From the Guidelines
Liquid nitrogen is not a recommended method for self-removal of skin tags at home due to the high risk of complications and the need for precise application by a healthcare professional. The use of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy requires specialized training and equipment to avoid serious tissue damage, including frostbite, scarring, hypopigmentation, nerve damage, and infection 1. According to the guidelines of care for the management of actinic keratosis, cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen can be effective, but it is not without risks, and the benefits of the treatment should be weighed against the potential harms 1.
When considering the removal of skin tags, it is essential to prioritize methods that minimize the risk of morbidity, mortality, and impact on quality of life. The most recent and highest quality study on the topic, published in 2021, conditionally recommends against the use of cryosurgery for the treatment of actinic keratosis due to the potential for harm outweighing the benefits 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the use of liquid nitrogen for skin tag removal include:
- The need for precise application by a healthcare professional to avoid complications
- The potential for serious tissue damage, including frostbite, scarring, and nerve damage
- The importance of evaluating unusual growths by a healthcare provider before attempting removal to ensure they are not something more serious
- The availability of safer alternatives, such as electrocautery, snip excision, or laser removal, which can be performed by a dermatologist
In light of these considerations, it is recommended that individuals seeking to remove skin tags consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, to discuss the most appropriate and safe treatment options. Over-the-counter options, such as freezing kits, ligation bands, or medicated patches, may be available, but they are generally less effective and carry risks, and their use should be approached with caution 1.
From the Research
Safety and Effectiveness of Liquid Nitrogen for Removing Skin Tags
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that discusses the use of liquid nitrogen (LN) for removing skin tags.
- However, the studies do mention other methods for removing skin tags, such as cryotherapy 2, which uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or damaged cells, but it does not specifically mention liquid nitrogen.
- Another study compares the efficacy of scissor excision versus non-ablative 532nm-LBO-laser for the removal of skin tags, and finds that scissor excision has superior healing outcomes, lower pain scores, and higher patient satisfaction 3.
- Ethyl chloride spray anesthesia is also mentioned as a method for skin tag excision, which is reported to be more comfortable and painless for patients 4.
- Tea tree oil is discussed as a potential treatment for various skin conditions, but its use for removing skin tags is not mentioned 5.
Alternative Methods for Removing Skin Tags
- Cryotherapy is mentioned as a common treatment method for skin tags 2.
- Scissor excision is found to be an effective method for removing skin tags, with high healing rates and patient satisfaction 3.
- Ethyl chloride spray anesthesia is used for skin tag excision, providing a painless and comfortable experience for patients 4.
- Laser therapy, specifically non-ablative 532nm-LBO-laser, is also explored as a method for removing skin tags, but is found to have lower healing rates and higher pain scores compared to scissor excision 3.