skin tags

While there are over-the-counter products and home remedies aimed at removing skin tags, medical professionals generally advise against home removal due to risks of infection, bleeding, and scarring. It’s safer to have skin tags evaluated and removed by a dermatologist or healthcare provider.

Healthcare providers can remove skin tags using several methods, including:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off.

• Excision: Cutting off the skin tag with sterile scissors or a scalpel.

• Cauterization: Burning off the skin tag using electrical current or laser.

Once a skin tag is removed, it usually does not grow back. However, new skin tags may develop in the same area or other parts of the body, especially if the underlying factors contributing to their formation persist.

While it’s not always possible to prevent skin tags, reducing skin friction by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and managing underlying health conditions like diabetes may help decrease their occurrence. Regular skin examinations can aid in early detection and management.

Consult a healthcare provider if a skin tag becomes painful, bleeds, changes in appearance, or if you’re uncertain whether the growth is a skin tag. Professional evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For personalized advice and treatment options, schedule a consultation with a qualified dermatologist.

The AAD’s Guide to Skin Tags explains causes, treatment options, and when to seek medical evaluation.