Facial Thread Veins







These are not broken capillaries but rather permanently dilated capillaries.  As we age, these vessels lose their elasticity and can become permanently dilated.  There are numerous causes including: ageing, hereditary, pregnancy, the rubbing of spectacles, smoking, temperature extremes, hormones and skin fragility.  They are commonly seen in a maturing “English rose” complexion.

Blood Spots







These are bright red vascular blemishes which lie just under the surface of the skin.  They are dome shaped or slightly raised and are frequently found on the midriff, back or front.  Most people aged over 30 have at least one and they are even more common in men than women.

Spider Naevi







A Spider Naevus is a central dilated blood vessel, with smaller capillaries radiating from it like the legs of a spider.  They can be found in isolation or gathered together in clumps on areas such as the cheeks.

Skin Tags







Skin Tags are very common and most frequently found on the neck and face.  They often appear with a neck like a mushroom and vary in size of a large pea or even larger.  They are often found in areas of friction such as the underarm, groin, under the breasts or around the neck where necklaces may irritate.

Milia







These are tiny white hard lumps containing keratin which lie superficially under the surface of the skin and can be easily treated.  Their exact cause is unknown although they are often associated with dry skin which can be acidic.

Warts







There are various types of warts, including plane, common, seborrhoeic and verrucas.  All can be easily and successfully treated.  Warts can develop individually or in clusters.  Seborrhoeic warts become more common with increasing age and can grow up to two inches across.

Moles







Moles are overgrowths  of skin’s pigment cells and are generally medium to dark brown in colour though they range from skin coloured to black.  The majority of moles are flat, relatively even in colour and regular in shape.  Some moles are raised and these are usually soft to touch and lighter in colour.  The number of moles that develop in an individual is determined by both genetic (inherited) factors and by sun exposure.

Moles can be removed by two methods:

Excision with stitches (see Minor Surgery section)

or
 
Diathermy, where a tiny energy current is discharged via the tip of a fine  probe.  Once treatment has started the mole may reduce in size and colour.  Repeat treatment may be required.