Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags usually cause no symptoms and may drop off on their own over time. However, if they get caught on clothing or seatbelts or are irritated by repetitive rubbing near skin folds, it is best to have them removed by a doctor in a sterile office setting.
Dermatologists are experts in the skin and can safely remove small to large skin tags using several methods. Some of these include snipping them with a scalpel or surgical scissors, freezing them with liquid nitrogen, or burning them using cautery. Contact Skin Tag Removal Phoenix now!
There are many home remedies that claim to be effective for removing skin tags. However, they typically take longer to produce results than surgical procedures performed by professionals and can cause serious complications. Cutting off a skin tag with sharp scissors or a razor blade can result in bleeding and infection, especially for people who use blood thinners or have other bleeding disorders. Home “freezing” kits that use extreme cold to destroy skin tags also require multiple applications and can cause skin irritation.
Some anecdotal reports suggest that applying tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar to a skin tag can help it dry out and eventually fall off. However, these methods lack scientific evidence and can cause skin irritation or chemical burns.
Using dental floss or thread to tie off a skin tag (a procedure known as ligation) is also unproven and can lead to bleeding, pain, and potential infection. Similarly, some anecdotal claims that crushed garlic can shrink or remove skin tags are not supported by dermatological science and introduce unnecessary risk to healthy skin.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help promote skin health and fight signs of aging, but it hasn’t been proven to reduce or remove skin tags. Applying liquid vitamin E to a skin tag and the surrounding area may make it dry out and fall off within a few weeks. To use vitamin E, puncture a capsule and apply the contents to the skin tag. You can repeat this treatment several times per day.
Another popular home remedy for reducing the appearance of skin tags is aloe vera. This plant contains several compounds that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. These include gibberellins and glucomannan, which interact with growth factor receptors on your skin fibroblast cells and encourage the production of collagen and elastin fibers.
You can find aloe vera gel in some skincare products or purchase it at a local drugstore. To use it, wash the affected area and then use a cotton swab or Q-tip to gently massage the gel onto the skin tag. You can then place a bandage over it overnight and continue this process for several nights until the skin tag dries out and falls off.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments
Skin tags (medically known as acrochordons) are soft, fleshy, non-cancerous pieces of hanging skin. They aren’t harmful but many people feel they look unsightly and want to remove them. There are several methods for removing skin tags available, from home remedies to in-office procedures.
Some of the simplest methods for at-home removal involve drying out the tag until it shrinks and falls off. For instance, tying a piece of dental floss or thin cotton thread around the base of a tiny skin tag can cut off circulation to the tag and cause it to dry out. This method is generally only effective on very small skin tags, however, and should not be used near the eyes or genitals because it could lead to infection.
Other at-home treatments include using tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar on skin tags. Both of these methods work by irritating or inflaming the skin, which causes the tag to weaken and eventually fall off. It’s important to note that applying any sort of acidic product to your skin can lead to irritation and even burns, so it’s always best to consult a doctor before trying an at-home treatment.
A few doctors have also developed products that are sold over the counter to remove skin tags. These range from skin tag removal creams to freeze kits. The latter option is usually the safest, as it requires no cutting or burning of the skin and will not leave scars behind. This product is a good choice for those who are not comfortable with the idea of using harsh chemicals on their skin.
It is also a good idea to avoid attempting to cut or clip off any medium or large skin tags, as this can be very painful and may lead to bleeding. Those who are on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders should especially be cautious about this. Using sharp blades, nail clippers or scissors on a skin tag can also lead to infection, and should only be done with the approval of a physician.
In-office procedures
Skin tags, also called acrochordons, are non-cancerous growths that resemble warts or small moles. They develop in areas where skin rubs against itself or other nearby skin, such as the neck, eyelids, groin, armpits, and chest. These fleshy bumps are not harmful but many people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. You should see your doctor if you notice a change in the appearance of your skin tags, especially if they begin to bleed or get caught on clothing or jewelry.
The best way to prevent the formation of skin tags is to keep your body and skin clean, including avoiding irritation. Avoid rubbing skin, putting on tight-fitting clothes or accessories, and using abrasive scrubs or soaps. Wear loose-fitting clothing and be mindful of the way you place jewelry on your body to reduce friction. Regular skin checks are also important because they can help you spot any abnormalities that may require medical attention.
If your skin tags don’t go away with home remedies or OTC treatments, make an appointment to see your dermatologist. Several procedures are available to safely and quickly remove skin tags.
After numbing the area, your doctor can use a variety of tools to remove the skin tag. This could include freezing it with liquid nitrogen or burning it off with electrocautery (an electric current passed through a wire that becomes hot). A physician can also cut off the skin tag using surgical scissors or scalpel.
After removing the skin tag, your provider will apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage the area. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to decrease the risk of infection and scarring. You should also contact your doctor if the wound starts to bleed or you notice other signs of infection.
Complications
Skin tags are small flaps of flesh-colored tissue that hang off of the skin by a thin stalk. They’re most common in areas where the skin rubs against itself, such as the armpits, neck, and eyelids. They can be the same color as the surrounding skin or dark brown. They may turn red when irritated and are often found in areas that rub against clothing, jewelry, or other items. Most people don’t need to remove their skin tags, but they can cause problems if they’re rubbed against, snag on clothing or jewelry, or get caught in hair or eyelashes.
Trying to remove them at home can lead to complications such as bleeding, infection, or scarring. It’s important to see a doctor for professional treatment. They can check the condition of your skin, and they’ll be able to rule out other conditions that might look like skin tags, including moles, warts, and seborrheic keratosis.
A dermatologist will examine the area in person and may need to take a sample of the growth. This will be sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis and make sure the tag isn’t cancerous. They may also use a variety of treatments to remove your skin tag, including freezing, burning, cutting, or using a laser device to eliminate the lesion.
These procedures can be done in the doctor’s office and are usually relatively quick and painless. They’re typically performed after a medical-grade antiseptic has been used to clean the area, which minimizes risk of infection. If a procedure involves anesthesia, the doctor will apply a numbing cream to prevent pain during the treatment.
Recovery time after skin tag removal can vary, depending on the method used. The wound should be kept clean and covered with antibiotic ointment as instructed by the doctor, which will speed healing and decrease the chance of complications. Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding direct sunlight can further expedite the healing process. Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna shares her expert advice to help patients recover quickly and completely after their procedures.