What should you know about cryotherapy to remove skin tags?

A skin tag is a soft growth that may hang from a narrow stalk, often in a fold or another area exposed to rubbing. Because warts, moles and other lesions can resemble tags, a clinician should examine the growth before treating it. Cryotherapy targets the tag and its base with cold. Temporary stinging, redness, swelling, blistering or crusting can follow.

The treated tag may darken and shrink as the wound heals. The outcome depends on its size, attachment and location, and colour change can last after the surface has closed. If the growth is broad, uncertain or repeatedly irritated, removal by another method may be considered.

Before treatment, mention diabetes, circulation problems, reduced sensation, immune conditions, prior raised scars and medicines that affect healing. Ask how the site will be protected from friction. At home, wash as instructed, use the recommended dressing and leave any blister or crust intact.

Avoid tying off, cutting or pulling a tag yourself, since bleeding and infection can follow and the diagnosis may be wrong. Keep clothing, jewellery or shaving away from the site while it heals. Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), Electrosurgery and Skin Tag Removal describe approaches a clinician may compare with you.

Contact the treating clinic if pain or swelling keeps increasing, redness spreads, drainage becomes cloudy, or fever develops. Seek prompt assessment for heavy bleeding, marked numbness or a wound that is not closing. Any tag that grows quickly, changes, bleeds without friction or returns should be examined again.

Ask how the growth was confirmed, whether its base can be treated safely, what changes are normal during healing, when to resume shaving or exercise, and which alternative is suitable if freezing does not remove it.