When is cryotherapy recommended for skin tags?

A skin tag is a soft, usually flesh-coloured growth often found where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Freezing damages the tag so it can dry and separate during healing. The treated area can become tender, swollen, blistered, or crusted before it settles.

A clinician should check the growth first, especially if it is dark, firm, painful, rapidly changing, or bleeding without being caught. A lesion that only resembles a skin tag may need a different assessment or treatment.

Do not cut, tie off, or apply home freezing products to a growth without a diagnosis. Tell the clinician about diabetes, reduced sensation, circulation problems, medicines affecting bleeding, or previous problems with wound healing.

Follow the aftercare instructions, keep the site clean, and avoid rubbing or removing a blister or crust. Use sun protection once the skin has closed, since inflammation can leave a darker or lighter mark.

Arrange prompt assessment if the growth changes in shape or colour, bleeds repeatedly, becomes persistently painful, or does not heal as expected. Seek urgent help for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, or signs of spreading infection.

Ask how the diagnosis was made, whether the site is likely to heal well after freezing, how to protect nearby skin, and what changes would mean the area needs another examination.