Skin tags are harmless pieces of tissue hanging from the skin. Found more commonly in women, skin tags tend to become more prevalent as women age. They are frequently associated with weight gain and areas of increased friction. Usually painless, skin tags can become irritated or caught on clothing and jewelry so people get them removed.
What's a Skin Tag?
Skin tags vary greatly in appearance. They may be the same color as the surrounding skin or darker in color; and they can be attached directly to the skin or hang from a stalk (called a peduncle). Skin tags range in size from very small to embarrassingly large. They can be found anywhere on the body, but common sites are the armpit, groin, eyelid, neck and beneath the breast.
Reasons to Get Skin Tags Removed
Skin tags are not cancerous, nor do they pose any type of health risk. However, because they can be a cosmetic nuisance, and they can become irritated and sore, many people would like to have them removed. Attempts to remove them yourself are not recommended. When cut, skin tags bleed profusely and infection is a concern. Fortunately, dermatologists have several effective methods for removing skin tags.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen. It is a simple, inexpensive procedure that can be done during a regular office visit. After treatment, redness and swelling are common. A scab forms and falls off within several weeks. Discomfort can be treated with acetaminophen. Risk of infection is small and wound care is minimal. Skin tags can frequently be removed with one visit, although larger tags may require repeated procedures.
Electrocautery
During electrocauterization, an electric current burns the skin tag and the lesion is then scraped away with a sharp tool. The affected area is numbed with a local anesthetic and a grounding pad is placed beneath the patient. After the anesthetic has worn off, the wound may be tender. Any bleeding can be controlled with firm pressure. Sutures are not required. The wound fully heals within 2 to 3 weeks with minimal scarring.
Surgical Excision
Another way for physicians to remove skin tags is with simple excision. A local anesthetic is injected into the affected area and the physician uses scissors or a scalpel to cut off the skin tag. Sutures may or may not be necessary, depending on the size of the excision. Some degree of scarring is typical.
