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What are Skin Tags, and How Can You Get Rid of Them?

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If you have annoying or uncomfortable skin tags, you are not alone. Up to half of all adults have at least one skin tag. Most of them do not require treatment. However, if your skin tags bother you or become irritated, a dermatologist can safely remove them. 

What are Skin Tags? 

Skin tags are benign skin growths. They often form within skin folds around the neck, abdomen, underarms, and groin. They are more likely to occur during pregnancy, in people who are obese, and in areas of frequent skin friction. While benign, they have a blood supply and can bleed more than expected if you try to remove one at home. 

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How Can You Get Rid of Skin Tags?

A dermatologist can remove skin tags with a few quick, simple methods. Treatment controls bleeding and prevents regrowth. 

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze skin tags. Dermatologists also use this treatment for warts and other benign growths. Freezing the growth stops blood flow and only takes a few minutes. At-home wart freezing treatments may not be safe or effective for skin tags. Some skin tags need more than one treatment. 

Cauterization

This method uses heat to damage the skin tag and cause it to dry up. The heat cauterizes blood vessels and prevents the skin tag from coming back. The treated skin tag will fall off or fade and disappear. Most skin tags only need one treatment, but some may require more. 

Excision

Your dermatologist will use sterile tools to remove the skin tag. This method provides immediate removal, but your dermatologist will advise you which method will work best for your skin tags. At-home skin tag removal can result in bleeding and infection. 

Is There Any Downtime After Skin Tag Removal?

You can resume your usual activities after treatment. Your dermatologist might put a small bandage over the treated area. Follow the instructions provided to make sure the area heals quickly. You can have several skin tags removed during a single appointment. 

Why See a Dermatologist for Skin Tag Removal?

Although you can find dozens of options for at-home skin tag removal, most do not work or can injure your skin. A dermatologist will remove your skin tags under safe, sterile conditions. The proper tools and environment protect you from risks like infections or bleeding.

A dermatologist can also determine whether your skin tags might be something else. On rare occasions, a skin tag might be a different type of benign growth or even a type of skin cancer. Having them checked by a professional ensures they are harmless. 

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To learn more about skin tags, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling Levy Dermatology at (901) 624-3333. Levy Dermatology serves patients in the Memphis, Jackson & Collierville, TN areas. 

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Learn more today about medical and cosmetic dermatology services today. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained medical staff at Levy Dermatology will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.