What can be wrong with my son's skin?

My 11-yr-old son has a growth on his arm that looks like a wart. It is covering a larger area now that it used to and appeared to stopped growing.  A medical doctor who saw it has told us that they can do a biopsy to check. However, I don't really know if that is necessary as his skin problems(he has also skin heat rashes all over his arm, legs and back) might be related to his obesity.

Shall we go ahead with the biopsy or is there any other way that we can have it checked? My son get real panicky with needles.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

You have mentioned that your son is obsessed and that he also has some previous skin problems that you have described as a rash. Now, this wart like growth has been noted. Differentials may include a wart, a fungal infection, a mole, a hemangioma, molluscum, psoriasis and lichenified skin. These are only differentials however ,some of  these need to be ruled out as the management for these conditions do vary. A skin biopsy may best help as the result are definitive and the histopathology can help focus on the diagnosis.

Do not pick on the area and do avoid irritating the area. Vascular growths may increase in size. So we have to avoid injuring the skin as this may bleed. I understand your concern however, it may be best to have this biopsied.A referral to a pediatric infectious specialist may help so that an infectious process may be ruled out early on.

[mom808]

Thank you for shedding light on my son's problem.

I feel a little bit better now.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Let me correct something. I wrote "You have mentioned your son is obsessed".  I apologize. I meant,obese. Has this weight problem been addressed already? I feel that this could be contributory. Thus, it is best to rule out infections at this point. Once infections have been ruled out, then we can focus on other differentials such as hormonal causes. If there are associated discolorations on the neck, in the armpits and in other parts of the body, then it may be necessary to check on current blood sugar levels.

[mom808]

No problem about the typo.  I kind of figure that out.

We intend to visit a pediatric doctor so as we can address all his problems.  He has actually some white spots on his neck which just started sometime last month.

[IrishSpring8]

To be honest, what you are talking about may just simply be a skin tag. It's Virtually harmless.
They are growths on the skin that may look like a wart or a mole. It's common among obese people.
A good way to avoid heat rashes, is to always wear something that breathes, as the heat rash is a buildup of sweat and bacteria. if you really have a problem with the heat rashes then baby powder is good because it will absorb the sweat, and prevent the rash while soothing the skin at the same time.

[mom808]

Actually, my sister told me the same thing.  She said that if doesn't bother my son then it's best to just leave it alone.  My concern is if my son won't get teased by friends when they see it.  Thus, my husband thinks that we ought to have it removed.