Conditions we can treat: Thread (Red) Veins (Face) Thread veins, or Telangiectasia, are permanently dilated capillaries, and not ‘broken capillaries’, as many people tend to call them. The very thin walls (just one cell thick) of the fine facial capillaries dilate and constrict constantly throughout life to regulate the body’s temperature. As we age, they lose their elasticity and the ability to constrict, often becoming permanently dilated and visible through the skin. There are numerous causes for thread veins including: ​ageing hereditary and genetic causes pregnancy the rubbing of spectacles smoking energetic sports temperature extremes and harsh weather exposure hormones skin fragility and even constipation Although thread veins are harmless, many people wish to get rid of them as they can be associated with ageing, mistaken for blushing or even considered a sign of alcoholism. ALSO SEE ‘OTHER LASER TREATMENTS’ for more advanced removal on both face and body. ​ Warts and Skin Tags ​ Skin tags and warts are entirely different conditions with separate causes and presentations: Skin tags are smooth, while warts are rough with an irregular surface. Skin tags are more raised from the skin by a thin stalk whilst warts are only slightly raised or entirely flat. Warts are caused by a virus while skin tags have a variety of causes, including ageing, weight, hormones and friction. Most warts are contagious, but skin tags are not. For all their differences warts and skin tags do have some key similarities: Both conditions are benign, meaning they are not harmful or cancerous. Both can cause you distress and a desire to be rid of them. Both can be effectively treated using electrolysis. How to treat Skin Tags and Warts Electrolysis is a quick, easy, safe and effective way of treating many skin conditions and has a proven record with warts and skin tag removal. Using electrolysis or thermolysis/short wave diathermy for treatment of warts and tags cauterise them from the skin which then heals very quickly leaving no mark. Milia ​ Usually seen around the eyes, including the eyelid and between the eyelashes, nose and upper cheeks. Milia are irritating small, hard, round white nodules slightly raised above skin level, formed when keratin is trapped beneath the outer layer of the skin, forming a tiny cyst. Milia can also be confused with stubborn whiteheads but they are much harder in texture due to keratin, a protein found in hair and nails. They are called Milia plural or Milium singular and most people will experience at least one in their lifetime. Milia can appear on people of all ages, ethnicity and genders. They often develop when the ducts leading to the skin surface are clogged up, such as after an injury, blockage by rich creams/products (such as sun cream) that prevent the skin ‘breathing’ as normal. They can also be caused by dry dehydrated when dry flakes of skin block the pores Seborrhoeic Keratosis Seborrhoeic keratosis is a benign, asymptomatic mass, primarily caused by the ageing process. It is also known as seborrhoeic warts, senile warts, barnacles or basal cell papilloma. They have a thick wart-like surface and are usually colourless when they appear and become brown to black over time. Seborrhoeic keratosis can be confused with other skin conditions, so it is advisable to seek a GP’s advice before visiting an electrologist. Syringoma Syringoma is a non-cancerous (benign) bump, usually found on the upper cheeks and lower eyelids of young adults. Syringomas are completely harmless and are caused by the overgrowth of cells from sweat glands (eccrine glands). Who's at risk? Syringomas can appear at any age, though they usually occur after puberty. Syringomas can develop in people of any race and of either gender, though females are more commonly affected. Syringomas sometimes run in families. Up to 18% of people with Down syndrome have syringomas. People with diabetes mellitus are more likely to have a type known as clear cell syringomas. A less common condition, eruptive syringomas, is more commonly seen in people with darker skin. The most common locations for syringomas include: Upper cheeks, Lower eyelids, Armpits, Chest, Abdomen, Forehead, Genitalia (penis or vulva) Syringomas typically appear as small (1–3 mm) flesh-coloured-to-yellowish bumps. They usually occur in clusters on both sides of the body and in an evenly distributed (symmetrical) fashion. Eruptive syringomas appear as multiple lesions that all develop at the same time, usually on the chest and abdomen. Syringomas do not itch or cause pain. Xanthelasma Xanthelasma palpebrarum are blemishes caused by deposits of cholesterol under the surface of the skin. They range in size from very small up to 1ʺ in diameter and are normally found on the eyelids. Dermatosa Papulosa Nigra Dermatosa Papulosa Nigra are small brown or black raised areas of skin that affect one third of people with Fitzpatrick skin types 5 and 6. In many cases, Dermatosa Papulosa Nigra is a genetic condition that appears on the face, upper cheeks and temples, eyes and chest and increases with age. While Dermatosa Papulosa Nigra does not pose a threat to your health, it can have an impact on your self-confidence and mental wellbeing. Blood Spots (Cherry Angioma) Cherry Angioma are small blood spots that are benign vascular blemishes. They can vary in size from small pin dots to as large as a penny; and in colour from bright red to darker tones. Cherry angioma are not painful, but may bleed when scratched and can become distressing, particularly if they are in difficult to mask areas. ​