Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
high

Lesions can become irritated and inflamed spontaneously or because of friction from clothing.

Assessment of pruritus

long term
low

The appearance of lesions means that they can be difficult to distinguish from malignant melanoma tumours.

long term
low

Hyperpigmentation can occur after any treatment, but is common after cautery. Hypopigmentation can also occur after any treatment, but is common after cryotherapy.

The likelihood of post-treatment dyspigmentation is low, especially in people with white skin, but the risk can be significantly higher in people with darker skin.[44][45]​​ Hypopigmentation and mild, superficial hyperpigmentation often resolve spontaneously. Patients should be advised to avoid sun exposure and use broad-spectrum ultraviolet protection to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.[40][44]

long term
low

Scars and keloids can both occur after any treatment but are more common after cautery than curettage. Scarring is usually minimal, but the risk depends on the site of the lesion and the patient. People with darker skin have a higher risk of scar and keloid formation.[46]

Keloid

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