What causes skin tags?
Skin tags are caused by friction and skin-on-skin contact. They are more commonly found in areas where the skin rubs against clothing or other skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. They are also more common in overweight people and those with type 2 diabetes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause skin tags to form.
How to safely remove skin tags?
It is important to note that before any procedure, the healthcare professional will examine the skin tag to ensure it is benign, and not a more serious condition such as a skin cancer. There are several methods that can be used to remove a skin tag at an urgent care center.
- One of the most common methods is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen. This causes the tag to turn black and fall off within a few days.
- Another option is cautery, which uses a small electric current to burn the tag off. Both of these methods are typically performed by a healthcare professional and are considered safe and effective for removing skin tags.
- Another option for skin tag removal is surgical excision, where a healthcare professional will use a scalpel to cut the skin tag off. This method is considered more invasive, but it is also considered more permanent.
While it is possible to remove skin tags at home, it is important to take caution and make sure the growths are properly diagnosed before removing them. Here are some safe methods for removing skin tags at home:
- Tie a piece of dental floss or thread tightly around the base of the skin tag. This will cut off the blood supply to the tag and cause it to fall off within a few days.
- Use a sterile, sharp pair of scissors or nail clippers to carefully cut off the skin tag. Make sure to clean the tools and the area around the skin tag with rubbing alcohol before cutting.
- Apply over-the-counter skin tag removal products that contain salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These products can help to dry out the skin tag and cause it to fall off.
It is important to note that some skin tags may be more stubborn and may require more than one treatment to remove. Additionally, if you are unsure about the diagnosis of a growth, it is best to consult a professional before attempting to remove it yourself.
Does skin tag removal work for everyone?
Skin tag removal works for most people, but it may not be effective for everyone. If a skin tag is particularly large or located in a sensitive area, it may be more difficult to remove. In these cases, a dermatologist may recommend a more aggressive treatment, such as cryotherapy or surgical excision.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, skin tags are benign growths that can be safely removed at an urgent care center. Cryotherapy, cautery, and surgical excision are all effective methods for removing skin tags. Before any procedure it is important to have the tag evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure it is benign. Any discomfort or pain after the procedure can be managed with the instructions provided by the healthcare professional, and any bleeding should be minimal.