Warts, verrucas, fibroids, as well as moles and discolorations are changes that do not always require surgical treatment, but are associated with an unaesthetic appearance of the skin surface. This is especially true in situations where they appear on the face, attracting the attention of those in close proximity.
TYPES OF SKIN CHANGES
- Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps that resemble acne. They are usually the size of poppy seeds, but can range from a few to several millimeters in size. They are commonly found on the face, eyelids, cheeks, and temples, sometimes around the mouth and on the chest. They often appear in groups but can also be scattered individually. They can be mistaken for whiteheads.
- Sebaceous cysts can be located anywhere on the body. They typically occur individually and can grow to a large size. In such cases, surgical assistance may be necessary for removal.
- Fibromas are the result of excessive growth of fibrous connective tissue. They usually do not cause pain. When located in areas prone to friction, they may become irritated, itchy, and red. They are a common cosmetic issue but usually not a threat.
- Hard fibromas most commonly occur individually on the lower limbs in young individuals. They manifest as single subcutaneous nodules with a sack-like or spherical shape. They are hard, smooth or rough, and can move under the skin when pressure is applied. They can be red, flesh-colored, or brown. They typically range from 2 millimeters to 5 centimeters in diameter and do not cause pain.
- Soft fibromas are skin growths in the form of lumps with a flesh-colored or slightly darker, light brown hue. They often occur in multiples and can be found on the face, eyelids, neck, groin, trunk, upper limbs, and underarms. They are soft to the touch, may be connected to the skin by a thin band of tissue, or grow directly from it. In rare cases, they can rupture, bleed, and lead to local inflammation.
- Ruby points (senile angiomas, ruby spots, De Morgan spots) are benign skin changes in the form of small red spots ranging from one to several millimeters in diameter. They are very common in both genders, usually appearing after the age of 30 and increasing in number with age.
- Flat warts (verruca plana, verruca plana juvenilis) are raised skin changes caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They most commonly appear on the hands and face as small, flat-topped, light or dark brown bumps. Although generally not dangerous, they can cause discomfort and affect self-esteem. Moreover, flat warts have a high propensity for spreading rapidly across the body, making removal recommended even for single lesions. Plantar warts can cause significant discomfort when walking.
- Seborrheic keratosis (senile wart) are rough, dark brown skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body, most commonly on the neck and back. They resemble dark warts and are rough to the touch. They are more likely to develop in individuals over the age of 35. If left untreated, seborrheic keratosis can slowly grow to several centimeters in diameter. Xanthelasma are yellowish skin growths that typically form on the upper and lower eyelids but can appear on the skin throughout the body, such as in the form of yellowish tendons. Xanthelasma are caused by the accumulation of lipids (fats) under the skin. Research has shown a direct link between the presence of xanthelasma on the eyelids and the level of cholesterol in the blood.
- Xanthelasma are benign changes that do not pose a risk of malignancy and do not interfere with eyelid function. They are primarily cosmetic issues and can be removed using CO2 laser, plasma, or cryotherapy.
HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE OF REMOVING SKIN LESIONS LOOK LIKE?
Before the procedure, we assess and consult whether the changes that have occurred qualify for the treatment. In the case of mild changes that do not require further diagnostic testing such as histopathological examination, and are only aesthetic defects, such as fibroids or glandulars, it is possible to remove them using minimally invasive methods (plasma, laser, electrocoagulation, etc.). Subsequently, the most appropriate technology is selected, and the area undergoing the procedure is disinfected and anesthetized. The procedure lasts from a few to several tens of minutes, depending on the extent of the skin changes. The procedure is a one-time occurrence, and the skin changes disappear completely, leaving no traces or scars. Only in the case of larger changes, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure.
DERMATOSCOPY
Some skin lesions should be examined using a dermatoscope before removal. It is an optical device that magnifies 10 - 20 times, with side illumination, which allows to obtain a "three-dimensional image" of the skin. The purpose of the dermatoscope examination is to initially differentiate skin conditions, e.g. pigmented moles, malignant melanoma, blue nevus, seborrheic wart, hemangioma and many others.