Skin Tags, Freckles, Lentigens And Moles

Skin Tags are the small outgrowths of skin can be seen around the eyes and the eyelids in some individuals. Similar skin outgrowths are often seen on the neck and chest. These growths are skin coloured and harmless. Treatment is not necessary but they can be easily removed surgically for cosmetic reason. More common in people with Diabetes Mellitus and family history of such overgrowths.

Moles” (melanocytic nevi) are common, raised or flat skin lesions that contain an increased number of melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells in our skin that make pigment (melanin), which accounts for our skin color. Moles are most often tan or brown in color, but sometimes they can be skin-colored, pink, or even blue.

Moles may be present at birth (congenital melanocytic nevi; see below) or may develop during childhood or young adulthood (acquired melanocytic nevi). Moles tend to increase in number during the first two decades of life, and teenagers often have a total of 15-25 moles. Sun exposure can stimulate the body to make more moles.

Some of them can be removed easily and painlessly using lasers or radiofrequency ablation in a single treatment. The laser vaporizes and zaps away the mole. Larger moles may have to be treated in multiple sessions using lasers. Some may need plastic surgery excision. Some are best left alone.

Some may need to sent to the lab for testing after an excision. Some may first need examination using a special lens called a dermatoscope. Some are removed using a cream anaesthetic. Other may need a small local injection to anesthetize the area before removal. Most of these moles are removed purely for cosmetic reasons. Some may have to be removed for medical purposes (if the mole is dysplastic or malignant).

Sometimes a beauty spot turns out to be a wart, which is a slow growing viral infection, which must be removed as a medical treatment. On the other hand, skin tags are absolutely harmless, but a patient may refer to his skin tags as ‘warts’. Consult a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for correct diagnosis and advice.