Does cryotherapy treat skin tags?

A skin tag is a soft piece of extra skin, often attached by a narrow stalk in a fold such as the neck, underarm or groin. Friction can make it catch on clothing or jewellery. Cryotherapy freezes the tag so treated tissue dries and separates during healing. The surrounding skin can become sore, swollen or crusted, and colour change may last after the surface closes. A broad-based, large or uncertain growth may be better assessed with another removal technique.

Let a clinician check the growth first, because not every hanging or pigmented lesion is a skin tag. Mention diabetes, poor circulation, a history of unusual scarring or medicines that affect healing. Do not tie off, cut or freeze a tag yourself. After treatment, reduce rubbing, keep the site clean and avoid pulling at any blister or crust. Follow the dressing and bathing advice provided.

Seek assessment if a supposed skin tag grows quickly, changes colour, bleeds without rubbing, becomes firm or remains painful. After freezing, contact the clinic about spreading redness, increasing warmth, drainage, fever or pain that is worsening rather than settling. A lesion that does not heal as expected should be rechecked.

Ask whether the growth has the typical features of a skin tag, whether freezing is suitable for its attachment, how to limit rubbing during healing, and what changes should prompt a follow-up visit.