Skin Tags
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What is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag is a small, benign (non-cancerous) growth that commonly appears on the skin’s surface. It is usually flesh-colored or slightly darker and often hangs off the skin by a thin stalk. Skin tags are soft and typically found in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. They are generally harmless and painless but can be removed if they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
Symptoms of a Skin Tag
Skin tags are typically asymptomatic, but there are several characteristics and symptoms that can help identify them:
Appearance
- Small, soft, skin-colored or slightly darker growths.
- Typically 2-5 millimeters in size, but can grow larger.
- Often hang off the skin by a thin stalk called a peduncle.
Location
- Commonly found in areas where the skin folds or creases, such as the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and eyelids.
- Can appear on other body parts as well.
Texture
- Soft and smooth to the touch.
- Can be slightly wrinkled or irregular in shape.
Number
- Can occur singly or in clusters.
Treatment of Skin Tags?
Treatment options we provide for Skin Tags include:
Cryotherapy
- Description: Cryotherapy involves the application of Hydrozid® to freeze the skin tag. This extreme cold causes the cells within the skin tag to die.
- Procedure: A healthcare provider applies the treatment to the skin tag using a cotton swab or a spray device. The skin tag may turn white and fall off within a few days to weeks.
Excision
- Description: Excision is the surgical removal of the skin tag. It’s usually only required for very large tags with a thicker base.
- Procedure: A doctor numbs the area around the skin tag with a local anaesthetic. Using a scalpel or surgical scissors, they cut off the skin tag at its base.
Ligation
- Description: Ligation involves tying off the skin tag with a surgical thread to cut off its blood supply.
- Procedure: The healthcare provider ties a piece of sterile surgical thread tightly around the base of the skin tag. Without blood, the skin tag eventually shrinks and falls off.
Cautery
- Description: Cautery uses heat to burn off the tag.
- Procedure: A doctor uses a sterile heated metal device to burn the skin tag off at the base.
Shave removal
- Procedure: Your consultant will numb the area and lift the tag with surgical instrument, then cut it from your skin with a surgical blade.
- Outcome: The growth is removed and the area heals with minimal scarring; however, some patients skin will heal with the same colour as your surrounding skin, but some heal paler and others darker.
