Skin tags are a common skin condition that affects many people at one point in their lives. They are small mild tumors, which pose no major threat. However, they sometimes become irritated and when that happens they can be very itchy and uncomfortable. Moreover, they are unsightly and affect a person’s appearance negatively. Therefore, it is important for one to take the necessary steps to treat or remove them. There are several procedures that one can use when getting rid of skin tags. It is advisable to learn about all of them, so that one can make an informed choice.
Considerations
There are several things that one should consider before selecting a skin tag removal technique. They include:
- Cost
- Location of the tags
- Success rate
- Side effects
- How long the results last
By considering these factors, one is able to identify the technique that best suits him or her. In addition to this, one should also consult a doctor or dermatologist before making a decision. This way the medical practitioner is able to determine which method would have the least side effects and the one that is best depending on where the tags are located.
One can either remove tags using natural methods at home or through medical procedures. Regardless of the method used, it is important for one to ensure that the process is performed hygienically. This way, infections are kept at bay.
Ligation
One can remove tags through ligation. This is procedure can be performed in a hospital or at home. It involves cutting off blood circulation to the skin tags. To do this, one ties a small piece of thread around the base of a skin tag. This cuts off blood supply to the tag. With time, the tag dies off and becomes easy to remove. Therefore, one can pull it out easily.
The advantage of this procedure is that it is painless. Moreover, it cheap, since all a person needs is a small piece of thread. The procedure is not messy and does not involve a lot of bleeding. Therefore, it is an ideal natural home treatment.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Medication can also help remove a skin tag or be used together with other removal procedures. For instance dental floss can be used in ligation. Over-the-counter cryotherapy treatment is also effective. It involves the application of liquid nitrogen directly to the skin tag, causing it to die and come off.
Cryotherapy is best performed by a physician, but one can also purchase liquid nitrogen from a pharmacy and administer the treatment at home. However, over-the-counter liquid nitrogen is weaker than the one that is used by physicians. The use of medication quickens the removal process. However, it is advisable to get professional help first, since some medications have side effects.
Snipping or Cutting
Cutting skin tags is the most common removal technique. It is simple and involves the use of a pair of sterilized nail clippers or scissors. One snips the excess skin away at the base. If the skin tag is thick, there might be some bleeding. The procedure is simple, but can lead to infection and unnecessary puncturing of healthy skin if not performed well.
Cauterization
Cauterization is a medical procedure that is performed in the hospital. The procedure involves the use of an electric cauterization tool, which burns the skin tag. The area around the tag is sterilized with alcohol and numbed using anesthetic.
Once the area is numb and has low blood flow, the skin tag is cur off using a scalpel and then the cauterization tool is used to cauterize the wound so that the skin tag does not grow back. The good thing about this procedure is that it offers permanent results. However, it is expensive.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves the use of liquid nitrogen to transfer heat from the skin. When applied to the skin, the liquid nitrogen absorbs body heat. This leaves the skin cells frozen. The cells start dying off as the ice thaws and the skin tag falls off. This method is painless, but must be done with care to avoid affecting healthy skin.
Excision
Excision is also another medical procedure. It is basically surgical removal of tags. It resembles snipping and cutting, but unlike them it has to be performed by a medical practitioner in a hospital. Local anesthetic is not used, since the procedure is not painful. The good thing about it is that the materials used are well sterilized and the procedure is performed in a controlled environment. This eliminates the risk of getting infections.
Recurrence
Every patient is usually concerned that the removed skin tag will grow back. That happens in some cases. However, if the skin tag is removed properly, it should not grow back. That is why it is advisable to seek advice from your doctor before removing a skin tag.
