1. Skin Tags

Causes: Skin tags, or acrochordons, are small, benign growths that typically develop in areas where the skin folds or creases. They are composed of collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. The exact cause of skin tags is unknown, but they are associated with factors such as:

– Friction from skin rubbing against skin or clothing
Aging
– Genetic predisposition
– Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy
– Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome

Group: Skin tags can affect individuals of all ages but are most common in middle-aged and older adults. People who are overweight or obese are more prone to developing skin tags due to increased skin friction. Additionally, those with a family history of skin tags are more likely to develop them.

Affected areas: Skin tags commonly appear in areas where the skin forms creases or folds, such as:

– Neck
– Armpits
– Groin
– Eyelids
– Under the breasts
– Upper chest.

Appearance: Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that hang off the skin by a thin stalk. They are typically painless and can range in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters in diameter. While harmless, they can be bothersome if they catch on clothing or jewellery, or if they are located in visible areas.

• After cryotherapy skin tags will turn darker from the base and will dry up and fall off over 1 to 6 weeks as the skin heals beneath them. Larger tags may need a second  session. If the tag rubs against clothing it may be  covered  with a dressing or plasster.

2. Moles

Causes: Moles, also known as nevi, are common skin growths that occur when pigment cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. They can develop due to various factors, including:

– Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the number and types of moles a person may have.
– Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds can increase the number of moles and cause existing moles to darken.
– Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can influence the development and appearance of moles.

Group: Moles can affect individuals of all ages and skin types. Most people will have between 10 to 40 moles by adulthood. While they can appear at any age, moles that develop during childhood and adolescence are more common.

Affected areas: Moles can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, arms, legs, chest, and back. They are generally more noticeable in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun.

Appearance: Moles can vary widely in appearance but typically:

– Shape: Round or oval.
– Color: Shades of brown, black, red, pink, blue, or flesh-colored.
– Size: Small, usually less than 1/4 inch in diameter, but they can be larger.
– Texture: They can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and may have hair growing from them.

• Must be diagnosed as being by a medical doctor. Following treatment the mole will darken, expand and crust over. As the crust slowly comes away, the tissue will shrink and be paler than the surrounding skin. It will slowly blend into the normal pigment colour of the skin over the next few weeks. It is important you don’t pick the crust as it may bleed.

3. Warts

Causes: Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 different strains of HPV, and certain types can cause warts on different parts of the body. The virus typically enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, leading to the formation of warts.

Group: Warts can affect individuals of all ages but are particularly common in children, teenagers, and people with weakened immune systems. They are often contracted through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.

Affected areas: Warts can appear on various parts of the body, depending on the strain of HPV:

– Common Warts: Usually found on the hands, fingers, and around the nails.
– Plantar Warts: Develop on the soles of the feet and can be painful due to pressure from walking or standing.
– Flat Warts: Often appear on the face, neck, hands, wrists, and knees.
– Filiform Warts: Typically found on the face, especially around the mouth, eyes, and nose.
– Periungual Warts: Occur around the fingernails and toenails.

Appearance: Warts can vary in appearance based on their type:

– Common Warts: Rough, raised, and often have a cauliflower-like texture.
– Plantar Warts: Hard, grainy growths that may have black dots (clotted blood vessels) and are often painful.
– Flat Warts: Small, smooth, and flat-topped; they may be pink, brown, or slightly yellow.
– Filiform Warts: Long, narrow, and flesh-colored, resembling a small thread or finger.
– Periungual Warts: Thickened, rough, and can affect nail growth.

4. Pigmented areas

Causes: Pigmented areas, also known as hyperpigmentation, can arise from various factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, aging, and skin inflammation. Common types of hyperpigmentation include sunspots (solar lentigines), age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Group: Can affect individuals of all ages and skin types. However, certain groups are more prone to developing pigmented areas:

– People with fair skin are more susceptible to sunspots and age spots due to prolonged sun exposure.
– Pregnant women and individuals taking hormonal treatments may experience melasma.
– Those with acne or eczema are at risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Affected areas: Pigmented areas can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on parts of the skin exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, shoulders, hands, and arms. Areas of prior inflammation, like spots where acne or eczema occurred, are also common sites for hyperpigmentation.

