Have you ever noticed a raised, thickened, or unusual mark appearing on someone's face? Changes in the skin can sometimes be harmless, but certain growths deserve closer attention, particularly when they appear on areas frequently exposed to sunlight.
The image shows a thickened, raised mark near the temple. Although it may resemble a scar or another type of skin growth, its exact cause cannot be determined from a photograph. Some skin conditions look very similar, making a professional examination important.
Understanding the possible causes and recognizing warning signs can help you know when to seek medical advice.
1. Raised Scars and Keloids
One possible explanation for a thickened skin mark is a keloid or hypertrophic scar.
These scars develop when the body produces extra collagen during the healing process following an injury, cut, burn, piercing, or surgery.
They may appear:
Raised above the surrounding skin
Firm or thick to the touch
Pink, red, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin
Smooth or irregular in shape
Occasionally itchy, tender, or uncomfortable
Keloids can continue growing beyond the original wound, while hypertrophic scars generally remain within the boundaries of the original injury.
Although these scars are usually not dangerous, a new unexplained growth should not automatically be assumed to be a scar.
2. Actinic Keratosis: A Sun-Related Skin Change
Actinic keratosis is a skin condition caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds.
It commonly appears on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, including the forehead, temples, cheeks, ears, scalp, and hands.
Possible signs include:
Rough or dry patches
Pink, red, brown, or skin-colored spots
Small raised areas with a scaly surface
Skin that feels like sandpaper
Occasional itching, burning, or tenderness
Actinic keratosis is considered a precancerous skin condition because some lesions can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. This is why suspicious or changing patches should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
3. Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of skin cancer. It often develops on parts of the body that receive regular sun exposure, including the face and temples.
It does not always look like a traditional dark mole. Sometimes, it appears as a raised, shiny, or pearly bump. Other forms may resemble a scar, a pink patch, or a sore that repeatedly develops a crust.
Warning signs can include:
A new growth that gradually becomes larger
A shiny or pearly-looking bump
A sore that does not heal
Repeated bleeding or crusting
A firm, scar-like area that appears without an obvious injury
Early diagnosis is important because basal cell carcinoma is generally highly treatable when detected early.
4. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancer that can develop on sun-exposed areas.
It may appear as a firm, raised bump, a rough scaly patch, or an open sore that bleeds or develops a crust.
Unlike some harmless skin growths, suspicious lesions may continue changing in size, shape, or appearance.
A dermatologist should examine any unusual growth that persists, becomes painful, bleeds repeatedly, or fails to heal.
5. Other Benign Skin Growths
Not every unusual mark is cancerous. Several harmless conditions can create raised or thickened areas on the skin.
Examples include:
Seborrheic keratoses: These are common noncancerous growths that may look waxy, rough, or as though they are attached to the skin.
Skin cysts: These are small lumps that can develop beneath the skin. Some remain painless, while others become inflamed.
Dermatofibromas: These are usually firm, harmless skin growths that may appear brown, pink, or reddish.
Because different conditions can have similar appearances, visual inspection alone is not always enough to identify a growth accurately.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
A new skin growth does not automatically mean cancer, but certain changes should never be ignored.
Arrange a medical examination if you notice:
A spot that continues getting larger
A growth that changes color, shape, or texture
A sore that does not heal
Repeated bleeding, crusting, or scabbing
Persistent itching, tenderness, or pain
A new raised mark that appears without an obvious explanation
Pay particular attention to changes on the face, ears, scalp, and other areas that receive frequent sunlight.
A dermatologist may examine the area using a special magnifying instrument called a dermatoscope. If necessary, a small skin biopsy can be performed to determine exactly what the growth is.
How Can You Protect Your Skin?
Protecting your skin from excessive sunlight is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce the risk of sun-related skin damage.
Consider these habits:
Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin and reapply as directed.
Wear protective clothing: A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can help protect your face and the delicate skin around your eyes.
Avoid excessive sun exposure: Seek shade when sunlight is strongest and avoid indoor tanning beds.
Check your skin regularly: Pay attention to new marks and changes in existing spots.
Do not remove unusual growths yourself: Cutting, squeezing, or applying unproven home remedies can cause injury and delay an accurate diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
A raised, thickened mark near the temple may have several possible explanations, including a scar, a benign skin growth, or a sun-related skin condition. Some skin cancers can also resemble harmless scars or bumps.
The most important warning signs are changes in size, shape, color, texture, repeated bleeding, and sores that do not heal.
If you notice an unusual or changing skin growth, do not panic, but do not ignore it either. A professional skin examination is the safest way to understand what is happening.
Have you ever noticed a raised or unusual mark on your face that changed over time? Share your experience in the comments, and remember to encourage friends and family to pay attention to changes in their skin.