Skin Tags Treatment - Removal of Skin Tags

Skin tags are small outgrowths of skin that appear hanging or projecting from the surrounding skin area. They are also referred to as acrochorda (singular acrochordon) or cutaneous skin tags. Usually, the size of a skin tag resembles that of a rice grain. However, it may grow to about the size of a grape. The surface of skin tags may be smooth or irregular and flesh colored or darker. They are projected from the skin by a small stalk known as peduncle.

Skin tags are commonly developed in areas where the skin creases or folds, such as eyelids, neck, armpits, upper chest and groin. They are harmless, painless and non-cancerous (benign) small tumors, which do not spread to other cells or tissues. Skin tags are diagnosed based on the external appearance of the skin growth. Since there is no risk for developing serious problems, therapeutic treatment of skin tags is not necessary. Nevertheless, as they are quite unsightly, especially if developed in exposed skin areas, in such cases, cosmetic surgery can be considered for removal of skin tags.

Effective Methods for Removal of Skin Tags

There are several effective methods for removal of skin tags. Small-sized skin tags can be removed without application of anesthesia, whereas for larger skin tags, the dermatologist may use local anesthesia during the procedure. In case of many skin outgrowths at the same portion, topical anesthesia cream may be applied prior to the procedure. Following are some of the popular methods for removal of skin tags:

Surgical Excision: In this method, the dermatologist removes the skin tag by cutting with a scissor. In comparison to other procedures, surgical excision gives instant results. Surgical excision can be used for both small and big sized skin tags. After completion of the procedure, the physician applies gentle pressure over the cut area to stop bleeding. Speaking about the complications of this method, it can cause minor bleeding at the incision site.

Ligation: Ligation refers to a treatment procedure in which the blood circulation to the skin growth is interrupted by tying a string at the base. After about a week's time or eventually, the skin tags may fall off. This method is painless and cause little damage to the skin.

Cryosurgery: Under cryosurgery method, the skin tags are freezed off by treating with liquid nitrogen. For doing so, first the tips of the forceps are dipped in liquid nitrogen, which is then used for clamping the skin tag for about 15 - 20 seconds. The treated skin tag may fall in about a week's time. A major drawback of this method is that larger skin growths usually require repeated freezing for effective results.

Cauterization: Cauterization procedure is usually conducted to get rid of larger skin growths. Under this method, the area to be treated is first numbed by applying a local anesthesia. Then, the skin tags are cut off using medical scissors. Following this, the wound site or cut area is electrically burnt by using electrolysis, for better healing. This method may result in temporary skin discoloration.

In addition to the above methods, there are also home remedies for skin tags such as using dental floss for tying at the peduncle. On a safety note, it is not recommended to cut off the skin tags at home, as it can result in pain, excessive bleeding and infections. Regrowth of skin tags after removal is very rare. However, new skin growths may form in other parts of the body. Also, there is no risk of scarring of the skin tissues in the above methods of skin tags treatment. It is up to an individual to decide if he / she wants to get rid of skin tags or not, for cosmetic reasons.