How to Remove Skin Tags?
Skin tags are harmless growths, but if you want to remove them, several methods are available. These range from simple at-home options to professional medical procedures.
Several methods exist for removing skin tags, both at home and through medical professionals:
At-Home Methods (Proceed with Caution and Consult a Doctor First)
- Over-the-counter treatments: Products like Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away utilize cryotherapy (freezing) to remove skin tags. These are FDA-cleared but individual results may vary. Always follow product instructions carefully. Example: DrScholls Freeze Away Skin Tag Remover and Claritag Advanced Skin Tag Remover are examples. Note that home remedies like apple cider vinegar lack substantial research supporting their effectiveness.
Medical Procedures
These procedures should only be performed by a qualified healthcare professional:
- Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the skin tag off with liquid nitrogen. This is a common and relatively quick procedure.
- Excision: This method uses surgical scissors or a scalpel to cut off the skin tag.
- Hyfrecation: This uses electrical energy to burn off the skin tag.
- Ligation: This technique involves tying off the blood supply to the skin tag, causing it to fall off. This is sometimes used for vaginal skin tags.
Important Considerations:
- Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: Removing skin tags, particularly through excision, can lead to scarring or darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation), especially in individuals with darker complexions. Source: NHS
- Medical Consultation: It's crucial to consult a doctor before attempting any skin tag removal. They can diagnose the growth to ensure it's indeed a harmless skin tag and recommend the most appropriate and safe removal method for your situation. Source: healthdirect
Why Skin Tags Develop
While the exact cause isn't fully understood, skin tags often develop in areas where skin rubs against itself, such as the neck, eyelids, or underarms. Source: American Academy of Dermatology
