Our skin is a complex and vital organ that can develop various growths and blemishes, including warts, moles, and skin tags. While these skin conditions are common, they can cause concern for many people due to their appearance and potential health implications.
What Are Warts?
The HPV virus causes benign skin growths known as warts. Though they can form anywhere on the body, the hands and feet are the most frequently affected. Warts can have a variety of appearances, but they are usually rough and skin-colored.
Types of Warts
- Common Warts: These rough-surfaced lesions are frequently encountered on the hands.
- Plantar Warts: These are painful growths on the bottoms of the feet that become uncomfortable when you walk on them.
- Flat Warts: Usually found on the face or legs, these are smoother and smaller.
- Filiform Warts: Usually found near the mouth or nose, these warts resemble threads.
- Periungual Warts: These can impede the growth of nails and are located around the nails.
Treatment Options for Warts
Dermatologists can treat warts in several ways, such as topical salicylic acid treatments, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing the wart), or minor surgery. Although over-the-counter remedies are also available, they might not work as well for persistent warts.
When to See a Dermatologist for Warts
- If the wart bleeds, changes in appearance, or is painful.
- In the event that home remedies fail.
- If you have several warts or warts in delicate places like your genitalia or face.
What Are Moles?
Clusters of pigmented cells that resemble tiny, dark brown spots on the skin are called moles, or nevi. They may exist from birth or may emerge gradually. While the majority of moles are benign, some can progress to melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
Characteristics of Moles
- Common Moles: Usually round in shape and color, common moles have a diameter of less than five millimeters.
- Atypical Moles: These can occasionally be a sign of a higher risk of skin cancer and can have larger sizes, multiple hues, or odd shapes.
ABCDEs of Melanoma
Dermatologists use the ABCDEs to identify suspicious moles:
- A: Asymmetry – One half of the mole looks different from the other.
- B: Border – Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined borders.
- C: Color – Variations in color, including different shades of brown, black, or even red and blue.
- D: Diameter – Larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E: Evolving – Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.
When to See a Dermatologist for Moles
- If you notice any of the ABCDE signs.
- If a mole changes in appearance or starts to cause discomfort.
- For regular skin checks, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or numerous moles.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are benign, microscopic growths that protrude from the skin. They frequently show up in places where the skin folds, such the crotch, under the breasts, armpits, and neck.
Causes and Risk Factors of Skin Tags
Skin tags are quite frequent and usually not harmful. These are more common in diabetics, overweight people, and older adults. Their development may be aided by friction caused by skin rubbing against garments or other surfaces.
Treatment Options for Skin Tags
Although skin tags typically don't need to be treated, they can be removed if they start to bother you or for aesthetic purposes. Skin tags can be removed by dermatologists using techniques like these:
- Cryotherapy: the skin tag is frozen.
- Electrosurgery: Burning off the skin tag using an electrical current.
- Excision: Using a scalpel or sterile scissors, cut off the skin tag.
When to See a Dermatologist for Skin Tags
- For professional removal to prevent infection or scarring
- If you are uncertain if the growth is a skin tag or another kind of lesion
- If a skin tag becomes painful, bleeds, or changes in appearance.
Most people will encounter common skin problems such as moles, skin tags, and warts at some point in their lives. Even though they are usually benign, it is important to watch for any changes and, if needed, seek dermatological expertise. The staff at Lane Dermatology is here to help with all of your skin health needs.
