What are skin tags?
Skin tags are small, benign growths that can appear on the skin. They are typically found on areas of the skin that rub against each other, such as the neck, armpits, and eyelids. While they are not harmful, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. There are a few things to consider before skin tag removal, though…
How are skin tags removed?
There are a few different methods for removing skin tags, and the best method for you will depend on the size and location of the tag. Some common methods include:
Skin Tag Removal
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen. This method is quick and relatively painless, but it may cause some mild discomfort or redness afterward. This method is used less and less these days as it has a high treatment failure rate.
Excision
Excision involves cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors. This method is a bit more invasive and may require local anesthesia (a small numbing injection like at the dentist), but it is very effective and allows for the easy removal of larger tags and multiple small tags.
Ligation
Ligation involves tying off the base of the skin tag with a piece of thread or dental floss. This method cuts off the blood supply to the tag, causing it to fall off within a few days. This is often done at home. It is fiddly and difficult to do right, which leads to both treatment failure and a lot of trauma to the tag!
Electrocautery
Electrocautery is a method that uses heat from an electric current to remove the skin tag. This cauterises the tag to remove it. It is very effective for multiple small tags..
Topical creams
Some topical creams can be bought for skin tags for use at home. This method may take longer and is not as effective as other methods, it generally leads to skin irritation around the tag and can be quite a nuisance!
It’s important to note that before removing any skin tags, it’s important to have them evaluated by a dermatologist to ensure they are not a symptom of any other underlying skin condition.
In conclusion, skin tags can be removed in several ways, including cryotherapy, excision, ligation, electrocautery, or topical creams. If you are thinking about skin tag removal, consult a dermatologist to determine which method is best for you and also to rule out any underlying skin condition.