Skincare

Moles are skin growths made up of cells that produce colour (pigment). A mole can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Most people get a few moles during their first 20 years of life. They are usually brown in colour but can be blue, black, or flesh-coloured. Most moles are harmless and don’t cause pain or other symptoms unless you rub them or they bump against something.

Cysts consist of tissue pockets that contain fluid, pus, or other substances within their closed structure. They can appear throughout the body while presenting as small bumps beneath the skin. Most cysts do not develop into cancer, but they have the potential to cause pain or infection when not treated.

Lipomas are soft fatty growths beneath the skin that develop slowly over time. They are usually harmless and painless. The fat cell composition of lipomas makes them common on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, and thighs. Lipomas remain non-cancerous, but removal becomes necessary when they grow larger or develop pain or cosmetic issues.

Moles, cysts, and lipomas can be treated through various methods, depending on their characteristics and your preferences. Here are some common approaches:

1. Excision: During this procedure, the surgeon removes the mole, cyst, or lipoma by cutting it out together with a small margin of adjacent tissue. Dermatologists typically advise excision methods for growths that are either deep-seated or have a large size.

2. Laser removal: Laser therapy uses focused light to break down the pigment in moles or tags, causing them to fade over time. It’s a non-invasive option suitable for smaller moles and tags.

3. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the mole or cyst using liquid nitrogen. The frozen tissue eventually falls off as the area heals. Cryotherapy is a quick and effective method, but may require multiple sessions.

4. Electrosurgery: This technique uses a high-frequency electrical current to cut or burn off moles or skin tags. It’s often a quick procedure performed by a dermatologist.

5. Topical treatments: Some over-the-counter or prescription creams or ointments may be effective for removing certain types of moles or tags. These products typically work by gradually breaking down the mole or tag.

6. Liposuction (for Lipomas): In some cases, lipomas can be treated using liposuction techniques, especially if they are soft and loosely attached. However, traditional excision remains more effective for complete removal.

Always consult with a professional dermatologist or skin specialist before attempting to remove moles, especially if you notice changes in size, color, or shape, as these could be signs of a more serious issue. Self-removal methods at home can lead to scarring or infection and are generally not recommended.