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Mole Removal Dublin & Ireland  Moles are extremely common skin lesions that are also termed beauty marks or birthmarks. People of any skin tone can have moles. Known medically as a nevus (plural: nevi), the large majority of moles are completely harmless and require no medical intervention. However, any nevus has the potential to be an indicator of skin cancer. For this reason, you should always have new moles examined by a dermatologist. Moles that have changed in size or shape also need professional dermatologic inspection. Mole removal, whether for cancer screening or cosmetic preference, is typically simple and straightforward. Types of Moles There are well over a dozen types of moles. It is virtually impossible to distinguish each mole type without an expert examination. In some cases, removal and biopsy - which involves inspection under a microscope - are required to determine the category of mole in question. However, there are two broad classifications of moles. Congenital moles are moles present at birth. So-called beauty marks and birthmarks usually fit into this category. Moles of this type may begin to grow from two to five weeks after birth. Congenital moles often stay small and may be no more than a speck. However, a congenital mole can also cover a large area of the body - for example, an entire buttock or most of a limb. Although congenital moles appear early in life, they still require surveillance. A person with one or more congenital mole(s) should visit their dermatologist regularly for screening. Such screening ensures that the mole(s) are not changing, as a change in colour, shape, size, and other characteristics is a possible sign of malignancy or cancer. The other major type of mole is an acquired mole. These moles manifest once a person is out of infancy. Examples of acquired moles include freckles and other lesions caused by sun exposure. Almost everyone has at least one acquired mole somewhere on their body, but people with more than 50 moles may have a higher risk of skin cancer than the general population. Mole Characteristics As discussed above, a mole can be any size or shape. Moles also have varying colours. Many people think of a mole as an area of increased pigmentation, but a mole may also be hypopigmented, or lighter than the surrounding skin. Furthermore, some moles are not even visible on the skin. These lesions include nevi deep in the connective tissue or blood vessels. Moles can also be present on any part of the body. While freckles and other lesions on the face are most visible, moles often appear in “hidden” areas. Such areas include skin creases or between the toes. Moles can even form inside the mouth. Suspicious Moles It takes a medical professional and diagnostic tests to determine with certainty whether a mole is potentially dangerous. However, there are some features that should prompt you to visit a dermatologist immediately for a mole check. These features include: A mole with an asymmetrical shape. In other words, the two halves do not match. These include moles that are not perfect circles or ovals and moles with irregular borders. Moles with inconsistent colour. These include moles that do not have a uniform colour throughout, multicoloured moles, and moles with a colour that has changed over time. Enlarging moles. Any mole that has exhibited growth should be checked. Moles over 6 mm in diameter are of particular concern. Other changes in appearance and nature that should be investigated include moles shifting from flat to raised, bleeding or crusting, and turning black. Mole Removal Dublin & Ireland Dermatologists may remove moles for further investigation, such as during a biopsy, or because the patient has cosmetic concerns. There are several mole removal methods available, and the removal process usually entails minimal discomfort. In the case of a biopsy, the dermatologist will determine the appropriate procedure to remove your mole for analysis. Many suspicious moles are removed through shave biopsy. This biopsy method removes only the topmost layer of skin. Your dermatologist will give you medication to numb pain and control bleeding before the biopsy. The biopsy itself is quick, and healing time is typically brief. There are several other biopsy methods available, but these are reserved for moles located in deeper tissue. Skin biopsies can almost always be performed in your dermatologist’s clinic without the need for hospitalisation. People frequently choose to have moles removed for aesthetic reasons. If you have a mole or moles that you would like to get rid of, you should first consult with a dermatologist. The size and nature of the mole largely determine the success of the removal process. For example, it may be relatively easy to have a small, lightly-coloured mole removed, while a large, dark birthmark could require surgery. Besides surgery, dermatologists use several less invasive methods for mole removal. A chemical peel is one example. In this procedure, the dermatologist uses a weak acid to cause controlled damage to the upper skin layers. These layers then peel away, revealing rejuvenated skin. Chemical peels can be repeated when necessary if interspersed with a healing interval. Cryotherapy is also a possibility for mole removal. This procedure is similar to that used for the removal of warts. The mole is frozen with liquid nitrogen or another chemical and then removed. Cryotherapy generally requires a short healing time and leaves minimal scarring. Recent medical advances have given dermatologists even more tools for mole elimination. Laser therapy is one of these breakthroughs. A series of laser treatments delivered by your dermatologist can often eradicate unsightly moles, even in sensitive locations. Dermabrasion is another minimally-invasive technique for mole removal. During this procedure, the top layer of the skin is carefully scraped to remove surface moles and other blemishes. Dermabrasion is safe and effective for many types of moles. Speak with Your Dermatologist Each patient is unique, and every situation is different. It is impossible to know the appropriate treatment for your suspicious or undesired moles without consulting a local dermatologist. Contact a dermatologist now to learn more.

Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery Dublin & Ireland   Most people give little thought to their toenails. A quick trim every now and then is all the toenail maintenance that most of us undertake. However, your toenails can be a source of great discomfort and frustration when problems occur. In some cases, toenail removal may be necessary. The top causes of toenail removal include fungal infections and recurrent ingrown toenails. A dermatologist can take care of this problem in their clinic without the need for hospitalisation. In most cases, your toenail will eventually regrow.   Causes of Nail Fungus Toenail fungal infections are also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium. These infections appear as thickened, yellow toenails. The nail sometimes looks white, and there may also be pain and itching. The nail lifts up from the nail bed in certain cases, and this may be painless or cause discomfort when it occurs. Fungal infections of the toenails are common among adults. In fact, about 10% of all adults experience this problem in at least one toe at any given time. All nails on a foot may be affected, but it is more common to suffer from the issue in just one or two toenails. Anyone can contract a toenail infection, but certain conditions increase your chances. These conditions include problems with your immune system, frequent cases of athlete’s foot (called tinea pedis), and issues with the blood flow in your feet and legs. Older people are more prone to fungal infections of the toenails than younger individuals. Toenail fungus is communicable, meaning you can catch it directly from someone else, but it can also be transmitted through surfaces like shared shoes and bathtubs. You can help prevent toenail fungus by taking good care of your feet. Trim your nails regularly but not too deeply. Also, keep your feet clean. Wash them daily with soap and water, being sure to wash between your toes. Do not share shoes or socks, nor should you wear damp socks. Finally, always follow the advice of your dermatologist and other doctors. Causes of Ingrown Toenails Ingrown toenails, or onychocryptosis, occur when a toenail does not grow straight. Instead, a portion of the toenail grows into the skin on either side of the nail bed. Swelling or bleeding can occur, and pus may be present. An ingrown toenail can be quite painful and prevent you from walking long distances. Even worse, an ingrown toenail may lead to infection, a condition that can become serious. Improper footwear is the chief cause of ingrown toenails. More specifically, wearing shoes that are too tight can restrict toenail growth, leading to ingrown nails. Additionally, trimming your toenails improperly may result in problems with ingrown toenails. Incorrect toenail trimming includes trimming too deeply or too often, trimming too infrequently, and uneven trimming. Your toe should never bleed or be painful during a toenail trim. Consult with your dermatologist if you have problems with ingrown toenails. Remember, dermatologists do treat not only skin issues but also diseases of the hair and nails. Your dermatologist can provide you with advice on appropriate footwear and habits to avoid ingrown nails, in addition to treating any ingrown toenails you may have now. Treatment of Toenail Fungal Infections A single toenail fungal infection is little cause for concern, although a dermatologist should evaluate all nail infections. However, when a fungal nail infection is recurrent, unrelenting, or severe, professional treatment may become necessary. Treatment possibilities include topical ointments or creams, oral medication, injections, or surgery. Treatment of Ingrown Toenails Just like with fungal toenail infections, you should have any ingrown toenail examined by a dermatologist. Treatment is often as simple as a professional trimming, but expert advice for prevention may be required. A dermatologist will be happy to provide you with guidance on how to avoid future ingrown nails. They can also consult with you on optimal footwear for ingrown toenail prevention. Ingrown Toenail Removal Surgery Dublin & Ireland If your dermatologist determines that your situation warrants it, they may recommend toenail removal surgery. The surgery is typically a straightforward procedure that can be carried out in your dermatologist’s office. A hospital visit is usually not necessary. Your dermatologist will walk you through the technique. Next, they will clean and anesthetise your toe. They will make certain your toe is disinfected to prevent infection. Once the procedure begins, the dermatologist will take measures to control bleeding. Depending on your problem, your dermatologist will remove a portion of the toenail or the entire nail. In the case of an ingrown toenail, it may not be necessary to excise the whole nail, only a portion of it. With fungal infections, usually the complete nail will need to be removed. Additionally, a toenail removal is sometimes performed in the case of nail trauma. For example, if you drop a heavy object on your toe or stub your toe, blood may become trapped beneath the toenail. Your dermatologist may need to remove a small piece of nail to release the trapped blood and relieve pressure. However, this does not necessarily mean that your toenail will never return. Often, a dermatologist will be able to spare a structure called the nail matrix. The nail grows from the matrix, so the toenail will eventually regrow if the matrix is left intact. As you may know, toenails grow gradually and much more slowly than fingernails. It may take many months for your toenail to return to its former length after removal. Recovery from toenail removal is typically brief. You will be given aftercare instructions, and you should follow these diligently. Most patients will heal within a few weeks after surgery. Ingrown toenail surgery cost Ireland Depending on where you go, prices are between €200 to €300 Euro when going through a private dermatologist or clinic. Consult with Your Dermatologist It is all too easy to neglect your toenails. Stay healthy by checking your feet daily, and turn to a dermatologist if you encounter problems with your nails. If ingrown toenail removal surgery is necessary, you will want an experienced dermatologist to take charge of your care.

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