Can a dermatologist remove skin lesions?

Yes, a dermatologist can remove skin lesions. Dermatologists are skin specialists and can treat several skin conditions. They can perform many procedures to remove skin lesions, including freezing or using creams, and heat light therapy. Dermatologists can remove skin lesions that may be cancerous if you get timely treatment.

In This Guide:

• Who Are Dermatologists?
• What Causes Skin Lesions?
• Treatment Options Dermatologists Provide For Skin Lesion

Who Are Dermatologists?

It is obvious to face skin issues once in a lifetime but it does not mean that every skin condition is a minor problem that will subside on its own. Expert guidance and care are needed at some point. Dermatologists are medical experts who specialise in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. Understand some key things about dermatologists:

• They focus on skin, hair and nails. Issues regarding these areas are diagnosed and treated with the help of dermatologists, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, hair loss and skin cancer.
• Dermatologists can perform cosmetic procedures like chemical peels, laser treatments and mole removal.
• Dermatologists can perform skin biopsies and are skilled in performing many treatments.
• While dealing with skin conditions, dermatologists can also recognise signs that may indicate underlying systemic disease.

Moving ahead understand skin lesions and how the dermatologist can help treat them.

What Causes Skin Lesions?

Skin lesions can be a result of injuries, infections, allergic reactions and underlying health conditions. Here is more detailed information about the causes of skin lesions:

Infections

Viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex and HIV can be the reasons behind skin lesions. Also, bacterial and fungal infections such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, impetigo, ringworm and candida albicans can show skin lesions as symptoms.

Injuries

Injuries like burns and cuts can be the reason behind skin lesions. Severe burns, cuts, abrasions and other physical injuries can cause skin lesions.

Allergic Reactions

Contact dermatitis and hives can cause skin lesions. Redness, swelling and itching caused by exposure to allergens like plants, chemicals or certain foods can cause skin lesions.

Underlying Health Conditions

Autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies and cancer can be the reason for skin lesions. Conditions like lupus and psoriasis can cause chronic skin lesions. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause skin lesions like vitiligo, hyperpigmentation and angular stomatitis. Prolonged sun exposure or genetic prescription can cause malignant lesions.

Now let us discover how a dermatologist can help you with skin lesions.

How Do Dermatologists Help Removing Skin Lesions?

Dermatologists will first examine your skin to diagnose the type of lesion. The ideal treatment method will be chosen based on the characteristics of the skin lesion. The treatment method may include medications for non-severe issues and surgical procedures for larger or suspicious lesions.

Your dermatologist may conduct laser therapy and biopsy to check for cancer (if needed). Depending on the size, shape and type of the skin lesion the treatment may vary from person to person. Here we have a list of treatment options your dermatologist may include to remove skin lesions:

Creams and Gels

A dermatologist can use topical medications such as creams, ointments or lotions to treat the specific type of skin lesion. Prescription creams or ointments can be recommended for small or thin basal cell carcinomas.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can remove skin lesions by heating the cells in the lesion until they break down. The focused beam of a laser can target specific cells. A low-level laser often red is applied to the lesion. Your skin’s mitochondria will absorb the light and energy causes the cells to break down. The body’s immune system will remove the breakdown particles. Without scarring you can get rid of these lesions and the procedure is often quick and effective.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves using a machine to deliver low-energy X-rays directly to the lesion, destroying the cancerous cells while minimising the damage to surrounding tissues. When the lesion is presented in the sensitive area, the dermatologist will recommend this treatment. Compared to other treatment options this is the minimal side-effect treatment method.

Some other treatment options may include electrodesiccation, curettage and photodynamic therapy. Based on the severity, size, type and location of the skin lesion the treatment will be recommended.

A dermatologist can perform skin lesion removal in their office or an outpatient setting. This procedure is usually quick and takes 5 to 20 minutes. However, complicated procedures might take a longer time approximately a few hours.

Conclusion

You must visit a dermatologist if you experience unexplained changes in your moles or find new moles or marks on the skin. A dermatologist can help with skin lesion removal and the treatment will be quick and effective. Skin specialists can provide several treatment options.