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Treating Skin Lesions: Curettage, Cryotherapy, Cauterization, and More

In Hong Kong, skin lesions such as moles, warts, and keratoses are common, with over 1,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer reported in 2022 alone . While the majority of these lesions are benign, they can cause discomfort, affect appearance, or be indicative of underlying health issues. Fortunately, dermatology clinics across Hong Kong offer a range of effective treatments to address these concerns.

This guide aims to provide an overview of four common procedures used to treat skin lesions: skin curettage, cryotherapy, cauterization, and excision. Understanding these options can help you make informed decisions about your skin health and when to seek professional care.

What Are Skin Lesions and Why Are They Removed?

A skin lesion refers to any abnormality on the skin, ranging from moles and warts to skin tags and keratoses. While most of these lesions are benign and non-cancerous, they may still require removal for a variety of reasons:

1. Cosmetic concerns: Some people prefer to remove lesions that affect their appearance, such as unsightly moles or growths.

2. Medical reasons: In certain cases, a lesion might need to be removed to check for skin cancer or other underlying conditions.

3. Discomfort: Lesions that rub against clothing or cause irritation may need to be removed for comfort.

The good news is that most procedures for removing skin lesions are quick, safe, and performed on an outpatient basis, with minimal risk and downtime.

1. Skin Curettage

What It Is	Skin curettage is a procedure where a sharp, spoon-like instrument called a curette is used to scrape off a lesion from the skin. This method is useful for removing superficial growths such as warts, seborrheic keratoses, and basal cell carcinomas.
How It Works	The dermatologist carefully scrapes away the affected skin, often using local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is painless. Curettage may be combined with other treatments, such as cryotherapy or cauterization, to ensure complete removal and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Healing and Aftercare	Curettage usually has a fast recovery time, with many patients experiencing minimal discomfort afterwards. Some mild scabbing or redness is normal, but with proper aftercare, healing is typically quick. It’s important to keep the treated area clean and avoid scratching or picking at the scab to prevent infection.

2. Cryotherapy

What It Is	Cryotherapy involves using extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. This treatment is effective for a variety of skin lesions, including warts, actinic keratoses, and skin tags.
How It Works	During the procedure, the dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen to the lesion, causing the skin to freeze. The freezing sensation can be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it is usually tolerable. Over the next few days, the treated area will blister and eventually fall off as the skin heals.
Healing and Aftercare	Cryotherapy typically results in some mild blistering and discomfort, but the healing process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. While there is a small risk of scarring, this method is considered safe and efficient. Cryotherapy is often performed in local clinics and is particularly popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness.

3.Cauterization

What It Is	Cauterization is a procedure that uses heat or chemicals to burn tissue, either to remove a lesion or to stop bleeding. There are two main methods of cauterization: electric cautery (using a heated probe) and chemical cautery (using a caustic substance).
How It Works	Cauterization can be used for a variety of lesions, from small warts to larger growths. The heat or chemical applied to the tissue destroys the abnormal cells, and in some cases, helps seal blood vessels to prevent further bleeding. Cauterization is often used after curettage or on its own for smaller lesions.
Healing and Aftercare	This method typically leads to a faster healing time compared to more invasive procedures, although there may be some scarring. It’s important to follow proper aftercare to minimize scarring and ensure a smooth recovery.

4. Lesion Excision/Excision Biopsy

What It Is	Lesion excision involves cutting out the entire lesion and sometimes a small amount of surrounding tissue. This procedure is ideal for suspicious moles, cysts, or lesions that need to be biopsied to rule out skin cancer.
How It Works	Excision is usually performed under local anesthesia to numb the area. The dermatologist will use a scalpel to remove the lesion and any surrounding tissue, followed by suturing the wound. The excised tissue may be sent for testing, especially if there is concern about malignancy.
Healing and Aftercare	After excision, patients will need to care for the wound, keeping it clean and dry. Stitches are typically removed within 1–2 weeks. The healing time can vary, and there may be a scar, but with proper care, the scar is usually small and fades over time.

5. CO2 Laser Treatment

What It Is	CO2 laser treatment uses focused laser light to precisely vaporize tissue, making it highly effective for treating lesions like warts, moles, and actinic keratoses. The laser’s precision allows for minimal surrounding tissue damage and can result in faster healing times.
How It Works	The CO2 laser is directed at the lesion, where it vaporizes the tissue layer by layer. The controlled nature of the laser means that only the abnormal tissue is affected, leaving healthy skin intact.
Healing and Aftercare	The healing process typically takes about 1–2 weeks. Some redness and slight scabbing may occur, but with proper care, the treated area heals with minimal scarring. CO2 laser treatment is particularly valued for its ability to remove lesions precisely with minimal impact on surrounding skin

How to Choose the Right Procedure

Choosing the right procedure for removing a skin lesion depends on several factors:

●Type and Size of the Lesion: Smaller, superficial lesions may benefit from cryotherapy or curettage, while larger or deeper lesions might require excision.

● Location: Lesions in certain areas (like the face) may require more careful consideration to minimize scarring.

●Purpose: Some lesions are removed for cosmetic reasons, while others may need to be removed due to medical concerns like potential skin cancer.

Consulting with a dermatologist is essential to determine the best treatment for your specific situation. They will assess the lesion, its location, and your health history before recommending the right course of action.
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Are These Procedures Safe?

All of the procedures mentioned, skin curettage, cryotherapy, cauterisation, excision and CO2 Laser Treatment, are safe and commonly performed in dermatology clinics throughout Hong Kong. These procedures carry minimal risks, and complications are rare when performed by a qualified professional. A comprehensive review indicates that perioperative and postoperative complications in dermatologic surgery are infrequent, with an overall rate of 1% to 9%, and these are typically minor in nature .Most treatments are outpatient procedures, which means you can go home the same day, and the recovery time is generally short.

Caring for Your Skin After Treatment

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth healing process. Here are some general tips:

●Keep the area clean and dry to avoid infection.

●Avoid scratching or picking at scabs or blisters.

●Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. If you experience these, contact your doctor promptly.

●Protect the treated area from the sun. Sun exposure can cause scarring and may even lead to the formation of new lesions.

By following these aftercare instructions, you can help ensure that your skin heals properly and without complications.

Understanding Your Options for Safe Skin Care

Skin curettage, cryotherapy, cauterization, excision and CO2 Laser Treatment are all effective and commonly used treatments for removing skin lesions. Whether you’re looking to remove a benign growth for cosmetic reasons or addressing a medical concern, these procedures are quick, low-risk, and widely practiced in Hong Kong. If you notice any changes to your skin, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best course of action. Taking care of your skin with regular check-ups and proper aftercare can help keep your skin healthy and free of unwanted lesions.

Sources：

1.Hong Kong Cancer Registry. (n.d.). Skin Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov.hk/en/hong_kong_cancer/common_cancers_in_hong_kong/skin_cancer.html

2.American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. (n.d.). Curettage and Desiccation. Retrieved from https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/curettage-and-desiccation

3.Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Cryotherapy. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21099-cryotherapy

4.Canadian Cancer Society. (n.d.). Cauterization. Retrieved from https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/resources/glossary/c/cauterization

DermNet NZ. (2023). Excision of Skin Lesions. Retrieved from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/excision-of-skin-lesions

5.UpToDate. (2024). Skin Surgery: Prevention and Treatment of Complications. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/skin-surgery-prevention-and-treatment-of-complications/print

6.Medical News Today. (2025). What are CO2 lasers?. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-co2-laser