Moles and Lesions

Psoriatic nail disease and psoriatic ski

Even though most are harmless, lumps and bumps on the skin can be worrying.

Moles are small, coloured spots on the skin. Most people have them and they're usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour. They are one of a number of 'lumps and bumps' collectively know as Lesions.

However, they can be worrying, painful or simply unwanted. Professor Jolliffe is happy to assess and treat your lesions without referral from a GP.

To give you peace of mind she will also perform a total body examination using a magnifying dermatoscope. Below are some of the procedures Professor.Jolliffe may suggest in order to treat your lesion.

Procedures

Mole checks

Professor Jolliffe performs total body examinations to check moles (naevi). All lesions are examined both macroscopically and under the dermatoscope which permits more detailed examination of lesions using illuminated microscopy. Professor Jolliffe is happy to review patients who have had a supicious mole detected at a mole clinic

Cryotherapy

Sometimes it is possible and sensible to remove a skin lesion by destroying it by freezing. Liquid nitrogen is used - a technique called cryotherapy. Most people are familiar with this for treating warts but it can be used for treating a number of other skin lesions too.

It has the advantage of not usually needing an anaesthetic and whilst it can feel a little sore at the time it takes a few seconds only. The treated area can become red and may blister afterwards. Usually vaseline can be applied to the treated area until it heals - in approximately 10 days.

Intralesional Triamcinolone

This is a steroid, of varying strengths, which is placed into or just below the skin to decrease inflammation and is most commonly used to treat alopecia areata and keloid or keloid-like scars.

It may occasionally feel slightly uncomfortable when being administered, but this feeling wears off quickly. Potential side effects include skin thinning and lightening

Excisions and Biopsies

Many patients are nervous at the prospect of a skin biopsy, but it is a painless procedure which is usually completed in under 20 minutes.

The area to be removed is numbed using a local anaesthetic similar to that used by the dentist. Whilst the administration of the anaesthetic may sting very slightly, the discomfort is minimal and the procedure can then be completed painlessly.

Some lesions can be removed without the need for any stitches

Professor Jolliffe will discuss whether your lesion is suitable for this method.

If stitches are to be used, they usually are removed after 7-10 days.

There may be a limitation on certain activities eg sports, swimming etc after a procedure and this will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.