SKIN LESIONS
Different types of Skin Lesions and how to safely treat them in SATORI!
What are Skin lesions?
Skin growths are any changes or growths on the surface or in the deeper layers of the skin that differ from its normal structure in shape, size, colour, relief or texture. They may be both visible to the naked eye and felt by touch. In most cases, skin growths are benign and do not pose a health hazard, but sometimes they can signal more serious problems and require medical evaluation.
Skin growths can develop due to a variety of internal and external factors – including heredity, hormonal changes, aging, UV exposure, infection, friction or irritation, and viral or autoimmune diseases. They can occur at any age and on any part of the body – face, neck, body, limbs, scalp, etc.
Characteristics:
Skin formations differ in several main features:
– Shape: can be round, oval, irregular or asymmetrical.
– Size: from a few millimetres to a few centimetres.
– Colour: flesh, brown, black, pink, red, bluish or with pigment irregularities.
– Surface: smooth, rough, scaly, soft or hard to the touch.
– Behaviour: some remain unchanged for years, while others grow, change shape or become irritated on contact.
Some skin growths may be congenital (present at birth) while others appear over time. There is also a distinction between superficial and subcutaneous growths – some affect only the epidermis (top layer), while others arise from deeper structures such as fatty, connective or glandular tissues.
The importance of keeping them in check
Although many skin growths are harmless and do not require treatment, regular monitoring and dermatological examination are key, especially when:
– there are changes in the appearance of a growth;
– new, rapidly growing growths appear;
– the growths cause discomfort, itching, pain or bleeding.
Early diagnosis is particularly important when precancerous or malignant changes are suspected – such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. The earlier such a growth is detected and removed, the better the chances of a complete cure without complications.
What are the types of Skin growths?
1. Moles ( nevuses)
Moles ( nevuses) are among the most common pigmented growths on the skin. They are clusters of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that determines skin colour).
Moles can be congenital or acquired and are usually round or oval, with a smooth surface and clearly defined borders. Their colour varies from flesh to dark brown or black. Most moles are benign and remain unchanged for years, but some people may experience changes in their shape, size or colour, which requires a consultation with a dermatologist, as such changes may be an early sign of cutaneous melanoma.
2. Papillomas
Papillomas (or skin tags) are benign skin growths with a soft structure that are often found in areas of friction – neck, armpits, groin, breasts and eyelids. They are usually flesh-coloured, sometimes slightly pigmented, and appear singly or in groups.
They are not dangerous to health, but often cause aesthetic discomfort or are irritated by clothing and jewellery. Papillomas are not contagious and can be easily removed by laser, electrocoagulation or cryotherapy, and the procedure is quick and almost painless.
3. Fibromas
Fibromas are benign tumors of connective tissue that can also be soft or hard. Soft fibromas resemble papillomas but are usually larger and more fleshy, while hard fibromas are deeper-lying and dense to the touch. They appear most commonly with advancing age and are not associated with malignancy, but sometimes cause a nuisance or aesthetic problem, especially if they are located in visible areas. Their removal is also a routine dermatological procedure.
4. Keratoses
Keratoses are roughened and thickened areas of the skin due to the accumulation of dead cells in the upper layer of the skin. They are most common in the elderly and those with chronic sun exposure. There are different types of keratoses – the most common are seborrheic and actinic. Seborrheic keratosis is benign and appears as waxy, slightly raised lesions with a brownish or black color.
Actinic keratosis, however, is considered to be a precancerous condition, as it can develop into a spinocellular carcinoma over time. Therefore, if suspected, consultation with a dermatologist and eventual removal of the growth is recommended.
5. Cysts
Cysts are closed growths under the skin filled with fluid, sebum or semi-solid contents. They may develop due to blockage of sebaceous glands or other ducts and are usually found on the face, back, neck and genital area. The most common form is the epidermoid (sebaceous) cyst, which looks like a lump under the skin and may grow slowly.
Cysts are usually painless, but when infected can become painful, red and purulent. In such cases, medical treatment or surgical removal is required.
6. Warts
Warts are viral skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are transmitted by direct contact with infected skin or surfaces, such as shared towels, shoes or showers. Warts can occur anywhere on the body, and are most common on the hands, feet (especially the feet – plantar warts), face or in the genital area (condylomas). They have a rough surface and vary in size and shape. Although they often disappear spontaneously, warts can be persistent and spread, so it is advisable to treat them in time.
7. Lipomas
Lipomas are benign tumors composed of fatty tissue. They are soft, mobile and usually painless growths that develop slowly under the skin. They are most commonly found on the body, arms, back and thighs. The causes of lipomas are not fully understood, but it is thought that there is a genetic predisposition.
Although harmless, lipomas can cause discomfort when larger in size or when pressure is applied to nearby structures. They are surgically removed if necessary.
8. Angiomas
Vascular growths (angiomas) are the result of the accumulation or enlargement of blood vessels in an area of skin. They appear as red, pink or violet spots or protrusions and are usually benign. One of the most common types is the so-called cherry angioma, a small red spot that usually appears with advancing age. Another type is hemangiomas, which are often seen in children and newborns and may disappear with time.
Although angiomas rarely pose a risk, a dermatologist should be consulted if there is a sudden change in shape or bleeding.
What should we monitor our moles and growths for?
Regular self-monitoring is an important part of skin care. It’s a good idea to carefully examine your entire body once a month, including your back, scalp, feet and the areas between your toes. Particular attention should be paid to moles that change, or new growths after the age of 30.
The so-called ABCDE rule is used to help recognize potentially dangerous moles:
A – Asymmetry: if the mole is not symmetrical – one half is different from the other.
B – Borders: if the edges are uneven, jagged, fuzzy or “bouncing”.
C – Colour: if there is more than one colour or uneven pigmentation – brown, black, red, blue, grey.
D – Diameter: if greater than 6 mm (as large as a pencil eraser), especially if it grows over time.
E – Evolution: any change – of size, shape, colour, surface or sensation (pain, itching, bleeding, scaling).
Moles that:
– suddenly become hard or inflamed;
– start to itch or hurt;
– bleed without mechanical irritation;
– form crusts or become ulcerated;
– look different from all the others on your body.
When to see a Dermatologist?
It is advisable to consult a specialist in dermatology:
– for any suspicious change in a mole or skin growth;
– if you have multiple moles and have difficulty tracking them;
– if you have a family history of melanoma or other skin malignancies;
– if you frequently expose yourself to the sun or use a tanning bed;
– if a mole or growth is located in a place that is frequently traumatized – by a belt, underwear, bra, shaving;
– even without specific complaints – preventively once a year, especially after the age of 30.
The specialist can perform a dermatoscopy – a non-invasive and painless examination with a magnifying device that allows a precise examination of the structure of the skin formation. If suspicious, a biopsy or digital mapping of the moles is ordered for tracking over time.
Removal of benign growths at SATORI Aesthetic Centre
At SATORI, we offer a variety of treatments tailored to each patient’s individual needs. We have a wide range of non-invasive cosmetic, injectable and laser proprocedures to appropriately treat your every skin condition. We recommend a complimentary consultation with our experts to choose the right procedure.
Consultation with a Dermatologist
Consultation with a dermatologist for a complete diagnosis of the skin problem and treatment advice.
Laser FOTONA Dynamis Nx
Laser removal of benign growths, angiomas, fibromas and others with the innovative FOTONA laser.
