Mole and Warts Treatment

MOLES

Most people have a number of small coloured spots on their body – moles freckles and birthmarks. Most moles appear between early childhood and during the first 25 years. A few of these spots are present at birth while others develop throughout life. They are usually brown or black and can appear anywhere on the body.
Some moles may become raised as time passes or may change colour. Others may show no change and remain the same. Still others may fade or disappear over time. Sometimes hair may develop in a mole.

ABCDs

Regular self examination is the best way to become familiar with the many moles and spots on the skin. With the help of a family member, hard to see areas (mouth,back,scalp,buttocks,etc) may be monitored regularly. Or a family physician may make a note of shape size borders and colour. Common moles and malignant melanomas do not look alike. A handy way to remember is
A Asymmetry
B Border
C Colour
D Diameter
If there is any change in the mole with respect to these or there is bleeding, oozing or itching it should be checked by the proper medical doctor. Also any mole which is painful or there is tenderness needs to be evaluated

WARTS

Warts are tiny infections caused by viruses of the human papilloma virus (HPV) family. Most people have a wart at some time in their lives. The viruses that cause warts are passed from person to person by close physical contact. Some warts can be transmitted sexually.
A wart is a tiny hard bump on the skin that may have a rough surface that resembles a cauliflower or may be smooth and flat. Warts vary in colour (white, pink or brown) and may contain tiny spots that look like black hairs or specks. Warts can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, fingers, hands, arms and feet. Although warts are painless, plantar warts (warts on soles of feet) may cause discomfort while walking.

CORNS

Corns and callus are one of the most common problems seen by Podiatrists. They can occur on any part of the foot and vary in symptoms from a mild callus under the foot to an infected ulcer that can develop under a corn.
Pathologically they are the same – the skin has thickened in response to pressure. A callus generally refers to a more diffuse thickening of the skin(more common on toes, but can occur under the ball of the foot) whereas a corn is a thicker, more focal area (more common on the toes). A corn can occur under and be surrounded by callus
Symptoms of foot corn
You may have a corn or a callus if you notice

• A thickened layer of skin
• Tenderness or pain under the skin
• Flaky dry or waxy skin

Cause of foot corn

• Shoes that do not fit properly. If too tight they squeeze the foot and cause increased pressure on certain areas .If too loose the foot may slide and rub against the inside of the shoe causing friction.
• Toe deformities like hammertoe or claw toe
• High heeled shoes as they increase pressure on the forefoot
• Rubbing against the seam or stitch inside the shoe
• Socks that do not fit properly
• People with normal toe bones can also develop soft corns. This condition is especially common in women who wear high heeled shoes with narrow tapering boxes. These shoes shift the body weight to the front of the foot and often do not provide enough room for the toes.

Prevention

• Avoiding friction causing activities
• Wearing shoes that fit properly and are activity appropriate
• Shoes need to be kept in good condition
• Soles and heels that wear unevenly may indicate a need for corrective footwear or special insoles
• Socks and stockings should not cramp the toes
• Gloves kneepads and other protective gear should also be worn as needed

Feet should be measured while standing and whenever buying new shoes it is best to shop late in the day when feet are like to be a bit swollen. It is also important to buy shoes with toe wiggling room and to try new shoes on both feet

WARTS – CORNS – MOLES COMPARISON

Comparison between Surgery and Laser Ablation

What are the various types of moles?
Moles (naevus) are cluster of cells called melanocytes which are seen commonly as dark spots on the skin. May be raised. Melanocytes are pigment producing cells hence moles are dark Types1.Congenital(present at birth)2.Acquired (appear in the course of life)3.Common(distinct edges,even pigmentation,smooth,smaller)4.Dysplastic(larger, varied or uneven colour, indistinct edges)
What are the various types of warts?
Raised lesions on skin/skin tags caused by HPV(Human Papilloma Virus)Generally very slow growing; over months to years sometimes  Types1. Common  – fingers and toes2. Plantar – On the soles of feet. May cause difficulty in walking3. Skin tags – Neck 4. Periungual – Grow beneath finger or toenails and may be painful5. Genital – May be part of STD(Sexually Transmitted Disease )
Various methods to treat moles and warts?
Conventional Surgery and Laser Ablation are the two current methods to treat moles, corns and warts. Laser removal has proved to be highly effective and way better than the conventional mode as mentioned in the table above.
What should one expect during the procedure?
Steps that are followed during laser removal of moles and warts :1.Numbing – Usually with surface cream for smaller moles(takes 30-45 minutes for action). Bigger ones may need to be injected with local anaesthetic 2. Laser Ablation – After checking that the part is numbed the lesion is ablated with a laser(beam of light) till it is removed3. Application of antibiotic cream and sunblock cream4. After care procedure is explained 5. Some amount of burning or tenderness can be expected after the procedure which settles in a couple of hours and is nothing to worry about.
Can a mole come back?

Usually a mole will not come back. But in some rare cases it might. If it does needs to be checked for ABCD and we shall completely assist in removal of the same again.

What are the aftercare precautions?
A few precautions if followed will ensure a desired outcome1.Keep the treated area dry2.Do not rub,scratch,pick the area3.Can apply ice packs immediately after procedure 4.Heat to be avoided 5.Antibiotic cream and sunblock cream as advised 6.Avoid any injury to the part
Is there a home treatment for mole and wart?

People often treat warts with horse tail hair. The wart is tied with it. Some use caustic substances which can cause skin burns and subsequent scarring of the skin.Use of these may be unsafe and ineffective and is not advisable. It is best to consult an expert as it may cause long term damage otherwise.

What are the lasers that are used for treatment?
Type of Laser CO2 laserDiode laser
What is the cost of treatment?
Cost may be approx Rs.800-1500 per wart/ mole if it is smaller.For larger ones Rs.3000-5000.For treatment of multiple moles / warts we offer a reasonable rate. It is best to first consult us so that we can do the correct diagnosis and suggest you the price.