What Do Benign Skin Lesions Look Like?

Noticed a strange bump, mark, or spot on your skin recently? You’re not alone. Skin changes are incredibly common, and while they can look concerning, many of them are completely harmless. These are known as benign skin lesions.

But that raises a very important question: How do you tell the difference between something harmless and something worth investigating?

At Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we’re often asked, “What do benign skin lesions actually look like?” In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types, how to identify them, and what to do if you want them checked, or removed.

What Are Benign Skin Lesions?

Benign skin lesions are non-cancerous skin growths that can appear for various reasons, ageing, genetics, sun exposure, hormonal changes, or even friction from clothing. They are not dangerous, do not spread, and typically does not pose any medical risk. However, they may be unsightly, irritating, or uncomfortable, depending on where they’re located or how large they become.

Some people choose to have benign lesions removed for cosmetic reasons, while others opt for removal if the lesion becomes itchy, painful, or frequently catches on clothing.

It’s important to note: not all skin lesions are benign, which is why understanding what they typically look like can help you decide when to seek professional advice.

Types of Benign Skin Lesions and What They Look Like

Benign skin lesions come in many forms. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types you may come across:

1. Seborrhoeic Keratoses

What they look like:
These are one of the most frequently seen benign skin growths. They often look like they’ve been “stuck on” the skin, like a small piece of wax or dry gum. The texture is usually rough, dry, or warty, and the shape can be round or oval.

Colour:
Ranges from light tan to dark brown or black.

Where they appear:
Most commonly on the chest, back, shoulders, and face

Though they may resemble warts or even skin cancer, seborrhoeic keratoses are harmless and not contagious.

2. Skin Tags (Acrochordons)

What they look like:
Small, soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker growths that hang off the skin by a thin stalk. They’re generally smooth but can sometimes look wrinkled or folded.

Where they appear:
Neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, under the breasts—basically, any place where skin rubs together.

Why they develop:
Often linked to friction, hormonal changes, or genetics. They’re also more common in people with diabetes or those who are overweight.

Skin tags are completely harmless but can become irritated by jewellery or clothing. They’re quick and easy to remove.

3. Cherry Angiomas

What they look like:
Bright red or purple, small, round bumps that appear on the surface of the skin. Some are flat, while others may be dome-shaped and slightly raised.

Size:
Usually 1–5mm, though they can grow larger with age.

Where they appear:
Common on the torso, chest, arms, and legs.

Why they form:
These are clusters of blood vessels and tend to develop more with age. They’re not linked to sun exposure and aren’t harmful.

They don’t go away on their own, but they can be removed easily if they bleed, become irritated, or for aesthetic reasons.

4. Milia

What they look like:

Tiny white or yellowish bumps that often appear in clusters. They look like small pearls just under the skin and are firm to the touch, unlike pimples, they don’t contain pus and won’t pop.

Where they appear:
Most commonly around the eyes, cheeks, and nose, but can also appear on the chest and genitals.

Why they form:
Milia are caused by keratin (a protein) trapped beneath the skin. They’re common in newborns but also appear in adults, especially after skin trauma or long-term use of heavy creams.

They’re harmless and usually resolve on their own, but removal is quick and simple if needed.

5. Dermatofibromas

What they look like:
Firm, raised bumps that often look like small, hard nodules under the skin. The colour can vary From red, brown, or purple.

Where they appear:
Most often on the arms and legs.

Why they form:
Usually the result of a minor skin injury like a bug bite, ingrown hair, or cut. Over time, the skin reacts and forms this small, fibrous growth.

They’re benign and often don’t need treatment, but if they itch or are uncomfortable, they can be removed.

6. Lipomas

What they look like:
Soft, rubbery lumps beneath the skin. They’re moveable and usually not painful. Unlike cysts, lipomas are made entirely of fat tissue.

Where they appear:
Neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs.

Why they form:
Exact causes are unknown, but they can run in families and are more common in middle age.
Though benign, some lipomas can grow large and become uncomfortable. Removal is straightforward.

When Should You Get a Skin Lesion Checked?

Most benign lesions are harmless, but not all lesions are easy to diagnose without proper evaluation. Here are warning signs that warrant a professional opinion:

• It’s growing rapidly or has changed suddenly
• The borders have become irregular or undefined
• It’s started bleeding, crusting, or itching
• The colour is uneven or very dark
• It’s painful or keeps getting irritated

Even if it seems harmless, a quick consultation can offer clarity. Peace of mind is always better than second-guessing.

Can Benign Lesions Be Removed?

Absolutely. At Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, we remove benign lesions for both medical and cosmetic reasons using non-invasive laser treatments and advanced skincare technology. Whether your lesion is causing discomfort or simply affecting your confidence, we’re here to help you feel like yourself again.

We treat:

• Skin tags
  
• Cherry angiomas
  
• Seborrhoeic keratoses
  
• Milia
  
• Warts
  
• Other common growths
  

The procedure is quick, safe, and designed to get you back to your routine with minimal downtime.

FAQs

1. Can I remove a benign skin lesion at home?

It’s not recommended. DIY removal can cause infection, scarring, or worsen the lesion. Always speak with a medical professional before considering removal.

2. Will I be left with a scar?

We use techniques designed to reduce scarring, but the result also depends on the size and depth of the lesion, your skin type, and healing ability.

3. Do benign lesions come back after removal?

Some lesions can return, particularly if the underlying cause (like friction or genetics) remains. We’ll advise you on how to reduce recurrence.

4. Is removal painful?

Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable, similar to a sting or a pinch. Numbing cream or local anaesthetic is used when needed.

5. How soon can I get back to normal activities?

Most patients return to normal life immediately after treatment, though we’ll give you post-care tips depending on the area treated.

Final Thoughts

Not all skin changes are a cause for alarm, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Understanding what benign skin lesions look like is the first step toward peace of mind, and better skin health.

If something doesn’t look or feel right, book a consultation at Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic. We’re here to support you through your skin journey, whether it’s identifying a lesion or offering safe, expert removal.

Feel confident in your skin. Let’s take a closer look – your future self will thank you.

Call us or book your consultation online today.