Skin Tags, Moles, Lesions
What are Skin Tags & Lesions?
Skin tags and lesions are common growths that can appear on the surface of the skin at any age. Skin tags (acrochordons) are small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that often hang off the skin by a tiny stalk. While benign and painless, they can become irritated by clothing or jewellery. Skin lesions is a broader term covering various marks or growths, including moles, warts, and age-related patches. Because some lesions can change over time, professional assessment is vital to distinguish between harmless cosmetic concerns and those requiring medical intervention.
Understanding Different Lesions
Skin growths vary in their biological makeup and appearance. It is important to recognise the different types:
Skin Tags: Small, soft growths typically found in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, or groin.
Moles (Naevi): Small, dark spots caused by clusters of pigmented cells. Most are harmless, but any changes in shape, size, or colour should be professionally evaluated.
Warts: Rough, flesh-coloured bumps caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin.
Seborrheic Keratoses: Common non-cancerous skin growths that often appear waxy or scaly and slightly raised.
Actinic Keratosis: Rough, scaly patches caused by years of sun damage. These are considered precancerous and require clinical monitoring.
How to Treat Skin Tags & Lesions
At Home: Jolanta’s Advice
When it comes to skin growths, safety and professional diagnosis are the absolute priorities:
Never Attempt Home Removal: It is crucial that you never try to "clip," tie off, or use home acids to remove skin tags or moles. Doing so can lead to severe bleeding, permanent scarring, and serious infection.
Monitor for Changes: Use the "ABCDE" rule for moles (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving). If you notice a lesion changing, itching, or bleeding, seek a professional consultation immediately.
Daily Sun Protection: Prevent the formation of new sun-related lesions like actinic keratosis by applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day to exposed areas.
At SCA Clinic
Since both skin tags and lesions require precise identification, a consultation is essential before any treatment. We offer several clinical methods for safe removal and skin health monitoring:
Map My Mole (Cancer Prevention): Before any removal, we prioritise your safety. This specialist mole-mapping service allows for the digital monitoring and expert dermatological screening of suspicious spots, ensuring early detection and peace of mind in cancer prevention.
Cryotherapy: This involves the controlled application of liquid nitrogen to "freeze" the growth, causing it to naturally fall off after a few days.
Shave Excision: For certain raised lesions, the growth is carefully "shaved" flush with the skin’s surface using a specialised clinical blade.
Electrocautery: A precision instrument with a heated tip is used to cauterise and remove small skin tags and benign lesions, minimising the risk of bleeding.
Surgical Excision: For larger growths or suspicious moles, the lesion is surgically removed. In these cases, we refer you to a surgical clinic where the sample can be sent for a formal biopsy and pathology report to ensure total peace of mind.
For the best results and choice of treatment, book a consultation with Jolanta, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, to create a personalised treatment plan.
