Skin Tag Removal Treatment in Pune

Skin tags are small growths on the skin. A thin stalk supports them. Causes of skin tags can be friction in skin folds in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin, the normal ageing process, inherited tendency, and/or hormonal imbalance. Moreover, they rarely cause irritation and discomfort. However, if they become inflamed or infected, they should be removed. Commonly, patients want to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

A skin tag (or acrochordon, fibroepithelial polyp, cutaneous papilloma, soft fibroma) is a small, soft, benign skin growth, hanging off by a thin stalk or peduncle. However, these are not dangerous.

In fact, areas commonly affected by skin tags:

• Neck
• Chest
• Back
• Eyelids
• Armpits
• Under the breasts
• In the groin area.

Skin tags are usually flesh-coloured, varying in size and number. Moreover, skin tags are harmless. In fact, Individuals want to remove them for cosmetic purposes. However, they may cause discomfort when rubbed or twisted. Moreover, if skin tags change colour or size or start to pain or bleed, it is important to consult a dermatologist.

Do & Don’t after getting Skin tags removal treatment. 

DO: Use the prescribed antiseptic ointments to reduce inflammation and redness
DO: Keep the treated area dry.
DO: Follow the post-procedure care instructions.

DON’T: Try and remove the scab.
DON’T: Carry out a strenuous activity that will cause sweating at the treated area.
DON’T: Touch or cleanse the site without disinfecting the site.
DON’T: Allow friction or irritation at the site of treatment.

Causes of skin tags

• Prolonged rubbing of skin against skin
• Prolonged friction with jewellery
• Old age
• Obesity
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Diabetes (type 2)
• Insulin resistance
• Pregnancy

Skin tags may occur in both males and females. Skin tags occur primarily in the middle-aged group. Moreover, the tendency to get skin tags increases with age.

Treatments of skin tags

A skin tag is usually painless and does not pose any health risks. However, the skin tag may appear unsightly and cause self-image issues. Therefore, individuals may want to remove the skin tag to improve cosmetic appearance. In fact, the doctor will recommend a procedure after assessing the tag and the patients’ expectations.

There are several treatment modalities to treat skin tags. In fact, both topical applications as well as, surgical procedures are effective.

• Topical applications:

1. Over-the-counter solutions: Creams and gels containing are available at pharmacies that claim to freeze the skin tag, causing it to fall off after 7-10 days. However, these should be absolutely avoided as they can cause complications like scarring, infection and pigmentation.

• CO2 laser removal: 

The CO2 laser is the gold standard for skin tag removal. Moreover, laser treatment minimises the chances of infection and scarring. It is a safe treatment.

• Surgical methods:

There is a step by step procedure prior to the surgery. The following steps are carried out:

1. Sterilisation: The area to be treated is prepared by sterilizing the surrounding skin, with a disinfectant, to prevent infection.
2. Anaesthesia: A local anaesthetic, lidocaine, is injected or applied topically to the site to minimize or prevent pain during the procedure.
3. Removal: After ensuring that the anaesthetic has taken effect and the area to be treated is numb, the skin tag is snipped off.

            a) Cryotherapy:

Dermatologists use liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag. In fact, this allows a very targeted application. This is important, because contact with liquid nitrogen may cause discomfort to the surrounding skin.

The treatment may take about 20-30 seconds, depending on the size and number of the tags. However, it may take about 2-3 weeks for the skin tag to blacken and fall off completely. this is not done commonly because of the chances of post-procedural hypopigmentation and scarring.

           b) Electrotherapy/Electrocauterization:

This treatment uses a high-frequency electric current to burn off the surface of the skin tag. In fact, this results in the easy and quick removal of the skin tag.

Dermatologists use a topical anaesthetic to numb the area before using the cautery. A scab forms after the procedure. One must use an antiseptic cream to avoid infection. The scab will fall off by itself within 7-10 days.