Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, benign skin growths that appear as small, soft flaps of tissue. These growths typically form in areas where the skin naturally creases or rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Although skin tags are harmless and non-cancerous, many people seek removal for cosmetic reasons or because the tags become irritated by clothing or jewelry. One popular method for removal involves freezing the growth, but the safety and effectiveness of this technique depend heavily on where the procedure is performed.
Clinical Cryotherapy for Skin Tags
Professional skin tag removal is performed by a dermatologist or physician using cryotherapy, the gold standard for freezing skin lesions. This clinical procedure utilizes liquid nitrogen, a cryogen that reaches an extremely cold temperature of around -196°C (-320°F). The intense cold destroys the tissue through intracellular ice formation, leading to necrosis of the skin tag.
The medical professional applies the liquid nitrogen directly to the skin tag using a spray, cryoprobe, or cotton-tipped applicator. They ensure the freeze extends only slightly beyond the lesion’s border. A typical protocol involves a freeze-thaw-freeze cycle, applying the cryogen for a short, controlled duration, usually less than 20 seconds, to maximize cell destruction. Following the procedure, the frozen skin tag will blister, scab, and typically fall off within 10 to 14 days.
Clinical cryotherapy is generally safe and effective, with minimal scarring when performed correctly by an experienced practitioner. The precision of the application minimizes damage to the surrounding healthy skin tissue. However, some patients may require repeat treatments if the lesion is large or does not completely clear after the first session.
Safety and Efficacy of At-Home Freezing Kits
Over-the-counter (OTC) freezing kits attempt to mimic clinical cryotherapy but have significant limitations affecting both safety and effectiveness. These products typically use refrigerants like dimethyl ether and propane (DMEP). These at-home cryogens are significantly warmer than liquid nitrogen, usually only reaching temperatures around -57°C or slightly lower.
This reduced cooling power means the kits often fail to achieve the low temperatures necessary for complete destruction of the skin tag tissue. The result is frequently incomplete removal, requiring multiple applications that increase the risk of adverse effects. Furthermore, the imprecise application methods inherent to self-treatment can easily damage the surrounding healthy skin.
Potential side effects from using at-home freezing kits include pain, blistering, and irritation of the skin around the tag. There is also a risk of permanent skin discoloration, specifically hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin), which is noticeable in individuals with darker skin tones. Since these kits are often marketed for wart removal, their temperature and application are not optimized for the soft structure of a skin tag, making them a less reliable and riskier option.
Alternative Removal Methods
If freezing is not desired, several other established methods for skin tag removal are typically performed in a clinical setting. One common technique is physical excision, where the practitioner snips the skin tag off at its base using sterile surgical scissors. This method is quick and effective for smaller tags and may require a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
Another option is cauterization, also known as electrocautery or electrodesiccation, which uses heat or a high-frequency electrical current to destroy the tissue. This process seals the blood vessels, minimizing bleeding during the procedure. Ligation is a less invasive technique involving tying a surgical thread tightly around the skin tag’s stalk. This cuts off the blood supply, causing the growth to wither and fall off naturally after several days.
Identifying Atypical Growths and Seeking Professional Advice
Before attempting any removal, it is important to confirm that the growth is a benign skin tag and not a more serious lesion. Skin tags are typically soft, flesh-colored, and hang from the skin by a small stalk. Any growth that exhibits atypical features should be examined by a healthcare professional immediately.
Warning signs that a growth may not be a simple skin tag include rapid changes in size, shape, or color. Growths that bleed easily, become painful, or have irregular borders or multiple colors require professional evaluation to rule out conditions like skin cancer. Self-removal is strongly discouraged for larger lesions or those located near sensitive areas, such as the eye, due to the high risk of infection, bleeding, and scarring.