Interview transcription:
We interviewed Dr Penelope Pratsou to learn what you should do if you have warts, skin tags or cysts on your body.
If you notice warts, skin tags or cysts on your body, when would be the right time to come in and get them removed?
Penelope Pratsou: If you notice any of these things on your skin, there are two occasions when you might want to come and see someone like myself. Firstly, if you’re not quite sure what this is on your skin – it is particularly important if you have got one of these seborrheic keratoses as they can have a worrying dark brown or black appearance – to make sure that it is a warty growth. It is important to make sure that we have the right diagnosis and that it’s not a worrying pigmented lesion like a changing mole or something more serious.
Penelope Pratsou: That’s also important if you have a cyst. Cysts can be slow-growing, but if they’re rapidly growing, then you must get them checked. We need to make sure that they are cysts and that there’s nothing else going on with your skin.
Another time to come and see me is if you’re bothered by their appearance. I’d be happy to asses them and treat them for you, but also if they’re causing problems like they’re itchy, or become inflamed and catch as they can become infected. I’d be more than happy to see you at any point in this process. You only need to pick up the phone, make an appointment and come and see me for an assessment and possible treatment on the day.
If you notice that you have any of the symptoms or conditions that we’ve just discussed, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr Penelope Pratsou. She’ll be able to assess your condition and give you a personalised treatment plan.
About the author
Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist
MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)
I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.
I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.
After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.
Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.
