Skin blemishes are a common occurrence, affecting people of all ages. While some are purely cosmetic, others can become irritated, inflamed, or uncomfortable over time. Understanding what causes these blemishes and how they can be safely removed is key to maintaining healthy skin.
Many benign blemishes, such as skin tags, moles, warts, age spots, cherry angiomas, seborrheic keratosis, dermatofibromas, and verrucas, develop gradually due to genetics, sun exposure, or friction. Although they don’t pose a medical risk, they can be persistent and difficult to remove without professional treatment.
Modern blemish treatments provide safe and effective removal options, reducing the likelihood of scarring or irritation. Techniques like Plasma Pen treatment offer a non-invasive way to clear unwanted growths with precision, helping the skin heal naturally.
What Are the Most Common Body Blemishes?
Skin blemishes can take different forms, depending on their cause and location. Some develop due to excess skin cell production, while others are linked to viral infections, sun damage, or minor trauma to the skin.
Skin Tags
Soft, fleshy growths that commonly appear in areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, or groin. They are not harmful but can become irritated when caught on clothing or jewellery.
Warts and Verrucas
Warts are small, rough growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which triggers an overproduction of keratin in the skin. Verrucas, a type of wart, develop on the soles of the feet and often have a hard, grainy texture. Both are contagious and may spread if left untreated.
Milia
Small, white cysts that form when dead skin cells become trapped under the skin’s surface. Unlike acne, they are not caused by clogged pores and cannot be squeezed or extracted without professional treatment.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Thick, scaly patches that develop on the skin as people age. They can be light brown, grey, or even black and often have a waxy appearance. These benign lesions are sometimes mistaken for moles or warts.
Cherry Angiomas
Bright red or purple growths made up of tiny blood vessels. They are harmless but can become larger over time. While the exact cause is unknown, they are thought to be linked to aging and genetic factors.
Age Spots (Liver Spots)
Flat, pigmented patches that develop after years of sun exposure. They typically appear on the hands, shoulders, face, and chest. These spots are harmless but can contribute to an uneven skin tone.
Dermatofibromas
Firm, raised nodules that develop after minor skin injuries, such as insect bites or scratches. They are usually painless but may become itchy or tender.
Although these blemishes are non-cancerous, changes in shape, size, or colour should always be checked by a dermatologist before considering removal.
How Does Plasma Pen Treatment Remove Blemishes?
One of the most precise blemish treatments available is Plasma Pen therapy, a technique that uses plasma energy to target and break down unwanted skin growths. Unlike traditional removal methods, Plasma Pen treatment does not require cutting, freezing, or stitching, reducing the risk of scarring.
The device emits a tiny electrical charge, creating a controlled micro-trauma to the blemish. This process causes the targeted tissue to dehydrate and shrink, allowing the body to remove it naturally over time. It also stimulates collagen production, which promotes smoother, healthier skin as the area heals.
Plasma Pen treatment is particularly effective for:
- Skin tags: The plasma energy quickly shrinks the tag, causing it to fall off within a few days.
- Age spots: The treatment lightens pigmented patches, evening out skin tone.
- Seborrheic keratosis: Thickened skin cells are vaporised, reducing roughness and discolouration.
- Cherry angiomas: The device seals off blood vessels, causing the angioma to dry out and fade.
- Moles and warts: The plasma energy precisely targets raised tissue, allowing the blemish to flake away.
After treatment, a small scab may form over the treated area, which typically falls away within 7–10 days, leaving fresh skin underneath. Learn more about Plasma Pen treatment here.
What Other Blemish Treatments Are Available?
For more persistent skin growths, additional blemish treatments may be needed. Some blemishes, such as deep-rooted warts, verrucas, and dermatofibromas, require specialised techniques to fully break down the tissue and prevent regrowth.
Cryotherapy and laser removal are sometimes used for stubborn verrucas and warts, while excision procedures may be recommended for larger moles or dermatofibromas that do not respond to non-invasive treatments.
Blemishes that are caused by sun damage or excess pigmentation, such as age spots and seborrheic keratosis, often respond well to light-based therapies or chemical treatments, which help to resurface the skin and reduce discoloration.
A consultation can help determine the best approach for each specific type of blemish. Book a consultation here.
What to Expect After Blemish Removal?
The healing process after blemish treatments varies depending on the type of lesion and the method used for removal. Most minor blemishes will scab over and fall away naturally within a week or two, while deeper growths may take slightly longer to heal.
Aftercare is essential to prevent irritation and encourage skin regeneration. The following steps can help protect the treated area:
- Avoid scratching or picking at scabs, as this can increase the risk of scarring.
- Keep the skin clean and moisturised to support healing.
- Apply sun protection daily, as newly treated skin is more sensitive to UV exposure.
- Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by the practitioner.
In most cases, blemish removal results are permanent, although new blemishes may develop over time due to factors such as aging, sun exposure, or friction.
When to Seek Professional Blemish Treatments
While some blemishes are purely cosmetic, others may become uncomfortable, irritated, or inflamed, especially in areas prone to friction. If a blemish has changed in appearance, grown in size, or is causing discomfort, seeking professional assessment and treatment is the safest approach.
Non-invasive blemish treatments like Plasma Pen therapy provide an effective way to remove unwanted skin growths while minimising the risk of damage to surrounding tissue. For personalised advice on the best treatment options, contact us today.