Skin tags are tiny growths on the skin, you may sometimes confuse skin tags with warts. Skin tags are harmless and painless excessive growth-like structures on the skin. Skin tags are mostly observed on the neck, under your arms, armpits, between legs, and in the groin region, especially where skin folds rub with each other.
Skin tags may seem unattractive but apart from the cosmetic reasons, you may also want to remove the skin tags due to the discomfort.
In this article, we will guide you about how to get skin tags removed and what are the different skin tag treatment options.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are excessively grown tissue structures that appear as soft skin bumps overgrown from skin hanging off your skin on a stalk. Skin tags are usually small in size (from 2-5 mm), however, some skin tags can also grow up to a few centimeters.
Get Skin Tags Removed Methods
1. Professional Skin Tag Removal Methods
It is generally advised to undergo skin tag removal only after under the observation of a skilled professional. Any carelessness can cause serious injury or infection.
Following are the different professional methods for skin tags removals.
a. Cryotherapy:
Cryotherapy is a surgical removal of the skin tag by using liquid nitrogen as a removal tool.
Liquid nitrogen is a very harshly cold gas, that if you touch it with bare hands, you will get your hand frozen and removed like frostbite.
For cryotherapy, the healthcare professional applies liquid nitrogen directly to the skin tag to freeze it. This freezing destroys the tissues and it will cause the skin tag to fall off your skin in a few days.
Cryosurgery is quick and it may seem painful, but it is a painless procedure. Also, there is very little chance of scar formation after skin tag removal. Cryotherapy is almost suitable for all types of skin tags. However, proper professional observation is necessary for this process.
b. Excision:
Excision is like any other surgical procedure. An anesthetic medication is first given to you for numbness so that you don’t feel any pain. Then your doctor will cut the skin tag with a scalpel or surgical scissors, depending on the size of the skin tag.
Keeping the area clean, and sanitized is very necessary during this procedure to avoid bacterial or fungal infections. This process is done within a very short time and also gives recovery within minimal time. Doctors prefer excision because of the accuracy and precision and the least side effects.
c. Cauterization:
Cauterization is an advanced technique for bloodless cuts and surgical procedures.
In cauterization or electrocauterization, electric current is targeted on the site to perform the surgery. It burns the skin while cutting and sealing it at the same time thus avoiding any blood loss.
For skin tag removal, electrosurgery is used and electric current is targeted on the skin tag by using a cauterization instrument to burn off the skin tag. The doctor will first anesthetize the area so that it becomes numb to the pain.
It is also a rapid procedure with minimal blood loss.
d. Ligation:
Ligation is also a surgical procedure but it does not involve direct cutting off the skin. Your doctor will tie a surgical thread at the base of the skin tag. This will cut off the blood supply and thus destroy the tissues. The skin tag will eventually fall off the skin after a few days.
Ligation involves no cutting or burning but it follows simple nature’s response to loss of blood circulation. Ligation is effective for small-size skin tags, but for larger skin tags, other procedures are preferred.
2. Home Remedies for Skin Tags
Apart from these professional techniques, there are also some natural skin tag remedies you can try at home to get rid of skin tags, however, doctors recommend not to do this at home by yourself. Before following any home remedy for skin tag removal, you must consult your healthcare professional.
There are different over-the-counter creams and lotions available for skin tag removal, just like warts-removing solutions.
Use the creams carefully and follow the instructions for use properly. Freezing kits are also available that work on the principle of cryosurgery.
Conclusion:
Skin tags may cause discomfort for you and also damage your attractive skin. Consult a healthcare professional to choose the best skin tag removal option, depending on the skin tag type and size. For more skin care tips and advice, contact and book your appointment at classycosmetics. We are here to keep you youthful, pretty, and attractive.