These are benign growths on the scalp or on any part of the body. They appear as discrete, sharply demarcated brownish to black patches or raised flat-topped lumps of various sizes. They have a smooth or rough surface. These lesions appear in increasing numbers with age. They usually occur in older adults and are very common in persons over 50 years old. The lesions often appear on the face, but some may occur on the scalp. These lesions are benign and not associated with any symptoms.

In early lesions, they are brown and slightly raised; however, they may become fairly large and pigmented nodules. They are commonly located on the face and can also be seen on the trunk, groin and sun-exposed areas.