Skin tags are unwanted flaps of skin usually occurring in areas with folds of skin on your body. They commonly occur on the neck, particularly around the collar, under the arms, and in the groin area. Occasionally, they will form on the eyelids. The good news is that skin tags are completely harmless. But in addition to hindering aesthetic, they can also be irritating and even painful if they are constantly rubbing or getting caught on clothes. Here at Dermatology and Skin Care Associates, we are proud to offer options for skin tag removal and encourage you to learn more about them.
There are a few different removal options for skin tags. Home remedies can often take months of daily treatment in order to see any improvement. In some cases, after all of your hard work, the skin tag may still be hanging on. Trying to remove them at home can lead to infections or injury. If you were to cut too deep, there could be excess bleeding and pain. For all these reasons, it is best to see a licensed professional, such as a dermatologist, for skin tag removal.
The most common method involves removal with sterile scissors or a small scalpel. Anesthesia will be applied to the area before the skin tag is removed. Another common way to remove a skin tag is to freeze it. This method is called cryotherapy. A medical professional will apply cold liquid nitrogen to the skin tag. The extreme cold will kill the skin cells. Within days, the skin tag will go away on its own.
The third method used by dermatologists is burning the skin tag off. An electrode will send an electric current through the upper layer of the skin. The current moves down the stem that connects the skin tag to your body. Using this method should not leave any scars or marks.
These are simple procedures that will let you get on with your day immediately afterward. To find out more about your options for skin tag removal, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Dermatology and Skin Care Associates. At our convenient location in West Chester, OH, our caring and devoted staff will be pleased to explain each option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your appointment – we look forward to speaking with you!