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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Advice on a skin lesion
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Advice on a skin lesion
by Jack R, Nov 18, 2004 12:00AM
About 15 years ago a red pimple appeared near my eye that I initially mistook for acne. A year or so later when it hadn't healed, I went to a dermatologist who said it wasn't acne but sac-like, football shaped scar tissue, perhaps from an insect bite. He injected it with dilute cortisone, and the scar resolved (it initially left a depression/indentation, which eventually went away). A few months later it reappeared, so the dermatologist repeated the process. To make a long story short, this process was repeated a couple more times, with the same results. On the fourth try (we were both persistent), it went away. However, 15 years later, it has very suddenly reappeared--same shape, same location, same color, same feel.
I have less time and patience than I had 15 years ago. I'd like to get rid of it. Here are my questions:
1. Could this be treated and removed with a laser? If so, would this remove only the redness or the slight swelling underneath? Will one treatment be enough?
2. Would you recommend it be biopsied? This is something I would prefer to avoid because I don't want another kind of scar.
3. Would you recommend cortisone over laser? (assuming the cost isn't an important issue). Frankly, I'd rather not go through the same cycle of ineffective shots/dents etc.
thanks.
I have less time and patience than I had 15 years ago. I'd like to get rid of it. Here are my questions:
1. Could this be treated and removed with a laser? If so, would this remove only the redness or the slight swelling underneath? Will one treatment be enough?
2. Would you recommend it be biopsied? This is something I would prefer to avoid because I don't want another kind of scar.
3. Would you recommend cortisone over laser? (assuming the cost isn't an important issue). Frankly, I'd rather not go through the same cycle of ineffective shots/dents etc.
thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 21, 2004 12:00AM
, Nov 21, 2004 12:00AM
Truth is, I'm not sure what this is. If something comes in the same place 15 years later, it isn't necessarily the same thing.
Let's assume, however, that it is another scar. In that case I would recommend steroid injections over laser, which is likely to be slow, costly, and relatively ineffective. Properly dilute injections should avoid atrophy (indentation.)
If your doctor is suspicious and recommends a biopsy, I would not dismiss the suggestion. Again, the lesion you have now isn't necessarily the same thing as what it was before.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Let's assume, however, that it is another scar. In that case I would recommend steroid injections over laser, which is likely to be slow, costly, and relatively ineffective. Properly dilute injections should avoid atrophy (indentation.)
If your doctor is suspicious and recommends a biopsy, I would not dismiss the suggestion. Again, the lesion you have now isn't necessarily the same thing as what it was before.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
