The question “what are barnacles on humans” often arises from observing certain skin growths. While marine barnacles, those hard-shelled crustaceans, are famously known for attaching to ships and marine life, they do not literally grow on human skin. This misconception highlights the need for clarity regarding benign skin conditions that might resemble these ocean dwellers.
The Biological Truth
Marine barnacles are invertebrates belonging to the subphylum Cirripedia. They attach to hard surfaces like rocks, ship hulls, and whale skin, using a strong cement. Human skin lacks the biological properties and environmental conditions necessary for barnacle larvae to grow. These organisms require a stable, submerged surface for their lifecycle, which human skin cannot provide.
Common Skin Conditions Often Called “Barnacles”
What people call “barnacles” on human skin are benign growths known as seborrheic keratoses. These lesions appear as waxy, stuck-on growths, ranging in color from light tan to dark brown or black. Their texture can be rough or granular, often appearing on the face, chest, back, or scalp. Seborrheic keratoses vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
Other skin growths sometimes mistaken for “barnacles” include skin tags, small, soft, flesh-colored or brownish growths that often hang off the skin. Common warts, caused by human papillomavirus, are another possibility, presenting as rough, raised bumps. While these conditions share visual characteristics like being raised or pigmented, seborrheic keratoses are the most frequent reason for the “barnacle” comparison due to their often crusted or “stuck-on” appearance.
Factors Contributing to Their Appearance
Seborrheic keratoses are associated with aging, becoming more prevalent with age. They are sometimes called “age spots” or “senile warts.” Genetics also plays a role; they often run in families. Sun exposure may contribute, particularly on sun-exposed areas.
These growths result from changes in skin cell growth. While harmless, their increasing number and size are a natural part of aging. They are not linked to underlying health issues.
Managing and Monitoring Skin Growths
Most skin growths like seborrheic keratoses are benign and do not require medical treatment unless they cause irritation or cosmetic concern. If a growth becomes itchy, inflamed, or rubs against clothing, removal options are available. Common removal methods include cryotherapy, freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen to make it blister and fall off. Shave excision is another method, where a dermatologist shaves the growth off the skin’s surface.
Monitor any existing or new skin growths for changes. Seek medical attention from a dermatologist if a growth changes in size, shape, or color, or if it bleeds, itches, or becomes painful. These changes could indicate a more serious condition, such as melanoma or other skin cancer. A professional diagnosis is needed to differentiate benign from malignant lesions.