As the weather changes and I get older, I’ve started noticing more and more bumps on my body. Raised bumps, red bumps, brown bumps, painful bumps, and clusters of itchy bumps that appear one day and, just as mysteriously, disappear the next. Lately, it feels like I’m constantly scanning my body, asking the same questions: What is that? Where did it come from? And should I be worried?
Talking to Dr. Gauri Desai, pathologist and aesthetic laser specialist, I was reassured. Dr. Desai says, “the most common types of bumps in people of color are linked to menopause, genetics, or everyday issues like acne, enlarged glands, ingrown hairs, clogged pores, or shaving too close or too often—and are typically benign.”
In Science Friday (sciencefriday.com), dermatologist Dr. Jenna Lester, director of the Skin of Color Clinic at the University of California, San Francisco, explains that skin cancer is less common in patients with darker skin. While melanin offers some protection, she notes, “skin cancer still happens… if you have skin, you can get skin cancer—that’s kind of the bottom line.”
That said, some bumps can signal something more serious. Dr. Dina D. Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Aglow Dermatology in New York City (dinastrachanmd.com), explains on her website, “The good news is skin cancer is easily preventable and usually curable if detected early.” She advises that if you notice a new mole, one that is changing in size, shape, or color, or that is bleeding, painful, or looks different from others on your skin, you should schedule a screening right away. Early evaluation can make all the difference.
Below is a guide to some of the most common skin bumps people of color over 40 tend to experience—including what they look like, where they tend to appear, and how they’re typically treated. It’s meant for informational purposes only. Consult your health care provider about any symptoms you’re concerned about and the best way to address them.
10 Skin Bumps Common in People of Color Over 40
Seborrheic Keratoses
Description: Waxy, “stuck-on”-looking growths likely from aging and genetics
Common location: Face, chest, back, shoulders or anywhere on the body
Size: From pinhead-sized to larger than a quarter
Texture: Waxy, rough, or slightly raised
Color: Tan, brown or black
Painful: No
Itchy: Sometimes
Treatment options:
At home: None recommended. See a doctor.
In-office: Cryotherapy (freezing), laser removal, or shave removal if irritated or for cosmetic reasons
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Description: Small dark raised bumps common to darker skin, likely from a genetic variation, and are considered a variant of seborrheic keratosis.
Common location: Face, especially cheeks, temples, around the eyes, neck and chest
Size: 1–5 mm, poppy seed size to a small grain of rice
Texture: Smooth or slightly rough
Color: Dark brown to black
Painful: No
Itchy: No
Treatment options:
At home: None. See a doctor
In-office: Electrocautery, laser, or gentle shave removal (cosmetic)
Skin Tags (Acrochordons)
Description: Soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that hang off the skin are likely caused by friction and aging
Common location: Neck, underarms, groin, under breasts
Size: From tiny to grape-sized
Texture: Soft, flexible
Color: Flesh colored or slightly darker
Painful: No (unless twisted)
Itchy: Sometimes
Treatment options:
At home: None. Not recommended to remove yourself
In-office: Snip removal, cautery, or freezing
Keloids
Description: Thick, raised scars that form when the skin has an overactive scar-forming response after an injury and are caused by excess collagen in the healing process.
Location: Chest, shoulders, earlobes, jawline, anywhere you’ve been injured or cut.
Size: Variable; can grow over time
Color: Darker than the surrounding skin
Texture: Firm, rubbery
Painful: Sometimes
Itchy: Yes