Skin tags are common, benign skin growths often removed for cosmetic reasons or relief from irritation. Medically known as acrochordons, these small, fleshy protrusions are generally harmless but can be bothersome when they catch on clothing or jewelry. Determining the most appropriate medical professional to safely perform the procedure is key.
What Skin Tags Are and Why They Appear
Skin tags are soft, small growths of skin, typically ranging from a pinhead to a few millimeters. They are flesh-colored or slightly darker and are usually attached by a tiny stalk, or peduncle. These growths consist of clusters of collagen fibers and blood vessels encased in skin.
They commonly form in areas where skin rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and on the eyelids. While the exact cause is not fully known, their formation is strongly linked to friction. Contributing factors include genetics, aging, obesity, and hormonal fluctuations like those during pregnancy.
Medical Professionals Who Perform Removal
The primary specialist for skin tag removal is the dermatologist, a physician specializing in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists are the preferred choice for numerous skin tags, those in cosmetically sensitive areas, or any growth requiring examination to confirm it is benign. They possess the expertise to manage complex cases and select appropriate removal techniques to minimize scarring.
Many Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) or Family Doctors are also equipped to handle simple, straightforward skin tag removals. They often manage tags causing irritation from clothing or jewelry. If the growths are large, numerous, or the diagnosis is uncertain, the PCP typically refers the patient to a dermatologist for specialized care.
In highly visible or delicate areas, such as the face or eyelids, a Plastic Surgeon may be consulted, particularly if a perfect cosmetic outcome is desired. An ophthalmologist, a specialist in eye care, may also be required for tags very close to the eyelid margin. Choosing the right professional depends on the tag’s location, size, and the patient’s concern regarding the cosmetic result.
Overview of Removal Procedures
Skin tag removal is a quick, in-office procedure that typically requires only a local anesthetic for numbing, especially for larger tags. One common method is excision, where the physician uses sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel to snip the tag off at its base. After removal, a chemical solution is often applied to the site to stop any minor bleeding.
Another frequently used technique is cryotherapy, which involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the tissue. The cold causes the frozen tag to blister or scab, eventually drying up and falling off within days or weeks. This method is often preferred for smaller growths.
Cauterization, or burning, is also employed, using heat from an electric current or radio waves to quickly burn the tag off its stalk. This method offers precision and can be useful for immediate results. Medical professionals strongly advise against attempting any form of removal at home due to the risks of bleeding, infection, and scarring.