Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are common, benign growths appearing as small, soft pieces of skin. They often form where skin rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, or under the breasts. While generally harmless, many seek removal for cosmetic reasons or irritation from clothing or jewelry. One frequently considered method for their removal is freezing, prompting questions about its effectiveness and safety.
What is Cryotherapy for Skin Tags?
Cryotherapy, or “cold therapy,” uses extreme cold to destroy unwanted tissue. For skin tags, a freezing agent is applied directly to the growth. The intense cold freezes water within the skin tag’s cells, forming ice crystals. This leads to the expansion and rupture of cell membranes, effectively destroying the tissue. The treated skin tag then darkens, forms a scab, and naturally detaches within days to weeks, demonstrating the principle of targeted cell destruction.
Professional Cryotherapy for Skin Tags
Professional cryotherapy for skin tags is performed by a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, using liquid nitrogen. This substance reaches approximately -196°C (-321°F), allowing for rapid tissue freezing. The specialist applies liquid nitrogen precisely to the skin tag using a spray device, cotton-tipped swab, or specialized tool. This targeted application minimizes damage to surrounding healthy skin.
During the procedure, patients may experience a brief stinging or burning sensation, though the cold often numbs the area quickly. After treatment, the area may become red and swollen, and a blister often forms within hours. This blister typically turns dark before forming a scab, which falls off with the skin tag within one to three weeks. Professional cryotherapy is a safe and effective method when performed by a trained expert, offering minimal scarring and a quick procedure time. A healthcare professional must first diagnose the growth as a benign skin tag to rule out more serious skin conditions.
At-Home Freezing Options
Over-the-counter (OTC) freezing kits for skin tags use less potent agents like dimethyl ether and propane, not liquid nitrogen. Temperatures achieved are significantly warmer, around -57°C (-70°F), which may not be cold enough to destroy all skin tag cells. This can lead to incomplete removal, where the skin tag might shrink but not fully disappear, or it may require multiple applications.
At-home freezing kits also carry several risks, including skin irritation, blistering, or scarring if the agent contacts healthy skin. A significant danger lies in misdiagnosing a growth. What appears to be a skin tag could be a more serious condition, such as a wart or skin cancer, which at-home freezing would not treat and could delay proper medical attention. Professional removal is recommended over self-treatment due to lower efficacy and higher complication risks.
Other Skin Tag Removal Methods
Beyond freezing, healthcare professionals use other methods for skin tag removal. Surgical excision involves using a sterile scalpel or scissors to cut off the skin tag. This method is often preferred for larger skin tags or those requiring immediate removal, typically involving a local anesthetic.
Ligation is a technique where a medical professional ties a thread or band tightly around the skin tag’s base. This cuts off blood supply, causing the tissue to wither and fall off within days. Electrocautery, or electrosurgery, uses a controlled high-frequency electrical current to burn and destroy the tissue, simultaneously stopping bleeding. The choice of removal method depends on the skin tag’s size, location, and the healthcare provider’s assessment.