Dermatology & Venereology

• Adult and Paediatrics Medical Dermatology Consultation and Treatment
• Skin Biopsy
• Dermatologic Surgery
• Excision, Curettage and Cauterisation
• Mole Check and Skin Cancer Surveillance
• Cryotherapy and Intralesional Injection
• Evaluation of Hair and Scalp Disorders

CO2 Laser Removal of Skin Moles and Warts

Warts 

What are warts? 

• Warts are a skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 170 kinds of HPV, some of which can cause cutaneous warts. 
• HPV stimulates the rapid growth of cells on the skin's outer layer. In most cases, common warts appear on fingers, near fingernails, on hands, face, neck, body etc. Certain types of HPV can also cause warts in the genital area.

How do warts spread? 

• Skin-to-skin contact is one common route for the transmission of warts. 
• Someone who touches the wart of an infected person may catch the virus and develop warts. 
• The viruses may also be transmitted by objects that are shared among individuals such as razors and towels. Transmission also depends on one’s personal immunity. 
   

Moles

What are moles?

• Moles are a common kind of growth that appear on skin as spots. They are mostly small and brown and are caused by cells called melanocytes. 
• Moles can change in their appearance or disappear over time. Hormonal changes that occur during adolescence and pregnancy can cause moles to become darker and bigger. Moles can appear anywhere on the body, including armpits, under nails, between fingers and toes, and the scalp and mucosa. 
• If moles alter in their size or colour, seek medical care to ensure that the changes are not cancerous.  
   

Treatment 

One of the effective treatments of warts is the Carbon Dioxide Laser (CO2 Laser). This uses a laser instead of electrocautery to destroy the infected tissue, vaporising and removing it. The resulting wound usually heals within one to two weeks. Cryotherapy, cauterisation and certain solutions, creams or patches can also be used to treat warts. However, since individual cases may need different treatments, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have warts.

Theory

Using a CO2 Laser to vaporise most skin blemishes may help remove warts, moles or seborrheic keratosis.

Advantages

• It is safe, precise, fast, effective and usually a one-off procedure (except moles)
• Suitable for people of most ages
• Improves therapeutic results
• Diminishes operative and post-operative bleeding and oedema
• An alternative to conventional scalpel surgery

Precautions 

• Before treatment, a clinic’s professional will help the patient apply an anaesthetic.  
• During treatment, the patient may feel a slight tingling. After treatment, there will be redness on the skin and a slight feeling of heat. Generally, the redness subsides naturally after a few hours or several days. 
• There will be a scab after treatment, do not try to tear or rub it off yourself.
• After treatment, the skin is generally dehydrated. You can apply moisturising products if needed. Please follow instructions on applying antibiotics to an affected area. 
• Avoid exposure to sunlight for four weeks after treatment. Applying sunscreen is recommended.  
• Try to avoid activities such as using steam baths, saunas, and doing strenuous yoga for one-two weeks after treatment in order to reduce the chance of the skin becoming dry and sensitive.