Skin lesions are abnormal growths or marks on the skin that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and medical conditions. Fortunately, there are various methods for removing skin lesions, depending on the type and severity of the lesion.

Skin tags

Skin tags are small, soft, skin-coloured or brown growths that hang off the skin. They are made of loose collagen fibres and look a bit like warts.

They are very common, harmless, and can vary in colour and size – from a few millimetres up to 5cm.

Skin tags are usually found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.

Why Skin tags occur

Skin tags can develop in Both men and women, they tend to occur in older people and people who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. Some people can develop them for no apparent reason.

Skin tags tend to grow in the skin folds, where the skin rubs against itself, such as on the neck, armpits or groin. This is why they tend to affect overweight people who have excess folds of skin and skin chafing.

Moles

Moles are a common type of skin growth, small coloured spots on the skin that form due to collection of cells called melanocytes. Moles are often brown or black in colour, although some may be darker or skin coloured. They can appear flat or raised, smooth or rough and some have hair growing from them and can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups.

Some moles can change in numbers and appearance, some may not change at all , while Others can fade away over time.

Some moles are present at birth, however most moles develop during the first 30 years of life.

They tend to respond to hormonal changes, such as;

• pregnancy – they may get slightly darker.
• Teenage years – when they increase in numbers.
• Older age – when they may disappear from 40-50 years of age onwards.

Most moles have a genetic cause and are inherited, this is often the case with people who have a lot of moles.

Harmless moles

Most moles are completely harmless, however they may be unsightly and effect your confidence. Moles can also be a  nuisance, for example if they regularly catch on jewellery or clothing or you cut them while shaving.

Seborrheic keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, harmless skin growth on the skin. They usually appear as a pale, black or brown in colour. The growths give a stuck on appearance waxy, scaly and slightly raised . They usually appear on the head, scalp, neck, chest or back (areas most exposed to the sun).

You can develop a single growth, although multiple growths are more common. You are generally more likely to develop seborrheic keratosis if your over the age of 50 and more likely to get them if you have s family history of the condition.

Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is a build up of cholesterol underneath the skin. It takes the appearance of a soft, yellowish fatty deposits and is most commonly found around the eyes.

The condition is rare but you can sometimes get it if there are high levels of cholesterol or other fats in your blood. It is always a good idea to have it checked by your GP. However, It is also possible to get it even if your cholesterol levels are normal.

Anybody can develop xanthelasma but it is more common in women then in men, if your between the ages of 30 and 50, a smoker, have diabetes or if your Asian or Mediterranean descent.

Milia

A milia cyst is small, white or yellow bump that typically appears on the nose, cheeks and around the eye. These cysts are often found in a group however it is not uncommon to have just the one which would be a ‘milium’.

Milia occurs when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. It can occur in people with all ethnicities and ages.