What are the pre and post procedure care instructions for a 74-year-old male patient scheduled for removal of a benign skin tag on his right lower back in 10 days?

From the Guidelines

For a 74-year-old male patient scheduled for skin tag removal on the right lower back, pre-procedure care includes avoiding blood thinners like aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements such as fish oil or vitamin E for 7 days before the procedure to reduce bleeding risk, as well as showering with antibacterial soap the morning of the procedure and wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the lower back area. The patient should be advised of a good home care routine and counseled on adequate sun protection and avoiding other damaging habits such as smoking 1. Post-procedure care involves keeping the site clean and dry for 24-48 hours, then gently washing with mild soap and water. The area should be patted dry and covered with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage for 3-5 days or until healing begins.

Some key considerations for pre-operative and post-operative surgical wound care include:

• Removal of nail polish and rings before the procedure 1
• Preoperative skin antiseptics, such as antibacterial soap, to reduce the risk of infection 1
• Avoiding shaving the area before the procedure, as this can increase the risk of infection 1
• Using antibiotic prophylaxis, if necessary, to prevent infection 1
• Keeping the wound clean and dry after the procedure, and avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming for 7-10 days.

Signs of infection requiring medical attention include increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. Complete healing typically occurs within 1-2 weeks, with minimal scarring expected due to the superficial nature of skin tag removal. These measures help prevent infection and promote optimal healing, particularly important for older patients who may have slower wound healing capabilities.

From the Research

Pre-Procedure Care Instructions

• The patient should avoid taking any medications that may increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin, for at least 7-10 days before the procedure 2.
• The patient should keep the area around the skin tag clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.
• The patient should avoid scratching or rubbing the skin tag, as this can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection.

Post-Procedure Care Instructions

• After the procedure, the patient should keep the area clean and dry to promote healing 2.
• The patient should apply an antibiotic ointment to the area to reduce the risk of infection.
• The patient should avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or bending, for at least 24-48 hours after the procedure.
• The patient should follow up with the doctor in 7-10 days to remove any sutures or staples and to check on the healing progress.

Pain Management

• The use of ethyl chloride spray anesthesia has been shown to be effective in reducing pain during skin tag excision 2.
• The patient may experience some discomfort or pain after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Note: The study 3 is not relevant to the care instructions for skin tag removal, as it discusses the preparation of coenzymic activity of soluble polyethyleneimine-bound NADP+ derivatives.