Acrochordons (the medical term for skin tags) are harmless growths that can develop anywhere on the body. They are usually asymptomatic but can get caught on clothing or seatbelts or become irritated from friction.
You can try home treatments such as soaking the tag in liquid iodine or covering it with duct tape, but dermatologists can use several procedures to remove skin tags quickly and safely.
The skin is your body’s largest organ, and it works hard to keep you safe. But sometimes it needs some help to do its job well. That’s why it’s important to know how to identify and treat any new spots or growths that you notice on your skin. If you notice a new spot that’s shiny or scabbed or starts to change color, it could be a sign of an infection or a more serious condition such as cancer. That’s why it’s always best to see a doctor if you are concerned about any spot or growth on your skin. They can examine your skin in person, and may also recommend medical procedures to remove any unnecessary growths such as skin tags.
A skin tag, which is technically known as a acrochordon, is an irregular lesion that hangs from a thin stalk and usually has a fleshy appearance. They are often found in areas where the skin rubs together like in the armpits, groin, anus or thighs. They are also common on the neck and eyelids. Skin tags are usually painless, but some people find them irritating, especially when they irritate clothing or catch on jewellery. Some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or when they start to bleed, become swollen or itch.
There are several different methods for skin tag removal, including excision and freezing. The latter involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag, which can cause it to fall off over time. A dermatologist can perform this treatment in a clinic, using a cryospray or a cotton-tipped applicator to apply the cold substance to the affected area.
Another way to remove a skin tag is to cut it off with a scalpel or scissors, after numbing the area with an anaesthetic. This is effective for larger skin tags or those located in sensitive areas. The procedure can leave a scar but is generally less painful than using cryotherapy.
Other methods of removing a skin tag involve wrapping the lesion with a band or cutting off its blood supply, which is called ligation. This should only be performed by a doctor and can lead to bleeding, scarring or partial removal of the skin tag, which can grow back.
Excision
Skin tags are benign growths that protrude or hang from the skin and are usually asymptomatic. They can cause irritation, however, if they rub against clothing or seatbelts. They can also irritate the skin and become swollen or bleed when they get caught on jewelry or other objects. Some people wish to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, and they are easy to remove by dermatologists or other trained health care professionals. The most common techniques include snipping them with surgical scissors, freezing them with liquid nitrogen, or electrically burning them (also called cautery). These procedures are quick and generally painless, though the latter method may leave a small scar. In some cases, a physician will use numbing injections to decrease the discomfort. A physician can also ligate the base of a skin tag by using a ligature band, which will cut off blood flow and eventually lead to the skin tag falling off.
Although over-the-counter and home skin tag removal kits exist, these methods are not recommended for anyone other than a trained professional. Using a home kit to remove a skin tag may result in infection, excessive bleeding or other complications. Over-the-counter liquid options may simply irritate the area, and the do-it-yourself technique of tying the tag with dental floss can cause strangulation and loss of blood.
Moreover, over-the-counter and home remedies can also be dangerous because they often contain unproven ingredients that could cause allergic reactions or other problems. A qualified dermatologist can provide safe and effective treatment in a sterile environment.
Skin tags can sometimes be mistaken for warts or even skin cancer, which are more serious medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist who can tell the difference and perform the proper procedure.
Although there is no way to fully prevent skin tags, staying at a healthy weight and avoiding friction-causing activities can help reduce their appearance. Keeping the skin well moisturized and avoiding over-exfoliation can also help prevent them from developing.
Snipping
Skin tags (also called acrochordons) are fleshy growths that hang from the skin. They usually form where the skin rubs together, such as in the armpits, groin, anus, and eyelids. They don’t cause any pain or discomfort and can be removed for cosmetic reasons. A dermatologist can remove them using a few different techniques, including freezing with liquid nitrogen or snipping with a sharp blade. They can also be burned off with cautery. During these treatments, the healthcare professional may use a topical anesthetic to decrease any discomfort.
While some people may attempt to remove skin tags at home, it is generally considered safest for an experienced healthcare professional to perform the procedure in a medical setting. This is particularly true if the tag is large or located in a sensitive area. Also, it’s best to see a doctor if the tag is painful or appears to change shape or color. These changes can be a sign of cancer or other serious condition.
In addition, at-home removal methods can be very dangerous. They often don’t work, and some can lead to complications such as bleeding or skin damage. The use of over-the-counter skin tag removal products can also be hazardous, as they can cause a number of side effects, including burning and scarring.
Attempting to self-remove skin tags with dental floss or string can be extremely dangerous, particularly the larger ones. This method can lead to bleeding, skin scarring, and infections. In some cases, these methods can even be fatal.
It’s important to talk to a dermatologist about the best way to treat skin tags, as these are a common problem for many adults. A qualified dermatologist can help you remove skin tags safely and effectively without the risks of at-home treatments.
Skin tag removal is generally considered a cosmetic treatment and is not typically covered by health insurance. However, it is worth considering the cost-effectiveness of a visit to a specialist in the field, as removing a single skin tag can significantly improve comfort and self-confidence. A consultation with a specialist can also give you insight into potential underlying causes of your skin problems, such as hormone imbalances or excess weight.
Electrodessication
Skin tags and warts are common, benign growths that may develop in areas of the body where the skin rubs against itself or clothing. These small, flesh-colored growths typically have a stalk that connects them to the skin’s surface. Skin tags can be removed by tying them off, using chemical peels, or with surgical excision. For those who are looking for a less-invasive treatment option, there is also the possibility of removing these lesions with an electrodesiccation and curettage procedure. This is a surgical method that uses electric current and heat to cauterize and destroy the growths.
This is a highly effective way to remove these skin lesions, as the process causes only minimal discomfort and does not leave any scars. As a result, it is a popular alternative to laser treatments for skin tag removal.
During this procedure, an anesthetic cream will be applied to the area that is being treated. After the anesthetic has a chance to work, your physician will use an electrical device called a Bovie or Hyfrecator to cauterize and destroy the growths. The device emits short bursts of electricity to vaporize the water inside the lesion, which causes it to break apart and eventually fall off of your skin. In addition to reducing the appearance of skin tags, this technique can also be used to treat other benign and precancerous skin lesions, such as cherry angiomas, seborrheic keratoses, and warts.
Some people may attempt to remove their skin tags at home with various DIY methods, but this is not a safe or effective option. Many of these home remedies include tying the skin tags off with a piece of thread, which can cause irritation and lead to bleeding and infection. Others, such as rubbing a wart or skin tag with apple cider vinegar or other natural home remedies, can actually cause damage to the healthy surrounding tissue.
Although there are some over-the-counter products that claim to remove these skin growths, it is important to understand that they have not been evaluated for safety or efficacy. While these products can appear to be cost-effective, they are often much more expensive in the long run than a visit to your dermatologist to have these growths professionally removed by an expert. In addition, these over-the-counter treatments can be harmful if used incorrectly and can even lead to permanent scarring or discoloration of the affected area of the skin.