People often confuse skin tags with warts, given their similar appearance as small growths on the skin. This common misunderstanding leads individuals to wonder if over-the-counter freeze wart removers can be used for skin tags. This article clarifies why these treatments are unsuitable for skin tags and outlines safer, more effective removal methods.
Understanding Skin Tags Versus Warts
Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths of skin that typically project from the surrounding surface. They are composed of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels, often appearing in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or eyelids. These growths are generally harmless and are not contagious.
Warts, in contrast, are caused by various strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and are highly contagious. Their appearance can vary, often presenting as rough, textured bumps, sometimes resembling a cauliflower, or they can be flat. Warts can appear on any part of the body, including the hands, feet, and face. The fundamental difference lies in their origin: skin tags are benign skin growths, whereas warts are the result of a viral infection.
Why Freeze Wart Remover is Not for Skin Tags
Over-the-counter freeze wart removers are formulated to treat warts and should not be applied to skin tags. These products utilize cryotherapy, using a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane for rapid freezing. This extreme cold is designed to destroy the virus-infected skin cells that constitute a wart.
This mechanism is inappropriate for skin tags because they are non-viral growths of normal skin tissue. Applying a freeze wart remover to a skin tag does not effectively target its cellular structure or blood supply. The treatment is not designed to remove benign tissue, and attempting to do so can cause damage to the surrounding healthy skin without successfully removing the skin tag.
Risks of Misusing Wart Remover on Skin Tags
Attempting to use a freeze wart remover on a skin tag carries several risks. Risks include skin damage, such as blistering, burns, pain, and irritation to the healthy skin surrounding the tag. The potent chemicals used in these removers can cause localized tissue destruction if misapplied.
Scarring is another concern, which can result in permanent discoloration or textural changes to the treated area. Improper freezing can also create open wounds, increasing the risk of bacterial infection. These products are often ineffective on skin tags, leading to partial removal, causing frustration and potentially encouraging repeated, harmful attempts. It is also possible that the growth is not a skin tag, and self-treatment could delay proper diagnosis and treatment of a more serious skin condition, such as skin cancer.
Safe Skin Tag Removal Options
For safe and effective skin tag removal, consult a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist. These professionals can accurately diagnose the growth and recommend the most appropriate removal method. One common professional method is cryotherapy, which involves using liquid nitrogen. This substance is much colder than over-the-counter products and is applied with precision for controlled destruction of the skin tag.
Another professional option is excision, where the skin tag is surgically cut off. Ligation involves tying off the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply, causing it to fall off. Cauterization (electrocautery) uses heat to burn off the skin tag. While some home remedies exist, they are not recommended due to questionable efficacy and a higher risk of complications, highlighting the benefit of professional care for proper diagnosis and removal.