There are several skin lesions that are common and benign. These include moles, DPN, freckles, skin tag, seborrheic keratoses and warts(viral infection).
Why should a mole be removed?
There are a number of reasons why a mole might be removed. Most Patients choose to have the spots removed for cosmetic reasons only. Other times, it’s simply bothersome and gets in the way of shaving, brushing the hair, etc.
Of course, sometimes we’ll recommend that a mole be removed because it has a suspicious appearance and it would be safer to have the lab evaluate it to rule out any abnormalities such as skin cancer.
What are the methods to remove a mole?
Patients need to understand is that there are different ways to “remove” a mole. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
- Superficial Shave Removal
- Deep Shave Removal
- Excision
- Cauterisation
What is a Skin Tag?
Skin tag is a general term for skin growths that occur due to infection from the human papillomavirus. A skin tag is formed when in contact with the virus, which then infects skin cells and replicates itself, resulting in an abnormal but benign, growth. Skin tag can vary in appearance, shape, size, and color. They can occur on all sites including ano-genital area.
Why are some people more vulnerable to Skin Tag?
Some people are remarkably impervious to viruses and bacteria despite being surrounded by sick people while others tend to get infected no matter how protected they are. This is due to the individual immune systems and how well they learn to cope with certain types of disease.
Can I get away not treating my Skin Tag?
Yes, it is a harmless condition which does not require treatment but for its unsightly appearance.
What is DPN?
Dermatosis PapulosaNigra (also known as DPN) is characterized by small brown or black spots on the face, neck, chest, and back. The spots are neither cancerous nor medically concerning, but they may be itchy, irritating, or cosmetically undesired. They are often referred to as ‘moles’ but they are not true moles by definition.
Women are more likely to develop this condition than men. The spots generally appear after puberty and grow in size and number with age.
What is the cause of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
The cause of dermatosis papulosa nigra is unknown.
How is Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra treated?
Patients choose to have the spots removed for cosmetic reasons only. Treatment options include scissor excision, shave excision, cryosurgery, electrodessication, curettage, dermabrasion, and laser removal. The cost of treatment depends on the type of treatment and on the size of the area to be treated.
In conclusion, patients who are considering treatment for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) should consult a dermatologist who understands the unique properties and treatment outcomes of ethnic skin.
Why is Electrosurgery preferred over other treatments?
Electrosurgery is a method of cauterisation using electricity. Electrocautery delivers heat energy to the treatment probe which it is then placed on the target tissue like skin tag where the heat will destroy it. Heat has a powerful effect on living tissues, drying them out and denaturing (misshaping) important proteins and other structures to kill off unwanted cells. Because of this mechanism, it is an extremely effective method of dealing with skin tag as well as other skin growths.
What are the benefits of electrosurgery?
- Safer in all skin types and ages
- Quicker recovery
- No adverse effects
- Cost effective
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