermatologist. |
| Persistent Warts | Warts that spread, become painful, or resist treatments. | If they don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments or cause discomfort. |
| Inflamed Cysts | Painful lumps that grow, ooze fluid, or become infected. | Should be examined if they keep growing or cause pain. |
Most skin growths are harmless, but if something looks or feels different, it’s worth getting checked. Changes in size, colour, texture, or sensation can indicate that a growth needs medical attention. While some changes are minor, others could signal a more serious underlying issue.
Generally Harmless Growths:
- Skin tags – Soft, flesh coloured, and usually found in areas of friction (neck, underarms).
- Cherry angiomas – Small, red, raised spots caused by blood vessel clusters.
- Seborrheic keratoses – Rough, waxy, or scaly growths that appear with age.
- Lipomas – Soft, fatty lumps under the skin that grow slowly.
When a Growth Might Need Medical Attention:
- Changing moles – Growth in size, irregular borders, colour changes, or bleeding.
- Actinic keratoses – Rough, scaly patches caused by sun damage that can be precancerous.
- Persistent warts – If they spread, become painful, or resist over the counter treatments.
- Cysts that become inflamed – Painful lumps that grow or ooze fluid.
Even if a growth isn’t dangerous, speaking to a dermatologist can offer peace of mind. A professional can confirm whether it’s safe to leave alone or if removal is the best option. In many cases, a quick, in office procedure can eliminate discomfort and uncertainty in minutes.
When Should You Consider Removal?
Some skin growths are nothing to worry about, while others can be irritating, unsightly, or even a sign of something more serious. If you’re wondering whether to have it removed, here are some of the most common reasons people choose to.
It Could Be Dangerous
If a mole or growth is changing in size, shape, or colour, or starts bleeding, itching, or crusting, it’s best to get it checked. Some growths, like actinic keratoses, can become cancerous over time, making early removal the safest option.
It’s Bothering You
Even harmless growths can be annoying. If it rubs against clothing, gets caught on jewelry, or makes shaving a hassle, removal can make life easier. Why put up with discomfort if you don’t have to?
It’s Affecting Your Confidence
Let’s be honest, if a mole, skin tag, or lump is in a visible spot and you don’t like the way it looks, there’s no shame in wanting it gone. Skin concerns aren’t just about health, they’re about feeling good in your own skin.
It Keeps Coming Back
Some growths, like warts or cysts, have a habit of returning. If you’ve treated it at home and it keeps reappearing, spreading, or getting worse, a dermatologist can remove it properly and stop the cycle.
You Want Peace of Mind
If you keep second-guessing a skin growth or worrying about what it could be, getting it checked (and removed if needed) can put your mind at ease, and often free you from the anxiety that comes with it. Even if it’s harmless, knowing for sure is always better than wondering.
Bottom line? Whether it’s for health, comfort, or confidence, skin growth removal is often quick, easy, and worth it. If something is bothering you, physically or mentally, it’s okay to do something about it.
What Are Your Removal Options?
| Removal Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-Counter Treatments | Warts and small skin tags can be treated with salicylic acid or cryotherapy kits, but results take weeks and require consistent application. | Small, non-irritating warts or skin tags in non-sensitive areas. |
| Cutting Off Skin Tags at Home | Attempting to remove a skin tag with scissors or nail clippers is risky, painful, and can lead to infection or scarring. | ❌ Not recommended due to health risks. |
| Home Remedies (Apple Cider Vinegar, Duct Tape) | No strong evidence supports their effectiveness, and they can irritate the skin or cause discomfort. | ❌ Not recommended due to lack of proven results. |
| Cryotherapy (Freezing) | Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth, causing it to freeze and fall off naturally over time. | Warts, skin tags, and small benign growths. |
| Electrosurgery (Burning) | Uses heat to destroy the tissue and seal the wound, minimising bleeding. | Growths that need precise removal with minimal scarring. |
| Excision (Cutting) | A dermatologist removes the growth with a scalpel, often using local anesthesia. | Larger moles, cysts, or lipomas. |
| Laser Removal | High-precision laser treatment targets stubborn growths with minimal damage to surrounding skin. | Small, persistent growths like warts or angiomas. |
Once you’ve decided to remove a skin growth, the next step is choosing how to do it. Some treatments can be done at home, while others require a dermatologist for safe and effective removal. Here’s how they compare:
At Home Treatments: Do They Work?
For some minor growths, DIY removal methods might seem like an easy option, but results can be hit or miss.
- Over the counter treatments – Warts and small skin tags can sometimes be treated with salicylic acid or cryotherapy kits, but these require consistent application over weeks.
- Cutting off skin tags yourself – Risky, painful, and can lead to infection or scarring.
- Home remedies like apple cider vinegar or duct tape – No strong evidence supports their effectiveness, and they can irritate the skin.
Best for: Small, non-irritating warts or skin tags in non-sensitive areas.
Professional Removal: Quick, Safe, and Effective
If you want fast, reliable results, a dermatologist can remove skin growths safely with minimal risk of scarring or infection. Common in-clinic methods include:
- Cryotherapy (Freezing) – Liquid nitrogen destroys the growth, which then falls off naturally over time.
- Electrosurgery (Burning) – Uses heat to destroy tissue and seal the wound, minimising bleeding.
- Excision (Cutting) – A precise scalpel removal for larger moles, cysts, or lipomas.
- Laser Removal – A high-precision method for small, stubborn growths like warts or angiomas.
Best for: Growths that are large, persistent, in sensitive areas, or showing warning signs.
Which Option is Right for You?
If a growth is small, non-irritating, and clearly harmless, an over-the-counter treatment might work—though patience is required. However, for anything larger, stubborn, or suspicious, professional removal is the safest and fastest option.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist first—they can confirm whether a growth is safe to treat at home or needs expert removal.
When to See a Dermatologist?
If you’re still on the fence about whether to remove a skin growth, the best thing you can do is get it checked by a dermatologist. Even if removal isn’t necessary, a professional can confirm what it is and whether it poses any risk.
Signs You Should See a Dermatologist:
- A growth is changing – If a mole or lump is growing, darkening, or developing uneven edges, it’s best to get it checked.
- It’s painful, itchy, or bleeding – Skin tags, cysts, and warts shouldn’t cause discomfort—if they do, removal may be necessary.
- It keeps coming back – Recurring warts, cysts, or irritated growths may need professional treatment to stop them from returning.
- Home treatments aren’t working – If over-the-counter methods haven’t helped, a dermatologist can remove the growth safely and effectively in one visit.
The Bottom Line
If a skin growth is bothering you physically or mentally, there’s no harm in getting it checked. Dermatologists can quickly assess whether it’s harmless or needs removal, giving you peace of mind and a clear way forward.
Want expert advice? Book a free skin assessment today and get professional guidance on whether to remove your skin growth, and the safest way to do it.
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