Is This New Skin Bump Related to Aging? And Should I Worry?

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