Treatments for Skin Tags

Since skin tags are benign, treating them is not necessary. However, these lesion often become irritated and bothersome from rubbing on skin, clothing and jewelry. Skin tags are often removed in a dermatology office by:

How Do I Prevent Skin Tags ?

Skin tags cannot be prevented, but they are more common in those who are older, overweight, or diabetic. To reduce the likelihood of developing skin tags, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid wearing clothing or jewelry that causes skin friction.

Treatments for Skin Tags

Cryotherapy: freezing them with liquid nitrogen, Burning: destroying them with cautery, preventing bleeding (very common with skin tag removal) and scarring, Surgery: snipping them off with scissors or slicing them off with a scalpel.

Why Should I Have My Skin Tags Evaluated By a Dermatologist?

Skin tags may be an indicator of hormonal syndromes, such as acromegaly or polycystic ovary syndrome. Your dermatologist may recommend you see an endocrinologist.

Dermatologist SERVICES

Skin Tag Removal

Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags (also known as acrochordons) are small benign (meaning non-cancerous) skin growths that usually appear in areas of friction (skin on skin). Typically they are flesh-colored or slightly darker and grow on a thin stalk. They are range in size from very small to upwards of 5 centimeters in size. Skin tags are most commonly found on the eyelids, neck, armpits, and groin or other areas of the body where skin rubbing occurs.

Friction

Skin tags often occur in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts.

Genetics

There may be a genetic predisposition to developing skin tags. Some individuals may be more prone to developing them due to inherited factors.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those that occur during pregnancy, puberty, or hormonal therapies, may increase the likelihood of developing skin tags.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese can contribute to the development of skin tags, as excess folds of skin provide more opportunities for friction and rubbing.

Age

Skin tags become more common with age, with middle-aged and older individuals being more susceptible to developing them.

Insulin Resistance

Some studies suggest a link between insulin resistance and the development of skin tags. Conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are associated with insulin resistance, may increase the risk of skin tag formation.

What Causes

Skin Tag

The exact cause of skin tags is unknown but many dermatologists believe that friction may be the cause of skin tags. They tend to run on families so genetics may also play a role in their development. Skin tags often appear during pregnancy as well.

How Do I Prevent Skin Tags ?

Skin tags cannot be prevented, but they are more common in those who are older, overweight, or diabetic. To reduce the likelihood of developing skin tags, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid wearing clothing or jewelry that causes skin friction.

Treatments for Skin Tags

Since skin tags are benign, treating them is not necessary. However, these lesion often become irritated and bothersome from rubbing on skin, clothing and jewelry. Skin tags are often removed in a dermatology office by:

Surgical Removal (Excision)

Dermatologists can surgically remove skin tags using a scalpel or surgical scissors. This procedure is quick and effective, with minimal scarring. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area before excision.

Cryotherapy

In this procedure, liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin tag to freeze and destroy the tissue. Cryotherapy is quick and typically causes minimal discomfort. However, multiple treatments may be needed for complete removal.

Why Should I Have My Skin Tags Evaluated By a Dermatologist?

Skin tags may be an indicator of hormonal syndromes, such as acromegaly or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Your dermatologist may recommend you see an endocrinologist. Also skin tags can often be mistaken for a more serious skin condition, such as a typical moles or skin cancer.

Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery involves using a high-frequency electrical current to burn off the skin tag. This method is efficient and can be performed in-office under local anesthesia.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments

Some OTC products, such as skin tag removal creams or solutions containing ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, may help dissolve or shrink small skin tags. However, these products may not be as effective as professional treatments and should be used with caution.

Burning

destroying them with cautery, preventing bleeding (very common with skin tag removal) and scarring,

Surgery

snipping them off with scissors or slicing them off with a scalpel.

Contact Us For Your Skin Tag Treatment

Describe your issue and we will be happy to provide you information about your skin tag issue

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