How to Get Rid of Annoying Skin Tags Quickly, Painlessly, and Effectively
Skin tags (papillomas or acrochordons) are one of the most common skin lesions, with a very high incidence rate — approximately 1 in 2 people will develop at least one skin tag in their adult life. They are small, benign growths with a soft texture, typically no larger than 5mm, although in some cases, they can grow bigger. They have a skin-like color or gradually darken and often appear to hang from the skin by a thin stalk (peduncle), though sometimes they attach closely. However, they should not be confused with moles, as they are entirely different!
Why Do Skin Tags Develop?
Skin tags occur when the body begins to produce an increased number of cells in the upper layers of the skin. Factors that favor their appearance include heredity, certain conditions such as type 2 diabetes and Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, obesity, hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy), and advanced age.
What to Be Careful of If You Have Skin Tags
Although skin tags are generally harmless, friction can cause irritation, bleeding, or even infection. To prevent this, it’s important to take special care of your skin. Here are a few precautions to follow if you have skin tags:
- Avoid wearing necklaces or chains that fit tightly around the neck
- Be cautious when showering — avoid vigorous scrubbing with a sponge or towel
- Be mindful when shaving to prevent accidental cuts
- Refrain from scratching or picking at skin tags, to reduce the risk of infection
- Never try to remove skin tags on your own using outdated methods (such as tying a thread around the stalk)
How Are They Treated?
Since skin tags rarely disappear spontaneously, it’s important to remain vigilant for the possibility of injury. This is one of the best reasons to have them treated, especially those with stalks, which have a serious risk of twisting and causing complications. As with any skin lesion, it’s vital to avoid self-diagnosis. Consult an experienced doctor to rule out the possibility of a more serious condition. Additionally, special attention is required when using at-home treatments, as improper application can cause scarring, infection, or discoloration (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation) of the skin, and may lead to the recurrence of the skin tags.
Which Treatments Are Available?
With advances in Aesthetic Surgery, skin tags can now be treated quickly and easily. The most common methods include:
CO2 Laser Treatment
CO2 laser therapy is ideal for any skin type, as it doesn’t cause bleeding or burn the skin. Instead, it vaporizes the skin tag, cutting its stalk with precision. The treated area heals fully within a few days. The procedure takes just one session, with no recovery time required.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy (or cryosurgery) is one of the most effective treatments. We spray liquid nitrogen on the skin tag, cooling it down to temperatures between -160 and -175 °C, effectively destroying the lesion. After application, the area becomes slightly red and swollen, and the tag dries out and falls off within about a week.
Electrocautery
In electrocautery, a high-intensity electrical current is used to destroy the tissue by burning it. No sutures are required, and the treatment is performed superficially, making it ideal for smaller skin tags.
Surgical Excision
The final method, surgical excision, is used for larger or more complex skin tags with a thick stalk. The procedure is performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia, where the stalk is cut, and the tag is removed completely.
Talk to Us!
Whichever method is best suited for you — depending on the nature of your skin tags and your skin type — do not hesitate to contact our office and book an appointment. Together, we will discuss the ideal treatment for your needs so that you can get rid of troublesome and unsightly skin tags permanently, easily, and painlessly!
References
- Pandey A, et al. (2023). Skin Tags. StatPearls.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547724/ - Taylor JE. (2016). Just a pinch: Technique for skin tag removal in sensitive areas. Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5154651/ - Gustafsson L. (2004). Treatment of Skin Papillomas with Topical α-Lactalbumin Hydrogel. New England Journal of Medicine.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa032454
