Skin tags are small growths which hang off the skin. They are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous, and present no threat to your health. Most skin tags are not painful, and it is fine to leave them as they are. However, some people find they are a nuisance, especially if they are in a place where they tend to catch on clothing or jewellery, or if they bleed often.
What causes skin tags?
It is not known exactly what causes skin tags, but according to the NHS, they are more common in older people, and people who are obese or suffer from type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women may also develop them, which is thought to be because of fluctuating hormone levels.
Where do skin tags grow?
The most common place for skin tags to develop are in places where the skin naturally folds, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. The extra friction in these places is thought to be the cause. You can tell them apart from warts because they tend to be smoother and softer, and unlike warts they are not contagious.
Can you remove skin tags?
If the skin tag is annoying you, then it is possible to remove it. Skin tag removal is classed as cosmetic surgery in the vast majority of cases, and isn’t available on the NHS. However, some treatment options are available at private skin clinics.
It may be possible to remove smaller skin tags yourself at home. However, it is important to seek medical advice before you attempt this, because the skin tag may cause heavy bleeding, and removing it may result in a scar.
Removing a skin tag at home
If your skin tag is small (usually between 3-5 millimetres) and your doctor has suggested that it can be safely removed at home, you can buy removal kits from a pharmacist. There are generally two types: removal patches and bands, and freezing kits.
Patches and bands work by cutting off the blood supply to the tag, causing it to die and fall off. Freezing kits work by deliberately destroying the skin tissue. However, it is a difficult process to carry out accurately at home, and carries the risk of causing permanent scarring. Often, only a part of the tag is successfully removed.
Having skin tags professionally removed
If your skin tag is larger than 5mm, it is much safer to have it professionally removed. One of the quickest and easiest ways to do this is with cryosurgery, which is an advanced form of cryotherapy.
A cryosurgical procedure involves using an applicator pen, which can target the affected area with pinpoint accuracy. This eliminates the risk of damaging the surrounding tissue, which can lead to scarring. An ultra-cold jet of nitrous oxide is delivered to the affected area at high pressure, which destroys the unwanted skin cells.
The procedure is very quick, just taking a few seconds, and causes minimal discomfort. It can be used to treat a range of common skin lesions, such as warts, verrucae, tags, and more. For more information about Cryopen mole removal, please get in touch.
Book