Recommended Methods for Skin Tag Removal
The most effective methods for skin tag removal include cryotherapy, snip excision, and electrodessication, which should be performed by healthcare professionals to ensure safety and optimal outcomes. 1, 2
Understanding Skin Tags
- Skin tags (acrochordons) are benign skin neoplasms that typically appear in intertriginous areas such as the neck, axilla, and groin regions 2
- They are often pedunculated (attached by a stalk) and can be skin-colored or hyperpigmented 3
- Friction may play a role in their development, with some cases showing linear arrangement in areas of repeated skin friction 2
Recommended Professional Removal Methods
Cryotherapy
- Application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag tissue 1
- Typically requires 15-30 seconds of freezing per treatment 1
- May require repeated treatments every 2-4 weeks for complete removal 1
- Advantages: Quick procedure, minimal bleeding, no anesthesia required 1
Snip Excision
- Surgical removal using scissors or scalpel to cut the skin tag at its base 1
- Can be performed with local anesthesia for larger tags 1
- For small tags, ethyl chloride spray can provide painless anesthesia before excision 3
- Advantages: Immediate removal, specimen available for pathological examination if needed 1
Electrodessication
- Uses electric current to destroy the skin tag tissue 1
- Provides simultaneous cutting and coagulation 1
- Advantages: Precise control, minimal bleeding, good for multiple small tags 1
Novel Approaches
Pressure Device
- Adhesive patch that applies pressure to the base of a skin tag 4
- Leads to removal within 3-6 days by restricting blood flow 4
- Most effective (90% success rate) for skin tags up to 1mm in base diameter 4
- Success rate decreases to 76% for tags up to 2mm in base diameter 4
- Advantages: Non-invasive, minimal discomfort, excellent cosmetic outcome 4
Methods to Avoid
Unapproved Topical Removers
- Products containing concentrated salicylic acid, Sanguinaria canadensis, or other caustic agents can cause serious skin injuries 5
- Reported adverse events include burns, pain, ulceration, permanent scarring, and disfigurement 5
- Facial injuries, including those near the eyes, have been reported 5
- Some cases have required antibiotics, hospital care, wound care, or even skin grafts 5
Self-Removal
- Attempting to remove skin tags at home without proper tools or technique can lead to:
Special Considerations
Large Skin Tags
- Giant skin tags, though rare, may require more extensive removal procedures 6
- These should be evaluated by a dermatologist or surgeon for appropriate management 6
Multiple Skin Tags
- For patients with numerous skin tags, consider staged removal sessions 3
- Ethyl chloride spray anesthesia with micro-scissors and micro-forceps can be comfortable for removing multiple tags 3
Post-Removal Care
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Apply antibiotic ointment if recommended by the provider
- Monitor for signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pain, or discharge)
- Protect the area from friction until fully healed 1
When to Seek Professional Evaluation
- Skin tags that are changing in appearance (color, size, shape)
- Painful or bleeding skin tags
- Tags in sensitive areas (eyelids, genitals)
- When unsure if the growth is actually a skin tag or another type of skin lesion 1