Expert: Michael S. Fisher, <B>Ph.D., M.D.</B> - 3/12/2005

Question
I have a lot of small moles on my trunk including my back. I guess they are moles - raised up bumps (although most have no pigmentation). I also have tiny red spots (more like little red specks). The molely things get itchy and my skin around these areas seems to flake a lot. I also have some larger coloured moles on my trunk.

Is there a procedure to remove the small mole and tiny red specks? I don't mind flat moles so much but I find the raised ones very annoying.

Having so many bumps and marks mars my confindence a bit. If I could do something about then I would. I am prepared to pay considerable money if they can be treated.

I wondered too about creams that might help. I dont know if their is anything potent enough that would remove bumps but allow full healing of the skin. Maybe the flaking is a type of dandruff. is there a helpful treatment for this?

I saw a hearbal topical product advertised on the internet which said it removed facial moles without scarring. Do you think this would be worth ago. I saw a dermitologist a few months ago. He said he wouldn't touch the mole on my face which I was interested in having removed. But he never said why.

My skin is sort of blothcy in places on my trunk too. I've heard Retin A cream can help burn off skin and improve the look of skin with regrowth. Might this help here? I think one has to get a doctor's prescription here in New Zealand to use Rentin A Cream. Do you think My General Practicioner would give it to me for such issues as I've been discussing?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Kind Regards, Stefan C.

Answer
The tiny red specks that you have are most likely what are called Angiomas which are small blood vessels.  These type of lesions can be removed with laser or cautery but insurance will not cover them so you would have to pay out of pocket.
The lesions on your back could be nevi or moles or they could be what is called Seborrheic Keratosis.  Seborrheic Keratosis
can be removed by liquid nitrogen but again this is considered cosmetic.  The mole on your face if raised above the skin can be removed by shaving and this is done all of the time.  If the mole is cut out then it would most likely leave a scar.
Since I cannot see your skin, I cannot be totally be sure of the diagnosis.  The blotcy skin could be Pityriasis Alba which is treated with topical cortisone or the new non cortisone cream called Elidel.   You need to visit a cosmetic dermatologist.