SKIN CARE

The skin is the human body’s largest organ and, as such, is subject to a vast range of conditions and diseases. 60% of people in the UK currently have a skin condition or previously had a skin condition. 

Skin Tags

Skin tags are very common and harmless. They are small flesh coloured or brown growths that hang off the skin and can occur anywhere on the body. They can vary in numbers and males and females are equally prone to developing them. 

Although anyone can develop skin  tags they can be associated with obesity. They can be popular in older people and people with diabetes and pregnant women can also become more likely to develop them due to the changes in hormone levels. 

Generally, skin tags are harmless and do not require treatment. However, people consider getting them removed if they are of an unsightly  appearance and affects your self-esteem. The removal of skin tags are usually done privately. The procedure is only usually done through the NHS f they are affecting your physical or mental health. Skin tags can be burnt or frozen off. They can also be surgically removed. 

Moles

Moles are small coloured growths on the skin, usually brown or black, made up of cells called melanocytes. They can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They can be flat, raised, smooth or rough and some have hair growing from them. 

Also, moles can sometimes respond to hormonal changes such as pregnancy, teenage years and older age. Most moles appear in early childhood or during the first 30 years of a person’s life however, some can be present at birth. You are more likely to develop lots of moles, or a certain type of mole, if they are common in your family. 

The vast majority of moles are not dangerous. However, they may be unsightly and therefore affect your confidence. These moles can be surgically treated although this can be expensive. You can also have a mole removed if it is a nuisance i.e., catching on clothing. If so, the surgeon may just shave the mole off so that it is level with your skin. This is known as a shave excision. The wound may then be closed with heat during a process called cauterisation. 

Although most moles are benign, in rare cases they can develop into melanoma. Moles that are more likely to be cancer are those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age 30. If you notice changes in a mole’s colour, height, size, or shape, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. If moles become itchy, tender or painful or start to bleed, you should also have the moles checked. 

The following ABCDEs are important characteristics to consider when examining moles. If a mole displays any of the signs listed below, have it checked immediately by a dermatologist. It could be cancerous.

• Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.
• Border. The border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular.
• Colour. The colour of the mole is not the same throughout or has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white or red.
• Diameter. The diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
• Evolution. The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour. 

The main treatment for melanoma is surgery. If this is diagnosed early then surgery is often successful. 

Scarring

Whether from an injury, surgery, or a skin problem such as acne, scars are something almost everyone has to deal with at some point. A scar is a mark left on the skin after a wound  or an injury to the surface of the skin has healed. 

The scar that you see on the surface of the skin is the result of a complex process the skin goes through as it recovers from damage. When the skin is wounded and there is a break in the body’s tissues, it produces a protein called collagen. This builds up where the tissue has been damaged to help heal and strengthen the wound. 

For around 3 months, new collagen continues to form and blood supply increases, causing the scar to become raised, lumpy and red. Some collagen then breaks down at the site of the wound, the blood supply reduces and the scar gradually becomes smoother, softer and paler. 

Whilst scars are permanent, they can fade for up to two years. Usually after this point it is unlikely they will fade anymore. 

There are a variety of different treatments for scars which may help to improve their appearance. 

Although they are unlikely to disappear completely, most will fade over time. For unsightly or uncomfortable scars, treatment options include: 

• Silicone gel sheets
• Pressure dressings
• Corticosteroid injections
• Cosmetic camouflage (make-up)
• Surgery 

A combination of treatments can usually be used. 

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins, usually blue or dark. Any vein may become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet as standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins in the lower body. They may also be lumpy, bulging or twisted in appearance. For many people, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern. For others, they can cause aching pain and discomfort. 

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. 

The blood is prevented from flowing backwards by a series of tiny valves that open and close to let blood through. 

If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged (varicose). 

Pregnancy, being overweight and old age can increase your chances of developing varicose veins.

Generally, varicose veins don’t present a serious health problem so usually doesn’t require treatment. If treatment is necessary, your doctor may recommend up to six months of using compression stockings, taking regular exercise and elevating the affected area when resting. If they are still causing discomfort, they may be treated by: 

• Endothermal ablation
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Endovenous laser therapy
• Sclerotherapy 

If these treatments are unsuitable for you then you are usually offered a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping to remove the affected veins. 

There are numerous medically qualified lead skin clinics worth trying for treatments to any skin issues.

ALOPECIA

Alopecia is a generic medical term for all forms of hair loss, from patchy baldness to diffuse thinning or total loss. Although alopecia is not life threatening and is rarely accompanied by physical pain, the attached emotional and psychological suffering is often very high, affecting careers, marriages and self-esteem. 

Treatment and support for alopecia is available through the NHS. A number of private clinics and practitioners also offer treatments including complementary therapies and aromatherapy treatments. Information is widely available on the Internet and you may wish to contact an organisation such as Alopecia UK or Alopecia Awareness (www.alopeciaonline.org.uk).