Skin Tag Removal Aftercare

Skin tag removal aftercare in an extremely important step in removing skin tags. Skin tags are attached to the skin by a thin stalk called a peduncle. The peduncle is made of live tissue and removing a skin tag causes a break in that tissue. A number of possible complication could arise unless proper aftercare protocol is followed.

Skin tag removal risks

  • Scarring – Anytime you break the skin, scarring is a possibility. When you remove a skin tag, depending on which method you use, you are breaking the skin of the peduncle that holds the skin tag on. In some cases, this is a very tiny hole and if it is a large tag, could be even bigger as the peduncle will be larger to hold the skin tag on. Removing a skin tag could leave a scab and ensuring that scab heals well on it’s on is imperative to minimizing scarring.
  • Irritated skin tag

    Bleeding – When removing a skin tag, especially cutting it off, you are at risk of profuse bleeding. A skin tag is made up of blood cells and collagen. Abruptly cutting off a skin tag can cause more bleeding than you may realize. That is why if you want to cut off a skin tag it is best to have it done by the doctor. Do not pull off the skin tag on your own. If this happens accidentally, hold a clean cloth, gauze or cotton wool against the area for 20 minutes.

  • Infection – Taking care to prevent infection is extremely important after removing a skin tag. It is not common for a skin tag wound to get infected but it is possible if the proper care isn’t taken. Immediately after your skin tag is removed, some redness is normal. If the site where the skin tag was removed starts to get more painful and the redness increases around the treated area and you notice a cloudy discharge, you should see your doctor about possibly getting some antibiotics to help the healing.

Proper skin tag removal aftercare

The main purpose of proper skin tag removal aftercare is to ensure that the area heals well and you avoid any infection and scarring. This is why the most important thing to do is ensure that you keep the area clean. Clean the site twice a day with warm water and a soap-free soap.

Different removal methods have slightly different results when you remove a skin tag and the aftercare may differ slightly too.

Cryotherapy

This method uses liquid nitrogen to remove the skin tag. With a temperature of -320℉ being applied to your skin, it is understandable that blistering is possible on your skin. Shortly after removing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, the treated area may start to blister. This is normal. The blister may even turn red as blood rushes to the area. There may even be some swelling. After a few days, this all goes down and a scab may start to form and the blister will dry out. Cryotherapy works by cutting off the blood supply to the skin tag, causing it to die and fall off. So there is no actual cutting of the skin. The main aftercare needed with this method is just to wash the area once or twice a day and keep an eye on it to ensure it is healing well.

Cauterization

This is a form of immediate skin tag removal. The skin tag is burnt off using a cautery pen. If any bleeding occurs this can also be cauterized. Cauterization one of the fastest methods of removal but it does run the risk of scarring and infection. After the skin tag has been burnt off, the area may be red and swollen. It may also be a little achy. A scab will form where the skin tag was removed. It is important not to pick the scab. Rather let it fall off in its own time to minimize scarring.

Surgical

Cutting or snipping off a skin tag with a scalpel or surgical scissors is known as surgical skin tag removal. This is a fast and immediate removal method and a popular choice for many physicians. This procedure should not be tried at home as you open yourself up to excessive bleeding, scarring or infection. Once your doctor has cut off the skin tag, they may cauterize the area if need be to prevent bleeding. Depending on the size of the skin tag removed, a scab might form.

The treated area will heal like any other wound or scratch. It takes about 1 – 2 weeks to heal, by which time, any scab should fall off and any redness goes down. For the days following the removal, it is important to keep the area clean by washing it twice a day.  Keep a band-aid or bandage to cover the area for the first day or 2 and then remove it to allow the wound to dry out and heal. If you feel any pain, you can take ibuprofen to help. If the pain persists after a few days, look out for signs of infection.

Any signs of infection after removing your skin tag, should be discussed with your GP.

 

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