Don’t like your lesions or skin tags? Here are best treatment options
Most people want to start off the new year by looking their best and addressing the unsightly lesions on the skin that have developed over the years with aging or that are hereditary.
One of the most common benign lesions that patients are concerned about that prompts a call to the dermatologist are seborrheic keratoses.
These lesions can vary in appearance from thin, light brown stuck-on plaques to thick, dark brown warty plaques that can grow to several centimeters in size.
Sometimes these lesions itch or bleed, which is a reason for the request to have them removed with liquid nitrogen treatment or curettage.
Another common annoying skin lesion that patients complain about are skin tags.
These skin-colored pedunculated growths are most commonly seen on the neck, axillae or groin and can range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter.
The amount of lesions present is a deciding factor of how the lesions can be removed.
Skin tags can be easily removed with liquid nitrogen or snip excision.
During skin exams, multiple discrete red papules can be seen on the trunk.
Sometimes these lesions, which are referred to as cherry hemangiomas, can be treated with hyfrecator or laser.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia is also a benign lesion that can be found on the face and be a nuisance by looking in the mirror and seeing the bumps on the face.
Treatment with a hyfrecator at a low setting can immediately remove the lesions and heal with minimal scarring depending on the skin color.
Redness of the face can be a concern for many and make patients feel selfconscious about their skin without cover-up with make-up.
Different options to mask or treat the redness can range from conservative
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measures, such as using a makeup with full coverage to mask the redness.
Or another treatment option is to treat the broken blood vessels with intense pulse light therapy. Usually treatment with IPL is successful after two or three treatments.
Brown spots on the skin can also be treated with IPL treatments. Don’t be discouraged if you have multiple unattractive brown lesions on the face, chest or arms when they can easily be treated with a series of IPL treatments or chemical peels.
Remember to wear a mineral sunblock daily with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Mineral sunblocks can be found at any grocery or big box store.
No matter what procedure you have done, don’t forget to grab the sunblock because the hyperpigmentation after the procedure may become more pronounced.
Finally, addressing your dry, dulllooking skin with moisturizers can plump up the appearance of the skin and give it a healthy glow.
Depending on whether your skin is naturally dry or oily can dictate what type of moisturizer will be best for the skin.
Different seasons can also influence what type of product that will be used.
For example, if it’s winter and cold and dry out then a thicker moisturizer may be more beneficial to the skin.
During the summer, when it’s too hot and humid to want to apply anything to the skin is when a light moisturizer lotion or hyaluronic acid may be more appropriate to choose.
Don’t delay any more in neglecting to address skin concerns or growths on your body.
It is important to seek the advice and help of a dermatology health care provider that can safely remove benign lesions instead of trying at-home remedies or treatments found on the internet.
Happy Holidays and wishing everyone a happy healthy new year!
Susan Hammerling-Hodgers, a Member of the National Psoriasis Foundation, is a PA-C (Certified Physician Assistant) and MPAS (Master of Physician Assistant Studies) and works at Brevard Skin and Cancer at the Merritt Island, Titusville and Rockledge offices.