Skin Lesions Specialist

What are skin lesions?

A skin lesion is anything that alters the smooth, unbroken surface of your skin. A lesion can appear in the form of an open sore or a blister-type bump, or can be as simple as a freckle or mole. 

Most skin lesions are harmless, although many people find them aesthetically displeasing. There are some skin lesions, however, that are serious health issues that should be treated by a medical professional. 

You should never try to remove or otherwise alter a skin lesion on your own. 

What are moles and how do I know if one may be cancerous?

Almost everyone has at least one mole on their body. These growths are usually brown or black and often appear during childhood. It isn’t uncommon for someone to have 10-40 moles by the time they reach adulthood. 

Moles develop when melanocytes — the cells that create the pigment that colors your skin — are clustered in one small area. You may notice your moles darkening after sun exposure or during pregnancy. 

Most moles are completely harmless. If a mole begins to change in color, shape, size, or develops an irregular border, it’s time to come in for a professional skin check. These are signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that can be deadly if left untreated. 

When should I seek treatment for skin lesions?

Everyone will encounter some form of a skin lesion at some point in life. Most will heal within the course of a few days with no special treatment. 

If you have a sore that doesn’t appear to be healing or a lesion that seems to go away then return after a period of time, you should have a professional skin evaluation. 

Recurring sores around your mouth are often caused by a strain of the herpes virus. There are treatments that can lessen viral activity and reduce the number and severity of outbreaks. 

Not all skin cancer begins as a mole. Any unusual changes in the look or feel of your skin should be assessed. Most skin lesions like freckles or skin tags are benign but can be removed via a simple treatment. 

How are skin lesions treated?

Dr. Gracia uses a number of techniques to remove unsightly skin lesions. Some lesions are best treated through excision, which physically cuts the affected tissue from the rest of your skin. 

Extreme hot or cold temperatures can effectively remove certain skin lesions. There are also topical solutions that can remove the outermost layers of skin and laser therapies that offer targeted lesion removal. 
Once Dr. Gracia evaluates your skin lesion, he’ll discuss all available treatment options to give you the details you need to make an informed decision about your treatment path. 

For expert skin lesions treatment, call Walter D. Gracia, MD, PA, or book a consultation online today.