Skin Tag Treatment
Skin tags – little benign growths of tissue commonly found on the neck, underneath the arms, or on they eyelids – aren’t harmful, but they can certainly be aggravating. They’re quite common; approximately half of the adult population has at least one skin tag.
If you’ve noticed a bothersome outgrowth of skin tags, the team at IDI offers a suite of next-generation treatment options that deliver fast and effective results.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are very small, often only a few millimeters, protrusions that are attached to the skin by a small stem called a peduncle. The tags might be flesh-toned or very dark, resembling loose moles. They tend to appear on parts of the body that experience friction, such as in skin creases and folds.
While we don’t know the fundamental cause of skin tags, there is a correlation between their development and certain medical conditions. People with diabetes are more likely to develop them, and obesity might also be a contributing factor. Some women report experiencing them during pregnancy. There also seems to be a genetic component since they appear to run in families.
Although skin tags are overwhelmingly harmless, they can become problematic under certain circumstances. If they become caught in clothing or jewelry, or when they interfere with grooming habits like shaving, they can cause pain or even a risk of infection. On occasion, they can grow large, sometimes as big as a centimeter. Large skin tags are susceptible to bursting if they endure sufficient pressure.
Diagnosis Process
Skin tags are diagnosed visually. If there are any irregularities, such as rapid growth or tenderness, a biopsy might be performed.
Treatment Options
Unless they are causing significant discomfort or exhibit abnormalities that appear dangerous, skin tags do not require treatment. However, if you elect to remove them for aesthetic reasons, there are several procedures available, including:
- Surgical excision: The removal of skin tags with a scalpel. This is generally recommended for large growths.
- Cryotherapy: This is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the area, causing the cells of the growth to die and eventually fall off.
- Electrocautery: The site is cauterized using a needle or electric probe.
If you have skin tags on your eyelids, you might have to visit an ophthalmologist for treatment/removal.
At IDI, we are more than happy to discuss treatment options that are best for your skin condition, lifestyle, and goals. Please contact us today for a complete consultation.