Reader question: In recent years, I’ve had more and more small growths on my skin which I think are called dermal plaques. What causes it and is it harmless? Is it possible to remove them myself as I saw advertised, or do I need to go to a clinic or salon for help?
The doctor answers: “The skin changes over the years.”
If you have several similar ones, they are probably harmless. It comes from the fact that the skin changes in different ways over the years. The stratum corneum, or epidermis, that eventually lies may form what are called dandruff warts and the elasticity of the underlying dermis may decrease.
Moreover, melanocytes can change their distribution and cause sun spots to appear on the face, arms, and hands. A small flap of skin often appears around the neck, in the armpits and under the breasts. Why could this have something to do with the rubbing or rubbing of the skin here from the collars, sleeves and bras. They are benign so you should be able to remove them yourself.
The safest thing is to get your skin evaluated by a doctor at the health center. As a rule, we do not remove benign changes that are not a problem. Then we refer to private receptions. There are exceptions when the plaques become red or painful, for example, from bra straps or clothing. The danger of freezing the flap on your own is partly because there may be uncertainty about whether it is really benign, and on the other hand you may develop cuts and infections.
We are dedicated to cleaning the skin as well as providing anaesthesia. Then you know if the change is completely removed and that it heals well afterwards. I guess it’s not entirely easy to do it right from the start with freezing or shaving methods that you can use yourself.
So my advice is to get an evaluation first and then decide on treatment in consultation with a doctor.
Ask the doctor
Gunilla Hasselgren is a Specialist in General Medicine and Honorary Doctor of Medicine at Uppsala University.
Send your questions to: [email protected]
Read more: 10 things you didn’t know about skin…
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