DADADEL
For three decades, Clyde lived with a mysterious lump on his forehead, which appeared two years after being struck by a cricket ball. Despite multiple attempts to remove it, including an unsuccessful procedure in Turkey, the growth persisted. His journey to uncover its nature and finally eliminate it was featured on “The Bad Skin Clinic,” where dermatologist Dr. Emma Craythorne provided the long-awaited solution.
The lump, though painless, became a constant presence in Clyde’s life, even attracting the attention of his dog, Bonnie, who would lick it each morning. Feeling increasingly self-conscious, Clyde sought Dr. Craythorne’s expertise in London. His wife, Caroline, who had never seen him without the lump, noted its impact on his confidence over the years. Clyde hoped for clarity and a resolution.
Dr. Craythorne diagnosed the lump as a lipoma—a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue. She explained that “lipo” means fat, and “oma” refers to a benign tumor. Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that grow under the skin and are generally harmless, but their removal often requires surgical intervention. Clyde’s previous attempt in Turkey had left him with a scar but no resolution, adding complexity to the procedure. Dr. Craythorne planned a vertical incision to align with the existing scar and carefully remove the lipoma without damaging surrounding tissue.
During the surgery, Dr. Craythorne worked meticulously around Clyde’s scar tissue. After making the incision, she applied pressure to the area, saying, “Let’s see if we can squeeze it out.” A significant portion of the lipoma emerged, but further probing revealed residual tissue hidden behind the scar, which she carefully removed. With the lump fully excised, Clyde’s forehead was stitched up. Seeing his reflection for the first time post-surgery, he exclaimed, “Oh my God! I’m speechless… It’s round!” Dr. Craythorne, equally pleased, complimented him on the shape of his skull.
Caroline’s reaction was just as emotional. “You look so different! Your face, you look so happy,” she said upon seeing her husband after the procedure. Clyde’s newfound confidence was evident. “I feel a million dollars,” he shared, jokingly planning a night of selfies to celebrate. The removal of the lump marked more than a physical transformation for Clyde; it restored his self-esteem. Dr. Craythorne’s work not only improved his appearance but also his emotional well-being.
Clyde’s story, featured in Season 7, Episode 2 of “The Bad Skin Clinic” on Really and available for streaming on Discovery+, highlights the profound impact dermatological care can have on a person’s life. As Dr. Craythorne noted, “When a skin disease affects the face, it can be devastating—not just physically, but also emotionally and socially. And that’s where I come in.”