Appearance: Pigmented areas can vary in appearance depending on the type. Mostly appears as darkened patches or spots.

• After cryotherapy the area will often become remand raised and will go down after a few hours. The pigment will then be darker and dry crust will form. When crust falls away, thespian beneath is pinking shiny, this is not scarring. It is important at this stage that you use sun block minimum factor 50 to prevent the pigmentation returning.

5. Verrucas

Causes: Verrucas, also known as plantar warts, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus infects the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, leading to the formation of these warty growths. Verrucas are commonly contracted in communal areas such as swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms where the virus can thrive.

Group: Verrucas can affect individuals of all ages, but they are particularly common in children, teenagers, and people with weakened immune systems. Those who walk barefoot in communal areas are at higher risk of contracting the virus that causes verrucas.

Affected areas: Verrucas typically develop on the soles of the feet, particularly in areas that bear weight, such as the heels and balls of the feet. They can also occur around the toes. The pressure from walking and standing can push verrucas inward, causing pain and discomfort.

Appearance: Verrucas appear as small, rough, and grainy growths on the skin. They are usually characterized by:

– A thickened, calloused skin over the growth;
– Black dots, which are small, clotted blood vessels;
– A flat, depressed appearance due to the pressure from walking;
– Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied.

• As these are viral infections they may need more than one treatment to destroy infected cells. The second treatment can be completed 3/4 weeks after the first. If you see a black spots in the wart or verruca then it is dying away.

6. Cherry angiomas

Causes: Cherry angiomas, also known as Campbell de Morgan spots or senile angiomas, are common skin growths that appear as small, bright red or purple bumps. These growths are formed by clusters of tiny blood vessels and can develop due to a variety of factors, including genetics, aging, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions.

Group: Cherry angiomas can affect individuals of all ages but are most prevalent in adults over the age of 30. They tend to increase in number and size with age, and almost everyone will develop at least one cherry angioma in their lifetime.

Affected areas: Cherry angiomas can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the torso, arms, legs, and shoulders. Less frequently, they may develop on the face, scalp, and other areas.

Appearance: Cherry angiomas are typically small, ranging from a pinpoint to about a quarter inch in diameter. They are smooth, round, and have a bright red, cherry-like color due to the dilated capillaries within them. Some angiomas may be slightly raised above the skin surface.

7. Milia

Causes: Milia are small, white cysts that form when keratin, a protein found in the skin, becomes trapped beneath the surface. They can arise from various factors, including skin trauma, burns, blistering skin conditions, and prolonged use of heavy skincare products.

Group: Milia can affect individuals of all ages, from newborns to adults. They are commonly seen in newborns but can also appear in adults, particularly those with skin prone to blockages or damage.

Affected areas: Milia most commonly appear on the face, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead. They can also develop on other parts of the body, such as the arms or hands, especially in areas of prior trauma or irritation.

Appearance: Milia present as small, hard, white or yellowish bumps on the skin. They are typically painless and non-itchy but can cause cosmetic concerns due to their noticeable appearance.

• Usually vanish after one cryotherapy session and require no aftercare. Follow advice  for blisters should one form.

8. Keratosis

Causes: Keratosis, including seborrheic keratoses and actinic keratoses, are common skin growths that typically arise due to prolonged sun exposure and aging. These growths can also develop as a result of genetic factors and skin inflammation.

Group: Keratosis can affect individuals of all ages, but they are particularly prevalent in older adults. Those with fair skin and a history of significant sun exposure are at a higher risk.

Affected areas: Keratosis commonly appear on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, shoulders, chest, back, and hands. However, they can develop anywhere on the body.

Appearance: Keratosis can vary in appearance. Seborrheic keratoses often present as waxy, wart-like growths that can range in color from light tan to black. Actinic keratoses appear as rough, scaly patches that may be pink, red, or brown. Both types can cause uneven skin texture and may sometimes be itchy or irritated.

• Must be diagnosed as being by medically trained professional. Following treatment will crust and darken. As it heals, the crusting  may come away in patches. The new tissue will come through paler than surrounding area and requires  sun block (SPF 50+) tp protect from pigmenting darker.