Common Growths
At the Children’s Skin Center, our board-certified dermatologists and certified physician assistants are committed to offering families the best dermatology and pediatric dermatology care and treatments available in a welcoming, family friendly, environment. Our physicians and staff have advanced training in both dermatology and pediatric dermatology, making it possible for the whole family to receive a wide range of minor skin procedures right in our office.
Our patients appreciate this, especially when more than one family member needs to schedule an appointment, or when dealing with a condition that affects more than one family member or which involves a series of treatments, for example:
- Biopsies
- Skin excisions
- Wart treatments
- Cryosurgery
- Electrodessication
- Laser hair removal
- Laser surgery for vascular birthmarks, warts, stretch marks, and scars.
We know how busy our patients are, and we pride ourselves on making appointments comfortable and convenient for our patients.
Moles
Moles, or dark spots on the skin, may appear anywhere on the body, and may be present either at birth or may develop over time. While many are benign, patients should pay attention and be aware of any moles on their or their children’s bodies, keeping an eye on moles and looking for changes in moles over time. Changes in moles may signal precancerous activity or skin cancer, so it’s important to monitor any changes to moles over time.
Our board-certified dermatologists advocate regular skin cancer screenings, because skin cancer can be deadly, and it can also be prevented or caught early with regular screenings.
Your Children’s Skin Center dermatologist will advise how often you should come in for a skin cancer screening. Call our office immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Asymmetry (the left half is not like the right half)
- Border is changing, irregular, poorly defined, or scalloped
- Color varies (different shades, or a mixture of brown, tan, black, blue, red, white)
- Diameter is greater than the size of a pencil eraser, 6mm
- Evolving (changing in size, shape or color, or looks very different from any others)
Warts
Warts are benign skin growths commonly found on the fingers, hands, or feet. Warts occur when the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes an infection in the top layer of the skin. Warts are contagious and may be spread by touching a contaminated surface. Warts may feel smooth or rough, and may or may not cause pain.
Common warts are generally raised, painless, and found on the hands. Plantar warts are usually found on the soles of the feet (plantar area) and may grow in clusters. They often cause pain because walking pushes them into the foot.
Warts may go away on their own, but because they are contagious and unsightly, and because they can grow in clusters, they are often treated. The Children’s Skin Center offers different treatments for warts, depending on the type, location, and patient.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are benign, generally painless growths that may be flesh-colored or darker. While the cause of skin tags is unknown and they are generally harmless, they can be a symptom of a hormonal or endocrine syndrome, and some more serious skin conditions can be mistaken for skin tags. For this reason, skin tags should be evaluated by a doctor. Your Children’s Skin Center dermatologist will send your skin tag to be tested, if necessary, to rule out any underlying conditions. Skin tags are common among diabetics, the overweight, and among older adults.
Skin tags may be removed if they are irritated by jewelry or clothing, or if they are unsightly. It is best not to treat skin tags yourself, due to the risk of infection.
Your Children’s Skin Center dermatologist may remove your skin tags with cryotherapy (freezing), cauterization (burning), ligation (suturing), or surgical removal.
Abscesses
The skin is the body’s largest organ, the first line of defense against infection. While harmless bacteria are often present on the skin, a break in the skin can allow a bacterial infection to develop, such as a Staph infection (Staphylococcus) or a Strep infection (Streptococcus). These types of infections can result in the formation of an abscess, or a boil, which may be tender and painful to the touch.
Abscesses are composed of damaged tissue, bacteria, and pus, and should be evaluated and treated by a dermatologist. Treatment may include antibiotics, incision and drainage, or surgery.
We look forward to welcoming you to our practice. With locations throughout South Florida, you’re sure to find a convenient location near you. To schedule your appointment, please call or text us at (305) 669-6555.
