Irritation of a skin bump, spot, growth, or mole
A skin growth, mole, or bump may easily become irritated when it:
- Gets rubbed by straps, belts, or clothing.
- Catches on something.
- Is in an area of the body where you shave, such as the beard area, underarm area, legs, or pubic area.
An irritated skin growth is not usually serious but may be annoying. To help prevent skin irritations:
- Do not squeeze, scratch, or pick at the spot.
- Leave the spot exposed to the air whenever possible.
- Adjust your clothing so that it does not rub on the bump or spot, or cover the spot or bump with a bandage.
An irritated skin growth occasionally may become infected when bacteria enter cut, punctured, or scraped skin at or around the growth. Watch for signs of a skin infection.
If, despite home treatment, a skin growth continues to be irritated, becomes infected, or bleeds, talk to your doctor about having the spot removed.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: July 10, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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