Guides to common minor procedures
What each procedure involves, when to see a GP first and what the NHS does and does not cover. Every guide is based on information from the NHS website, with links to the original pages.
Mole removal: when to get a mole checked and your options
Most moles are harmless. Here is how to tell when one needs checking, and what happens if you want a harmless mole taken off.
Updated · 3 min read
Skin tag removal: what they are and how they are taken off
Skin tags are harmless, but they can be annoying. Here is how they are removed, and why you should never try it yourself.
Updated · 2 min read
Skin cyst removal: types, symptoms and treatment
Skin cysts are usually harmless lumps that grow slowly. Here is when they need treatment and what removal involves.
Updated · 2 min read
Lipoma removal: soft fatty lumps and when to have them taken out
Lipomas are soft, squishy lumps of fat under the skin. They are harmless, but any lump should be checked first.
Updated · 1 min read
Wart and verruca removal: treatments that work and when to wait
Most warts and verrucas clear up on their own in time. If yours will not budge, here are the treatment options.
Updated · 2 min read
Ingrown toenail surgery: self-care first, then partial or full nail removal
An ingrown toenail can be surprisingly painful. Start with self-care, and know when it is time for a podiatrist.
Updated · 2 min read
Skin abscess drainage: symptoms, urgent signs and treatment
A skin abscess is a painful, pus-filled lump. Some need urgent help, so know the warning signs.
Updated · 2 min read
Skin biopsy: why it is done and what to expect
Being told you need a biopsy can feel worrying. Here is what actually happens, step by step.
Updated · 2 min read
Ganglion cyst removal: when to leave it and when to treat it
Ganglion cysts often disappear on their own. If yours is painful or will not go, here are the options.
Updated · 2 min read
Pilonidal sinus surgery: treatment options and recovery
A pilonidal sinus can go unnoticed until it gets infected. Here are the treatment options and what recovery looks like.
Updated · 2 min read
Skin lesion removal: what counts as a lesion and your options
A skin lesion is any patch or growth that looks different from the skin around it. Here is when to get one checked and how removal works.
Updated · 2 min read
Cryotherapy: freezing skin growths with liquid nitrogen
Cryotherapy freezes off warts, verrucas and other skin growths in seconds. Here is what treatment and healing involve.
Updated · 2 min read
These guides are general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about a lump, mole or other change in your skin, speak to a GP. For urgent help, call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.