Skin conditions

Video Transcript

Skin conditions - Animation

Let’s take a look at a few common skin conditions. Moles are colored spots on the skin, formed by cells containing the dark pigment, melanin. While generally harmless, some moles can change shape and color, or start bleeding and require immediate evaluation. Some birthmarks are simply moles that are present at birth, called a pigmented birthmark. Others result from the rapid growth of blood vessels in a localized area, called red birthmarks When a person becomes older, they may develop age spots. Age spots are patches of increased pigmentation on the skin’s surface, like freckles. Warts are another very common type of skin disorder. Warts are benign, or non-cancerous, growths of skin caused by a virus.

Review Date: 10/11/2023

Reviewed By

Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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