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Skin lesion removal Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.

Answers to questions about skin lesion removal

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

What are keloid scars?

Keloid scars, also known as keloids are unusually red or raised scars. They are usually an overgrowth of the scar tissue.

Explanation

Keloid scars form inside scar tissue already present. Collagen used in wound repair can overgrow resulting in unusually red or raised scars.

People from an Asian or African ethnic background are more likely to develop keloid scars. You are also more likely to develop keloid scars if you are aged between 10 and 40 and are male.

There are certain measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing keloid scars.

  • Take measures to prevent an infection. An infected wound can take longer to heal and may result in a more noticeable scar.
  • Wear a pressure garment. The added pressure may stop keloid scars from forming. Pressure garments are recommended if you have a major operation involving a large cut in the skin. You may need to wear these for up to six months.
  • Localised radiation therapy may help reduce keloid scars from occurring. It should only be used on small areas and not in children.

Keloid scars will usually flatten and become less noticeable over a period of a few years. It may be possible to treat your keloid scar with steroid injections such as triamcinolone.

Surgical removal can be attempted but it isn't usually recommended because the surgery could result in a bigger scar.

You may have heard of silicone gel sheeting being used to treat keloid scars, but there aren't enough good quality studies to show that this is an effective treatment.

Further information

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:665
  • O'Brien L, Pandit A. Silicon gel sheeting for preventing and treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 1. Art. No: CD003826.pub2. www.cochrane.org
  • Keloid scars - predisposing factors. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 10 March 2008
  • Keloid scars - prevention. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 10 March 2008
  • Keloids. Medline Plus. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus, accessed 10 March 2008
  • British National Formulary (BNF). BMJ Publishing Group, 2007. 54: 537, 538, 596
  • Keloid scars - keloid former. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 10 March 2008
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I have skin tags on my eyelids: what is the best treatment?

Skin tags can be surgically removed or frozen off with liquid nitrogen. Both treatments are suitable for skin tags near the eyes.

Explanation

Skin tags, also called acrochordons, cutaneous papillomas and fibro-epithelial polyps, are small, flesh coloured bumps on your skin. They often form in places where the skin creases or gets rubbed such as your neck, armpits and groin. Occasionally skin tags can be associated with other conditions such as diabetes and Crohn's disease.

Skin tags don't normally cause problems but you may choose to have them removed for practical or cosmetic reasons, for example if they catch on clothing.

If you have a small skin tag it can be removed with surgical scissors. Larger skin tags may require simple surgery.

Your skin tag could also be removed by cryotherapy. This involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag to freeze it off. Liquid nitrogen is commonly applied using a spray but near your eyes your doctor may use a cotton wool-tipped stick to apply the liquid nitrogen.

You should be aware that cryotherapy can be painful and can cause blistering of your skin.

Your doctor will be able to explain your options and help you to decide which method is best for you.

Further information

Sources

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I have found a new lump on my skin, what should I do?

Most skin lesions such as moles, cysts, warts or skin tags aren't cancerous. If you have a new mole or lump, or if an existing one has changed, you should see your GP.

Explanation

There are many different types of skin lesion including those listed below, most of which are not cancerous.

  • Moles - small, dark areas of skin. You can be born with them but most develop during your life.
  • Keratosis - scaly bits of skin that can be brown or pink. Keratosis can occur anywhere on your body.
  • Warts - small, rough lesions that are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus.
  • Skin tags - small, flesh coloured bumps on your skin. They often form in places where the skin creases or gets rubbed such as your neck, armpits and groin.

Skin cancer usually forms in areas of your skin that are exposed to the sun - different types of skin cancer can look different.

Non-melanomas such as a basal cell carcinoma, for example, can start as a small red, pink or shiny lump. Squamous cell carcinomas often appear as small scaly or hard areas of skin with a red or pink base.

Melanoma usually starts as a dark spot or mole on your skin. If a melanoma spreads to other parts of your body, you can develop other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes (glands throughout your body that are part of your immune system).

Symptoms that may indicate skin cancer include any mole or lesion that:

  • gets bigger - especially over 7mm (a quarter of an inch) in diameter
  • changes shape - look for an irregular edge
  • changes colour - if it darkens, becomes patchy or multishaded
  • becomes inflamed
  • is itchy or painful
  • bleeds or is crusty

These symptoms don't necessarily mean you have skin cancer, but if you have any of them you should visit your GP for advice.

Further information

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: June 2009

Skin lesion removal factsheet

 

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