Skin tags are common, benign growths that appear as small, soft pieces of skin extending from a tiny stem. They are generally flesh-colored or slightly darker. Cryotherapy, a procedure involving extreme cold, is a widely used method for removing skin tags.
Understanding Cryotherapy for Skin Tags
Cryotherapy for skin tags involves applying extreme cold to the targeted growth. Liquid nitrogen is typically used as the freezing agent. It is applied directly to the skin tag, often using a spray device, cotton swab, or specialized cryotherapy tool.
The intense cold causes water within the skin tag’s cells to freeze and expand, leading to cellular damage and death. This process effectively cuts off the blood supply to the skin tag, crucial for its survival.
The frozen tissue then darkens, shrivels, and forms a scab as the cells die and the body initiates its natural healing response. Ultimately, the dead tissue detaches and falls off, leaving healthier skin. The procedure is quick, often taking only a few minutes, with minimal discomfort.
Expected Timeline for Skin Tag Shedding
After cryotherapy, a frozen skin tag typically falls off within 7 to 14 days, though some can take up to three weeks or even a month to fully shed, particularly larger or more stubborn growths. Several factors can influence this timeline. The size of the skin tag plays a significant role; smaller tags generally fall off more quickly than larger ones, which may require longer application. The location of the skin tag also matters, as areas with more friction, such as the neck or underarms, might heal at a different pace.
The individual’s healing process and skin sensitivity also contribute to the variation in shedding time. Furthermore, the depth and duration of the freeze during the cryotherapy session can affect how quickly the skin tag detaches.
Post-Treatment Care and What to Expect
Following cryotherapy, several reactions are common in the treated area. Immediately after treatment, the skin tag may turn white or pale. Within hours to a few days, redness, slight swelling, and blistering can occur. These blisters may be clear or blood-filled. As the area heals, the blister or treated skin will dry out, darken, and form a scab.
Avoid picking or pulling at the treated area or scab, as this can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring or infection. Keep the area clean and dry; wash with mild soap and water, then pat dry. Applying petroleum jelly can help with healing and prevent crusting.
If the skin tag has not fallen off after three weeks, or if there is no significant change, consult a healthcare provider, as a second treatment may be needed. Pain relievers can be used if needed for any minimal discomfort. Seek medical advice if there is persistent bleeding, intense pain, spreading redness, or signs of infection such as cloudy fluid from a blister. The newly revealed skin will be pink and gradually re-pigment over time.