What causes small skin growths on the neck?
Disease description:
I am 30 years old, female. Recently, I noticed some small skin growths on my neck, and sometimes they feel slightly itchy. A friend mentioned it might be folliculitis. Dear doctor, could you please explain what might cause these small skin growths on the neck?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Small flesh-colored bumps on the neck are commonly caused by folliculitis, flat warts, or filiform warts.
1. **Folliculitis**: This condition is primarily caused by bacterial infection of the skin on the neck, leading to inflammatory papules resembling small flesh-colored bumps. The affected area may be accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain. As the condition progresses, a yellowish-white pus plug may appear in the center.
2. **Flat Warts**: These are mainly caused by infection with human papillomavirus type 3. Flat warts commonly occur on exposed skin areas such as the face, neck, and limbs. They appear as flat papules of varying sizes. Flat warts have a relatively firm texture and can grow to the size of a soybean as the disease progresses. Some patients may experience mild itching.
3. **Filiform Warts**: These are primarily caused by human papillomavirus infection and commonly occur on areas such as the face and neck. They appear as slender, thread-like projections resembling tiny mushrooms. Filiform warts are usually asymptomatic, though mild pulling pain may occur when rubbing with a towel.
