Skin tags are a benign growth on the surface of the skin somewhat like a raised mole or a loose “tag” of skin. These tags aren’t thought to be related to any significant medical risk, but many people may feel self-conscious about the appearance of tags on the body. Fortunately, the treatment for this skin condition is fairly simple at Dermatology & Skin Care Associates in West Chester, OH.
How Can You Get Rid of Skin Tags?
The most common and safest way to remove a skin tag is the freeze and snip method, which can be done by a dermatologist in a single in-office visit. Another common method is cryotherapy, which is when a dermatologist uses liquid nitrogen to literally freeze the growth of the skin, similar to the way a wart is removed with at-home products.
Electrocautery is another common treatment that involves using an electric probe or needle to burn the skin off. For larger tags, it may be necessary to use a scalpel to excise the tag. None of these methods will cause any harm to the surrounding skin and your natural healing will ensure the skin heals smoothly after the treatment.
How Fast Will You See Results?
The speed of your treatment will depend on the size of the tag and the specific treatment used. For example, the burning method tends to produce the fastest results, with the tag falling off within hours or days of your treatment. The freezing method, on the other hand, may require up to two weeks to be fully effective. Your dermatologist will give you a better idea of your treatment timeline.
Will Insurance Cover Your Treatment?
In general, no your insurance will not cover the removal of these tags. Because this condition is not cancerous and does not require medical treatment, the removal of a tag is considered a cosmetic treatment, so most insurances will not pay for your treatment.
Why Should You Get Professional Treatment?
Some people may want to try treating tags by using at-home freezing kits. However, this may not always be an effective treatment for the size, location, or type of tag you have. A tag that is very raised may be treated more easily than a tag that is larger or more similar to a mole, for example.
However, although an at-home kit may be an option, you should always consult with a skin expert before you try any treatments. Unsupervised treatments can damage the skin. And because some tags are connected to blood vessels or nerves, unsupervised at-home treatments can also be dangerous. Always consult with your dermatologist.
Where Can You Find Tags?
A tag can appear virtually anywhere on the skin but is most commonly found in areas such as the underarms, eyelids, neck, breasts, or groin. The appearance of your tags can be large or small. Some may be more raised than others, while others might have a pigment that is slightly darker than the surrounding skin. In general, although a dermatologist should check your skin, these tags are not a sign of any serious health concern.
Why Do Tags Develop?
A skin tag is a relatively common condition that is likely caused by changes in your hormones or your endocrine system. Hormone changes around mid-life commonly coincide with the development of tags. People who have diabetes or who have insulin resistance may also easily develop tags. Multiple sudden tags may be an indication of changes in your endocrine system.
Some skin experts suggest that tags are caused by friction in the skin, especially tags that are found in folds or creases of the skin. Although tags are benign, you should always be sure to have any sudden change in the condition or appearance of your skin checked out by a dermatologist.
Can You Prevent Tags?
For most people, you can’t control your hormones or where your skin will develop friction. But there may be some risk factors you can control to prevent tags from developing in the future. For example, losing weight, avoiding tight clothing, and not wearing tight jewelry may prevent friction on the skin that can lead to the development of tags.
Can Tags Spread?
Some people may fear that tags will spread on the skin if left untreated. However, there is no scientific research that supports this theory. Removing a tag will not cause new tags to form and failing to remove a tag will not cause more tags to develop. If you have more tags after your treatment, it may mean that your skin is simply more prone to these growths than other people. This is usually not a sign of concern.
Can Tags Go Away on Their Own?
Many people wonder if tags even need treatment. The truth is, it’s hard to say. While some tags may fall off on their own as they dry out or become irritated, other tags may remain on the skin for years left untreated. If you are bothered by the appearance of tags on your skin, then you may want to seek treatment.
Get Rid of Skin Tags Now
When it comes to getting rid of unwanted skin tags, you will have several treatment options. The treatment that is right for you will be determined by your dermatologist. Please contact Dermatology & Skin Care Associates in West Chester, OH to schedule your consultation today.