Common skin problems like warts, acne, and moles are usually treated with medications or creams. But sometimes, surgery may be the best option. Warts, for instance, are caused by a virus that can be spread by contact.
They’re usually harmless, but they can be painful and unsightly. If over-the-counter treatments don’t work, your doctor may recommend freezing or burning them off. This article discusses why surgery may be your best option if you have a minor skin problem.
What Are Minor Skin Disorders?
There are hundreds of different skin disorders, but most can be classified as either major or minor. Major skin disorders include conditions like skin cancer, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Minor skin disorders are much more common and include conditions like acne, warts, and moles.
Others include:
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic keratosis (visit this page for more info about seborrheic keratoses removal)
- Skin tags
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Dermatofibroma
Most minor skin disorders can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. However, there are some instances when surgery may be the best option.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Minor Skin Diseases
Most minor skin diseases are benign, which means they are not cancerous. However, some can be cosmetically displeasing. The following are some common signs and symptoms of minor skin diseases:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Red, inflamed skin
- Itching
- Scaling
- Crusting
- Blisters
- Bumps
- Growths on the skin
- Changes in skin color
- Changes in skin texture
3 Reasons to Consider Surgery for Minor Skin Disorders
- You’ve Tried Other Treatments Without Success
Surgery may be your best option if you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments and home remedies for a minor skin disorder without success. This is especially true if your skin condition is cosmetically displeasing or causing you discomfort.
- The Disorder Is Progressing
If a minor skin disorder is progressing or spreading, surgery may be necessary to prevent it from getting worse. This is often the case with conditions like warts and moles.
- You Have a Pre-existing Condition
If you have a pre-existing condition, making other treatments ineffective or unsafe, surgery may be your best option. For example, people with diabetes or immunosuppression disorders may not be able to use certain medications or creams to treat minor skin disorders. In these cases, surgery may be the most effective and safest treatment option.
- Your Condition Causes Pain and Discomfort
In general, surgery is only considered for minor skin problems if the issue is causing you pain, discomfort, or distress. For instance, you might consider dermatofibroma removal surgery if the growth is causing you pain or if it is located in an area that rubs against your clothing, which can be irritating.
Types of Surgery for Minor Skin Problems
Numerous surgery types can be used to treat minor skin problems, including:
Excision
This type of surgery involves cutting out the growth or lesion. After the procedure, the doctor will close the wound with stitches.
Shave excision
Shave excision is similar to regular excision, but only part of the growth is removed. This leaves a smaller scar. Shave excision is often used for skin tags, seborrheic keratosis, and warts because these growths are often raised above the skin’s surface.
Curettage and electrodesiccation
Curettage and electrodesiccation are two-step processes used to remove superficial skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. First, the growth is scraped away with a curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument). Then, an electric current is passed through the area to stop any bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells.
Laser surgery
This type of surgery uses a concentrated beam of light to remove the growth. This type of surgery is often used for warts, seborrheic keratosis, and moles. It can also be utilized to treat more aggressive skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves freezing the growth or lesion with liquid nitrogen. This type of surgery is usually used for warts, seborrheic keratosis, and moles.
Preparation for Minor Skin Surgery
Before having minor skin surgery, you will likely have a consultation with your doctor. During this appointment, your physician will examine the growth or lesion and ask about your medical history.
They may also require a biopsy – a procedure to remove a small tissue sample for laboratory testing. This can help your doctor confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
After Your Surgery
Some swelling, bruising, and soreness after your surgery are normal. But these side effects should improve within a few days. Your doctor will give you instructions on caring for the area after surgery.
This may include keeping the area clean and dry and applying ointment to the wound. You should also avoid strenuous activity and exposure to the sun until the area heals. For example, after pyogenic granuloma surgery, you will likely need to keep the area covered when outside.
Most people heal quickly after minor skin surgery with no complications. However, it comes with some risks, such as infection and scarring, as with any surgery. Ensure to talk to your doctor about all of the potential risks and benefits before having any type of skin surgery.
Is Surgery the Best Treatment for Minor Skin Problems?
While surgery is often the most effective treatment for minor skin problems, it may not be necessary in all cases. For instance, some warts can go away on their own. In other cases, your doctor may recommend another treatment option, such as cryotherapy or laser surgery.
If you’re considering surgery for a minor skin problem, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
