Private skin lesion removal  

Seborrhoeic keratoses are non-cancerous growths on the skin, which look like raised warts. They're often a brownish colour, so may be confused with moles, but can vary in colour from a light tan to black. They may occur on their own or in clusters and their size can vary from less than half a centimetre to a few centimetres in diameter. They're most often found on the chest or tummy and tend to be more common in older people. They also tend to run in families. They can sometimes be itchy or uncomfortable and may feel a bit rough, or crumble when scratched.

Seborrhoeic keratoses are caused by a build up of ordinary skin cells. They are most common in people over 40 and the majority of older people will have a few of them on their skin, although some younger people may get them too.

The good news is that they are not infectious and they never turn malignant (cancerous) and rarely need to be removed other than for cosmetic reasons.

When to take action 

Seborrhoeic keratoses do not become malignant, so there's no need for you to be concerned. However, if you're finding them uncomfortable or unsightly you may wish to speak to one of our dermatologists.

Treatment 

Seborrhoeic keratoses are usually only removed for cosmetic reasons, so you should not need any treatment. But, if you do choose to have them removed, this can be done easily and quickly by freezing them (cryotherapy) or by scraping them off under a local anaesthetic (known as curettage). Our dermatologists will discuss this with you in detail and suggest the best approach for you.

A dermatofibroma is an overgrowth of the fibrous tissue within the dermis (the deeper of the two main layers of the skin). They're also known as histiocytomas.

They look like a pea-sized lump just below the top layers of the skin and are quite firm to the touch. They tend to form a little dimple when you try to squeeze them, are usually brown in colour, but may have a darker rim around them and be slightly lighter in the middle. They're sometimes mistaken for moles or melanoma, but the good news is that they're harmless and will not turn into skin cancer.

Dermatofibromas are most common in adults, particularly women, and usually appear on the arms or legs. Their cause is not clear, however they often seem to appear after a minor injury to the skin such as a prick from a thorn or an insect bite. They can itch and be painful when pressed, but we don’t recommend removal as the scar is usually unsightly.

When to take action 

Dermatofibromas are not cancerous, but if you do find a new growth on your skin it's always a good idea to talk to one of our dermatologists to rule out malignancy and put your mind at rest.

Treatments 

Dermatofibromas may go away on their own, so treatment is rarely needed. But if you find them unsightly, or if they bleed when you shave that area of skin, then you may choose to have them removed. Private skin lesion removal involves a simple procedure done under a local anaesthetic. However, if you opt for removal, it’s worth bearing in mind that you may be left with a scar that may be just as obvious as the original growth.

If you’re looking for a private dermatologist for cyst removal in London, we have experts on hand to ensure that the procedure is as pain-free as possible. Typically, they will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area of skin where your cyst exists, meaning you’ll experience minimum discomfort.