Expert Removal of Benign Skin Disorders

Benign skin abnormalities

By benign skin abnormalities, we mean, for example, fat bumps, sebaceous gland bumps or connective tissue bumps that can have different causes. Sometimes hereditary predisposition plays a role. Distinguishing between a benign and possibly malignant skin abnormality is of course essential. Therefore, a physical examination follows first and, if necessary, the skin abnormality is examined with a dermatoscope (magnifying glass specifically for the skin).

Benign skin defects can be removed for cosmetic reasons. We will be happy to give you honest advice on treatment options, with a cosmetically successful result being the main priority. There are a large number of benign skin defects that differ in nature and severity. Some common ones are:

• Sebaceous gland hyperplasias
• Dermatosis papulosa nigra
• Dermal naevus
• Syringomas
• Sebaceous cyst
• Gerstein grains
• Dermatofibroma
• Xanthelasma
• Fibromas
• Age-related warts

Sebaceous gland hyperplasias

Sebaceous gland hyperplasia literally means an enlargement of the sebaceous gland outlet in the skin. It is visible as a small yellow lump with a small dimple in the centre. They are often 2 to 3 millimetres in diameter and occur mainly on the face. With a Co2 laser, sebaceous gland hyperplasias can be treated.

Dermatosis papulosis nigra

These are palpable (dark) brown bumps that occur only on dark skin. They can take many shapes and sizes and are particularly common on the temples, cheekbones and forehead. Dermatosis papulosa nigra can be beautifully removed without scarring with a Co2 laser.

Dermal naevus

A dermal naevus is actually a thicker mole. It can be felt as a smooth, bulbous thickening. Sometimes with brown pigment, but colourless dermal naevi also occur. It is not uncommon for a hair to grow out of it and also be thicker than the rest of the hair. Some dermal naevi can be flattened nicely with a Co2 laser, while others are better cut out. This is called an excision.Sebaceous cyst

Also called atheroma cyst or epidermoid cyst, it is a cavity filled with sebum. It is visible as a bump and is shiftable relative to the underlying tissue. The cavity is bounded by a so-called cyst wall. Squeezing out the cyst often fails and the cyst may become inflamed. When it does succeed in completely clearing the cavity, it will slowly fill up again, as the cavity and cyst remain. The only way to get rid of it for good is by surgical removal of the cyst including the cyst wall.

Gerstein grains

A barred grain or milia is an accumulation of horny cells and looks like a white little bump, usually the size of a pinhead. The gerstekorrel has no opening like a blackhead has, for example, and is therefore not easily expressed. This benign skin abnormality can be removed by Co2 laser or manually removed through a sterile needle.

Dermatofibroma

A dermatofibroma is a hard round lump usually raised slightly above the skin. The edges are usually darker coloured with brown pigment and can be recognised by the 'dimpling sign'. When you squeeze either side of the lump, a dimple appears in the middle. It often occurs after an insect bite and they are most common on the (lower) legs, mainly in women. You can remove the dermatofibroma with an excision (surgical removal).

Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma or in full: xanthelasma palpebrare are flat or raised fatty deposits on and around the eyelids. Sometimes these fatty deposits are a manifestation of excessive blood cholesterol levels. Treatment of xanthelasma requires a precise approach and this is best achieved with a Co2 laser, in which the fat accumulation is vaporised by the laser.

Fibromas

These types of benign skin abnormalities, also called stem warts, wild flesh or skin tags, are elongated growths that can occur anywhere on the skin. The colour ranges from skin-coloured to brown pigmented. With a Co2 laser, fibromas can be beautifully removed. If there are very many fibromas in a particular area, it is sometimes necessary to treat them in several sessions.

Age-related warts

Age-related warts (verruca seborrhoica) are round or oval and clearly defined. The colour can vary from light to dark brown. The ageing warts often start to look cauliflower-like as you get older. The warts can occur all over the body, but are mainly on the face and trunk. The exact cause of age-related warts is not known; for large age-related warts, researchers suspect that heredity plays a role.

Treatment

Most of the aforementioned benign skin defects can be smoothed or removed by our cosmetic specialists, depending on the type of defect. This is done through the Onetec or surgical removal (excision). Other abnormalities require yet another treatment.

When in doubt or for further information on treatment options for benign skin abnormalities, contact contact on with us. We can best assist you that way.

Free consultation

Would you like to know more? Or is your skin disorder not listed here and would you like advice? Then make an appointment for a free, no-obligation consultation in which we can give you personal advice.