Say Goodbye to Skin Imperfections
Skin tags, warts, and moles are common skin concerns that can be unsightly, irritating, or even painful. At Central Missouri Dermatology, we provide expert removal services tailored to your needs, with treatments that focus on minimal downtime and little to no scarring. Whether you’re dealing with a pesky wart, an irritating skin tag, or a concerning mole, our board-certified dermatologists are here to help.
Understanding the Difference: Wart, Skin Tag, or Mole?
Skin Tags
- What They Are: Harmless flaps of skin that often develop due to friction in areas like the neck, underarms, or groin.
- What They Look Like: Small, balloon-like growths attached to the skin by a thin base.
- Should You Remove Them? While not dangerous, skin tags can snag, bleed, or become bothersome. Removal can improve comfort and appearance.
Treatment Options for Skin Tags:
- Cryotherapy
- Surgical removal
- Hyfrecation (safe form of of low electric current to burn undesired bumps away)
Warts
- What They Are: Warts are caused by HPV virus and can present in many ways in any area of the body. Most commonly, they are rough appearing on hands, knees, or feet. Warts are contagious and can spread to others or different parts of your body.
- What They Look Like: Hard bumps that may be smooth on top but have a thick, callus-like texture beneath.
- Should You Remove Them? Yes! Removing warts promptly reduces the risk of spreading the virus. Occasionally warts can also mimic more concerning conditions such as skin cancer
Treatment Options for Warts:
- Central Missouri Dermatology utilizes multiple treatment methods for removal and destruction of warts that include both in office and prescribed at home treatments. These treatments are tailored to each patient depending on location, type, and number of warts.
Moles (Nevi)
- What They Are: Brown or tan spots caused by pigment-producing cells. While most are benign, some moles can atypical or develop into melanoma, a form of serious skin cancer.
- What They Look Like: Dark spots that may grow slowly, remain soft, and sometimes grow hair. Moles often appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, back, or chest.
- Should You Remove Them? While most moles are benign (not cancerous), patients may want to remove them if they become irritated with grooming or clothing. If you have a history of atypical moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer it is recommended to have a skin cancer screening. If you notice a mole changes shape, size, or color, it’s best to have it evaluated by a dermatologist.
Signs of Atypical Moles or Melanoma:
- Asymmetry: Irregular shape
- Border: Jagged or blurred edges
- Color: Uneven pigmentation
- Diameter: Larger than 6 mm
- Evolving: Noticeable changes over time
Why Choose Professional Removal?
DIY treatments can lead to infections, incomplete removal, and scarring. Our dermatologists provide safe, effective solutions that address the root cause of warts, skin tags, or moles, ensuring the best results with minimal discomfort.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t let skin imperfections disrupt your confidence. Contact Central Missouri Dermatology to schedule a consultation and explore your options for wart, skin tag, or mole removal. Our team will guide you through the process and provide personalized care to restore your skin’s health and appearance.
Faqs
What are the best treatments for removing skin tags?
The most effective methods for removing skin tags are liquid nitrogen, sharp steel excision, or hyfrecation (a heat-based treatment). While laser treatments might sound appealing, they’re often overkill for skin tags and not as effective as these tried-and-true options.
When do you use lasers for skin tag removal?
Lasers are generally unnecessary for skin tags and seborrheic keratoses (SKs). While they sound impressive, they can be somewhat ineffective and excessive for these types of growths. Liquid nitrogen, sharp steel, and hyfrecation are quicker, more precise, and deliver better results.
What is sharp steel excision, and when is it used for skin tag removal?
Sharp steel excision is a precise surgical procedure used to remove skin tags. This method provides a definitive and immediate solution, particularly for skin tags that are causing discomfort, irritation, or aesthetic concerns due to their size or location. It’s an effective, in-office treatment performed with minimal downtime.
What are seborrheic keratoses (SKs), and do they require treatment?
Seborrheic keratoses (seb-o-REE-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) are common, benign skin growths similar to moles. Most people will develop at least one in their lifetime, typically appearing in mid-adulthood and increasing in frequency with age. These growths are usually brown, black, or light tan, with a waxy or scaly texture.
Sometimes referred to as epidermal tumors, seborrheic keratoses are harmless clusters of extra cells on the outer layer of the skin. While the term “tumor” can sound alarming, it simply refers to skin growths like moles and warts, which are not cancerous or considered risk factors for skin cancer.
Treatment is not usually necessary unless the SK becomes inflamed, irritated, or bothersome. However, they can be removed if they cause discomfort or for cosmetic reasons.
What is curettage, and how is it used to treat warts?
Curettage is a surgical wart removal procedure that involves scraping or incising the wart from the skin using a sharp knife or a small, spoon-shaped tool. This method is often combined with electrosurgery, where an electrical current is used to burn or cauterize the wart. Together, these techniques provide an effective solution for removing stubborn or bothersome warts in a controlled and precise manner.
What is hyfrecation, and how does it work?
Hyfrecation is a minor surgical procedure that uses high-frequency, low-voltage electricity to precisely remove unwanted skin lesions. This method works by burning off the targeted tissue in a controlled and safe manner. It’s especially effective for skin tags, providing a quick, minimally invasive treatment with excellent cosmetic results and little to no scarring.
Will skin tag removal leave scars?
Our removal techniques, including liquid nitrogen, sharp steel excision, and hyfrecation, are designed to minimize scarring. Our team prioritizes precision and care to ensure the best cosmetic outcome.
Is it safe to remove skin tags, warts, or moles at home?
DIY removal methods can be risky, potentially causing infections, scarring, or incomplete removal. Professional treatments by a dermatologist are safer and more effective, especially for warts or suspicious moles that may require further evaluation.
Can I treat warts at home, and what options are available?
Yes, we offer custom-compounded wart peels for at-home care, providing an effective and convenient option for treating warts. These treatments are tailored to your needs and designed to target the virus causing the wart. To get started, contact our office to schedule an appointment, and we’ll help determine the best course of action for your care.
How do I know if a mole, wart, or skin tag should be removed?
Skin tags are often removed for comfort or cosmetic reasons. Warts should be treated promptly to prevent spreading the virus. Moles should be evaluated if they show changes in color, size, shape, or texture, as these could be signs of skin cancer.
Does liquid nitrogen hurt?
Liquid nitrogen treatment may cause a brief stinging or burning sensation, but it’s generally well-tolerated. The treatment is quick, and discomfort fades quickly.
What should I do if I spot an abnormal mole?
If you notice a mole that looks unusual or has changed in size, shape, or color, it’s essential to take action promptly:
- Avoid DIY Treatments: Do not attempt to remove or treat the mole on your own, as this could cause harm or delay proper diagnosis.
- Contact a Dermatologist: Schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. They can examine the mole, determine if it’s benign or requires further evaluation, and discuss treatment options if necessary.
- Consider a Biopsy: If your dermatologist suspects the mole might be atypical or cancerous, they may recommend removing it and sending it for a biopsy to rule out skin cancer.