COMMON SKIN CHANGES & GROWTHS
Skin changes are a normal part of life. As we age, experience hormonal shifts, friction, sun exposure, or changes in weight and metabolism, the skin can develop small growths or texture changes that are usually harmless but sometimes concerning.
Most of these changes are benign, meaning they are not dangerous. However, they can still cause discomfort, cosmetic concern, or uncertainty about whether they should be checked.
This page focuses on common, non-threatening skin changes, how they typically behave, and when it may be appropriate to seek professional advice.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are soft, flesh-coloured growths that commonly appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Typical locations include the neck, underarms, groin, beneath the breasts, and sometimes around the eyelids.
They are made up of normal skin tissue and are benign. Skin tags are not contagious and are not related to hygiene.
Factors commonly associated with skin tag development include:
• Ongoing friction or skin-on-skin contact
• Weight changes that increase areas of rubbing
• Hormonal shifts, including during pregnancy
• Genetic tendency, meaning they often run in families
• Metabolic factors, which may play a role in some individuals
Skin tags tend to become more frequent with age and may increase in number over time. While they are usually symptom-free, they can occasionally become irritated, inflamed, or bleed if repeatedly rubbed by clothing or jewellery.
In most cases, skin tags do not require treatment. Some people choose to have them assessed if they are uncomfortable, catching, changing in appearance, or cosmetically bothersome.
Because other skin growths can sometimes resemble skin tags, assessment by a GP or dermatologist is appropriate if:
• A growth is changing in size, colour, or shape
• There is pain, bleeding, or uncertainty about what it is
• Removal is being considered
The emphasis is always on correct identification first. Not everything that looks like a skin tag is one and professional assessment helps ensure nothing more concerning is missed.
Rough or Bumpy Texture (Including Keratosis Pilaris)
Some people notice persistent roughness or small, uniform bumps on areas such as the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or sometimes the shoulders. This texture is often due to a common skin pattern called keratosis pilaris, where keratin, a normal skin protein, builds up around hair follicles instead of shedding smoothly.
This can give the skin a “goosebump” or sandpaper-like feel, even when the skin is otherwise healthy.
This type of texture:
• Is very common and often runs in families
• Is not caused by poor hygiene or blocked pores
• Is not an infection and is not contagious
• Often fluctuates with seasons, temperature, and skin hydration
• Can appear more noticeable when skin is dry or irritated
Keratosis pilaris is most noticeable in childhood and early adulthood and often becomes less prominent over time. In some people it improves significantly with age, while in others it remains a background texture that comes and goes.
The bumps themselves are not painful and usually not itchy. If significant itch, soreness, or sudden change is present, another skin condition may be contributing and should be assessed.
While this texture cannot be permanently “cured,” it can often be softened and made far less noticeable. Improvement usually comes from:
• Gentle exfoliation rather than aggressive scrubbing
• Consistent moisturisation that supports smooth shedding of skin cells
• Avoiding harsh soaps, rough tools, or over-exfoliation
• Maintaining hydration, particularly in cooler or drier months
Trying to scrub the bumps away aggressively often makes the texture worse by irritating the skin and increasing redness. A calmer, more consistent approach tends to produce better results over time.
For many people, managing rough or bumpy texture is about setting realistic expectations. The goal is smoother, more comfortable skin, not perfectly uniform texture. Small, steady improvements are far more sustainable than short-term fixes that irritate the skin.
Benign Pigmented Spots and Marks
As skin is exposed to sunlight over time, it may develop:
• Small brown spots
• Freckles that darken or multiply
• Uneven pigmentation patches
These changes are often the result of cumulative UV exposure rather than recent sunburn. Most are harmless, but changes in colour, size, or shape should always be assessed.
Pigment behaviour is influenced by sun exposure, hormones, inflammation, and skin sensitivity, which is why prevention and consistency matter more than aggressive correction.
Small Growths, Bumps and Texture Changes
Skin can develop a variety of small, benign growths over time, including:
• Tiny raised bumps
• Flat or slightly thickened patches
• Soft or firm surface changes
These are often linked to genetics, ageing, sun exposure, or friction. Many people notice more of these changes from their 30s onward.
Most are not dangerous, but any lesion that:
• Changes rapidly
• Bleeds unexpectedly
• Becomes painful
• Looks significantly different from surrounding skin should be checked
How We Approach Skin Changes at ALLOR
At ALLOR, common skin changes are approached calmly and conservatively.
The focus is on:
• Understanding what is normal for your skin
• Identifying changes that warrant monitoring or referral
• Supporting skin health and comfort
• Avoiding unnecessary intervention
Not every skin change needs treatment. Often, the most helpful step is clarity - knowing what something is, why it has appeared, and whether anything needs to be done.
Skin is dynamic. Changes do not automatically signal a problem. With the right information, most concerns can be approached with confidence rather than worry.
When to Seek Advice
While most skin changes are harmless, it is reasonable to seek professional advice if you notice:
• A new growth that changes quickly
• A lesion that looks very different from others on your skin
• Persistent irritation, bleeding, or discomfort
• Uncertainty about what something is
Assessment provides reassurance as much as it provides guidance.
If a skin change is evolving, symptomatic, or raises concern for something more serious, timely assessment by a GP or dermatologist is important and always supported.
