A common growth on the skin is skin tags. These are harmless pieces of skin that hang off by a thin stalk. Most people experience a skin tag at some point in their life. They are often seen in areas where there are skin folds such as the eyelids, nose, neck, breast, groin, or armpits. Skin tags can be irritating, especially when they get caught on clothing or jewelry. Often people try to remove them on their own, but this can be painful and possibly lead to an infection. At Essential Dermatology, Dr. Krathen will help to remove the skin tag so that it is no longer bothersome.
Skin Tag Removal
Before & After Photos
Before & After
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
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*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What Causes Skin Tags?
The actual cause of skin tags is not well-known. However, due to the areas where skin tags typically appear, many believe they form due to chafing and skin-on-skin contact. It is also believed that some mild forms of human papillomavirus (HPV) may be associated with these skin growths.
Symptoms of Skin Tags
- Protrusion from the skin
- Smooth or irregular appearance
- Small growth
- Skin-colored
- Becomes irritated when rubbed
Treatments for Skin Tags
Dr. Krathen offers a few different methods for the removal of skin tags. Though skin tags are not harmless, they can be irritating to live with. By speaking with Dr. Krathen during a personal consultation, he can help to recommend the best treatment option for you. During the treatment, the skin tag will be numbed with a topical anesthetic, to minimize any discomfort. Then it will be removed using one of these methods:
- Surgical excision: removal with a scalpel
- Electrocautery: applying heat to the skin tag
- Cryotherapy: freezing it with liquid nitrogen
Schedule a Consultation
Skin tags are an annoying occurrence that happens to a lot of people. These can be hard to treat but with the expert care of Dr. Krathen and the Essential Dermatology team, we can remove this skin condition. To get started, call our office at (508) 545-9713 or request a consultation by filling out our online form. To book an appointment, schedule your visit as a new patient using our online scheduler or as an existing patient using the Mass General Brigham Patient Gateway.