Skin blemishes and lesions

Your skin can be affected by minor blemishes such as scars, acne and birthmarks, as well as inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis and lesions (growths) such as moles, warts and skin tags.

The most common types of skin blemishes and lesions that may require treatment include:

• Acne – recurring whiteheads (pores that have closed plugs), blackheads (pores that have open plugs), pimples and small bumps that are red and tender bumps (papules)
• Moles, warts and skin tags – if they have changed size, shape or colour
• Inflammatory skin conditions – patches of skin that have a rash that is itchy, cracked, sore and red

Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Tests they may recommend include:

• Examining the skin on your face, chest or back to check the extent of your condition
• A special magnifying glass called a dermatoscope may be used to carefully look at any blemishes or moles
• Mole mapping where all the moles on your body are examined to detect for any abnormalities
• Total body photography may also be used as part of our mole mapping service to keep an accurate record of the exact size, colour and location of moles on your body

Treatment options for skin blemishes and lesions will depend on the nature and cause of your condition.Your GP or consultant may recommend include:

• Medications to improve your symptoms
• Excision (surgery) to treat the affected area (such as removal of a mole, wart or skin tag)