Skin lesions

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There are many different types of skin lesion, and each comes with its own disadvantages which you may want to rectify. Such as:

Sebarrheic Keratoses - Flesh-coloured, brown, or black wart-like oval or round shaped spots. They are harmless, but can be itchy, and some people find them unsightly.

Actinic Keratoses -  Dry, scaly patches of skin that have been damaged by the sun. They are usually harmless, but there is a small chance they could become skin cancer.

Epidermoid Cyst -  These are small, non-cancerous fluid-filled bumps that grow beneath your skin. They are one of the most common types of cysts, commonly found on your face, neck, chest, shoulders, or the skin around your genitals. 

Pyogenic Granuloma - These are small, round, non-cancerous growths containing a large number of blood vessels. They are red and grow rapidly. Although they are harmless, they can catch on clothing and bleed easily. 

There are several methods of removal for skin lesions depending on the type of lesion in question:

• Complete Exision - is the standard way in which to remove a lesion where there is any possibility that it might be cancerous. A surgical blade is used to remove the whole lesion, as well as some normal skin around the edge, the wound is then closed using stitches and covered with a dressing.
• Partial Excision (shave biopsy) - is used for skin tags and seborrhoeic keratoses. A surgical blade is used to cut across the base of the lesion, so it’s level with your surrounding skin. You may also have cautery, which uses heat to seal your skin and stop it from bleeding.
• Heat treatment -  A heated coil is applied to the base of the lesion to remove  it. Electrocautery can be used to remove skin tags. You may also have it  after other types of treatment to stop any bleeding. 
• Creams and gels -  Skin lesion removal cream or gel may be prescribed, which contain medicines such as imiquimod, salicylic acid, 5-fluorouracil or diclofenac to get rid of a wart or actinic keratosis. You usually need to apply the cream or gel daily for several weeks. 
• Freezing -  Freezing off lesions with liquid nitrogen can be used for actinic and seborrhoeic keratoses, warts and skin tags. Liquid  nitrogen is applied to the area for around 10 seconds, using either cotton wool or a  spray. A blister forms after the treatment. It dries up to form a scab,  which falls off one to two weeks later (sometimes longer).  
• Scooping Away (curettage) -  This method can be used for warts, pyogenic granuloma, actinic keratoses  and seborrhoeic keratoses. A curette ‘spoon’ is used to gently  scoop away the lesion. This may be combined with electrocautery (heat  treatment). 
• Laser Therapy - Treatment with a laser may be reccomended if you have a wart, a dermatofibroma or an actinic keratosis patch on your lip. 
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) - This technique uses light to activate a chemical applied to your lesion,  which destroys it. PDT may be reccomended if you have actinic keratosis.  

• Pre-Surgical Care: You will recieve a full body assessment and a list of pre-operative precautionary measures – the actions you should take before surgery to ensure the best results.
• Day of Surgery: A thorough health assessment is conducted to ensure that it is safe proceed with surgery. A qualified nurse will prepare you, and the procedure will then commence. The team will ensure your well-being and comfort throughout.
• Post-Surgical Care: Once the procedure is completed, and you are ready to go home, you will receive some guidelines of how to look after your wound.
• Follow up: If required, you will be booked in for a follow up appointment for no extra cost.
• Personalised Aftercare: Feel free to contact the team in case you face any issues or have any concerns, you will have our full support.

If you've had minor surgery such as a skin biopsy or curettage, it can take a few weeks for your wound to heal. Your surgeon will tell you when to have your stitches removed, but it's usually within 14 days.

It normally takes a couple of weeks, occasionally longer, for a lesion to scab and fall off after cryotherapy. Your skin may look completely normal after this, but if you have darker skin you may notice it looks lighter or darker. This normally improves with time.