Warts resemble small cauliflowers that are caused by a subtype of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Rough, raised, coloured bumps form on the skin. Warts are contagious and spread through skin-to-skin contact. A break in the skin can also give rise to infection. Cryotherapy and immunotherapy topical ointments are treatments to remove warts.

Cysts are sac-like pockets filled with debris, air or a liquid-like substance that appear anywhere in the body, including under the skin's surface. There are many different types of cysts, but luckily most of these cysts are benign or noncancerous. Dr Gavin surgically removes cysts under local anaesthesia.

Skin tags are painless, benign growths on the skin. They're connected to the skin by a superficial stalk. Skin tags are very common and can appear anywhere on the body, but they are often found in regions where your skin folds, such as the armpits, the neck and under the breasts. Skin tags typically appear in the elderly. Women, particularly those who are overweight, are also prone to them. Most skin tags don't require treatment, but if it's irritated or its appearance is bothersome, Dr Gavin can remove it surgically. Another treatment option is cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen to freeze it off.

Actinic keratosis is a dry patch of skin that forms as a result of excessive sun exposure. Actinic keratosis, or solar keratosis, is common in people over 40 years of age. Measures to avoid harmful ultraviolet light must be taken to minimise the risk of actinic keratosis. If left untreated, actinic keratosis turns into squamous cell carcinoma or skin cancer in about ten per cent of cases. Cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy and topical immunotherapy treat superficial skin lesions, like actinic keratosis.

A lipoma is a harmless, slow-growing fatty tissue mass that usually presents between the skin and the muscle. Lipomas feel soft, like dough and move around when touched. Some people may develop a few lipomas. Usually, lipomas are only removed when there’s a cosmetic concern in terms of appearance. However, when a lipoma grows fast or becomes painful, it needs to be surgically removed.

Molluscum contagiosum occurs as a result of the pox virus that presents as small red bumps on the skin. These bumps are painless, but they can itch. The condition is contagious and spreads through touch and contaminated surfaces. Interfering with such as scratching, rubbing, or picking at the bumps can spread the virus to other parts of the body. Typically, these bumps disappear within a year, but treatment is often advised if the bumps are sore, itchy, or infiltrated by bacteria.

Treatment can also be beneficial when a child is likely to transmit molluscum to others or has eczema. Treatment options for molluscum contagiosum include cryosurgery for freezing bumps, medication to induce blistering (applied at the practice), surgical removal of the core or prescription medication to apply at home to help stimulate the patient's immune system to clear the bumps.