SKIN TAGS

Skin tags are small, benign growths that commonly appear on areas of the skin where it folds or creases, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or eyelids. They are usually flesh-colored, soft, and painless, and are composed of collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Skin tags are not harmful but can be a cosmetic concern for some. They can be easily removed through simple procedures like cryotherapy, cauterization, or excision. While the exact cause is unclear, factors like friction, age, genetics, and hormonal changes may contribute to their development.

How are skin tags removed?

Skin tags can be removed through several simple and effective methods, depending on their size and location. Common removal techniques include:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after a few days.
• Cauterization: Burning the skin tag with electrical energy or laser to remove it and seal the skin.
• Excision: Cutting off the skin tag with sterile scissors or a scalpel.
• Ligation: Tying a thin string or thread around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply, causing it to eventually drop off.

These procedures are usually quick and minimally invasive. A doctor or dermatologist can recommend the best method depending on the tag’s size and your skin type. Over-the-counter treatments are also available, but professional removal is safer and reduces the risk of complications.

How long is recovery?

Recovery from skin tag removal is typically quick, with most people healing in just a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the removal method used and the size of the tag. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Cryotherapy: Healing usually occurs within 5-10 days as the frozen skin tag dries up and falls off.
• Cauterization: The area may take 1-2 weeks to heal as the skin heals over the burned site.
• Excision: Small skin tags heal within a few days, while larger ones may take up to two weeks. Minor scabbing is common.
• Ligation: Once the blood supply is cut off, the tag will fall off in about a week, with minimal healing time needed afterward.

In all cases, aftercare includes keeping the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Most people experience little to no discomfort during recovery.

Can skin tags regrow?

Skin tags do not typically regrow once they are properly removed. However, new skin tags can develop in the same area or elsewhere on the body over time, especially in individuals prone to them. Factors like genetics, skin friction, obesity, and hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or aging) can contribute to the formation of new skin tags. While removal is effective for the existing tag, it doesn’t prevent new ones from forming in the future.