While nearly everyone hopes to have flawless, smooth, radiant skin, it’s perfectly natural for people to have beauty marks, birthmarks, and freckles that make each of us unique. Sometimes, however, these skin lesions may prevent us from feeling completely confident in our looks. In other cases, they may lead to permanent changes in the skin or cause discomfort.
Luckily, at Dania Dermatology, we provide our patients with high-quality treatment for benign skin lesions, helping them achieve the skin of their dreams.
What are Benign Skin Lesions?
Benign skin lesions are skin growths which, although sometimes irritating or unsightly, are not usually dangerous. Many benign lesions do not require treatment except for cosmetic reasons. Some, however, may itch, burn, sting, or be otherwise uncomfortable if left untreated and some may lead to possibly malignant changes in the skin.
Frequently, patients are familiar with a particular skin lesion and are therefore comfortable either ignoring it or treating it with home or over-the-counter remedies. Nonetheless, in any case where an individual is even slightly doubtful about the nature of a skin lesion, a dermatologist should be consulted since an apparently benign blemish may be a skin cancer and potentially deadly.
What Does a Benign Skin Lesion Look Like?
There are a great many varieties of benign skin lesions, including:
- Freckles and age spots
- Moles
- Skin tags
- Cherry angiomas
- Seborrheic keratoses
- Cold sores
- Cysts
- Lipomas
- Milia
- Pyogeic granulomas
- Dermatofibromas
Available Skin Lesion Removal Options:
When a patient desires to have a benign skin lesion removed because it is unsightly or uncomfortable, there are several treatments available, including:
- Cryosurgery, freezing with liquid nitrogen
- Curettage, scraping of the skin‘s surface
- Electrocautery, burning off with electric current
- Laser ablation, vaporizing with laser energy
- Surgical excision
Each variety of benign skin lesion has distinctive characteristics. Some types tend to appear on certain body parts or to present in a particular pattern on the skin. Even so, in many instances benign skin lesions are difficult to distinguish from one another or from some more serious disorder. Therefore, it is always wise to consult with a dermatologist who is a highly trained observer. If the doctor has any question, a definitive skin biopsy can be performed.
Who Is a Candidate for Benign Skin Lesion Removal?
Anyone in good overall health who wants to eliminate the appearance of their skin lesions can be a candidate for skin lesion removal. Candidates should not have any underlying health conditions that may interfere with their specific treatment. For example, candidates with high-blood pressure may not qualify for cryosurgery, but laser ablation may fit their body and medical history better. However, you have an active infection or a bleeding disorder, surigcal excision and laser treatment may not be right for you.
At Dania Dermatology, we understand that each patient’s medical history and aesthetic needs is unique to them. Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Stanley Skopit, knows that treatment for benign skin lesions is not a “one-size-fits-all” scenario. During each personalized consultation, Dr. Skopit will consider your needs and goals to determine the best type of treatment for you.
Symptoms of an Uncomfortable Skin Lesion
Some patients may experience pain or discomfort with their benign skin lesions. If you feel any of the following symptoms, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Skopit today to determine which treatment option may be right for you:
- Itchiness
- Swelling
- Stagnant pain
- Tender to the touch
- Pain when pressure is applied
- Color change in the surrounding skin
- Stinging sensation
Each variety of benign skin lesions has distinctive characteristics. Some types tend to appear on certain body parts or to present in a particular pattern on the skin. Even so, in many instances, benign skin lesions are difficult to distinguish from one another or from some more serious disorder. Therefore, it is always wise to consult with a dermatologist who is a highly trained observer. If the doctor has any questions, a definitive skin biopsy can be performed.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Are you interested in learning more about available treatment options for benign skin lesions? Call 954-807-9433 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Stanley Skopit today! Serving Dania, FL & all nearby areas.