Skin Tags: What Are They and How Can They Be Removed?

Skin tags are one of the most common skin blemishes I see, and although they are usually completely harmless, they can become surprisingly annoying.

Perhaps you have one on your neck that constantly catches on a necklace, several underneath your arms, or one sitting directly beneath your bra strap. Or maybe your skin tags don't cause any physical discomfort at all — you simply don't like the way they look.

Whatever your reason for considering removal, the good news is that suitable skin tags can often be treated quickly and precisely using advanced electrolysis.

What Exactly Is a Skin Tag?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, benign growths of skin.

They can be tiny and almost flat or larger and attached to the skin by a narrow stalk. Some are the same colour as the surrounding skin, while others can appear slightly darker.

They can occur individually, but it's also very common to develop several in the same area.

Why Do We Get Skin Tags?

Skin tags tend to develop in areas where there is friction or where skin rubs against skin.

Common areas include the:

• neck

• underarms

• groin

• beneath the breasts

• bra line

• eyelids and surrounding areas

They become increasingly common as we get older, and genetics can also play a part. Some people are simply more prone to developing them than others.

Are Skin Tags Dangerous?

Skin tags themselves are benign and generally harmless.

However, not every small raised growth is necessarily a skin tag. Warts, moles and other skin lesions can sometimes have a similar appearance.

This is one of the reasons why I believe assessment should always come before treatment.

If I am not confident that a blemish is suitable for cosmetic treatment, I won't treat it and will advise you on the appropriate next step.

Why Have a Skin Tag Removed?

There is usually no medical need to remove a skin tag, but there are plenty of reasons why someone might choose to.

Skin tags can catch on clothing, jewellery or bra straps, become irritated through shaving or rubbing, or occasionally bleed if they are repeatedly knocked.

For other people, the reason is simply cosmetic. A skin tag may be in a prominent position and affect how you feel about your skin.

You don't need to justify wanting something removed because it bothers you.

How Do I Remove Skin Tags?

At The Skin Blemish Nurse in Kent, I use advanced electrolysis (diathermy) to treat suitable skin tags.

Advanced electrolysis uses a very fine probe together with controlled electrical energy, allowing me to precisely target the blemish while minimising unnecessary trauma to the surrounding skin.

The technique I use will depend on the size, shape, location and attachment of the skin tag.

If you have several skin tags, it may be possible to treat multiple suitable blemishes within the same appointment.

Does Skin Tag Removal Hurt?

Everyone experiences sensation differently, but treatment is generally relatively quick.

You may feel a brief heat, sting or prickling sensation while the skin tag is being treated. Some areas are naturally more sensitive than others, and I will explain exactly what to expect before we begin.

What Happens Afterwards?

Following treatment, the area may be slightly red or tender and a tiny crust may form as the skin heals.

It's really important to leave the area alone and allow it to heal naturally. Picking or scratching can interfere with healing and increase the risk of pigmentation or scarring.

I provide both verbal and written aftercare instructions, so you'll know exactly how to care for your skin at home.

Your treatment also includes a review 6–8 weeks later, allowing me to check your healing and results.

Can Skin Tags Come Back?

Once an individual skin tag has been successfully treated, it may not return in exactly the same place.

However, treatment can't prevent new skin tags from developing in the future, particularly if you're naturally prone to them or they develop in areas of continued friction.

Thinking About Skin Tag Removal in Kent?

If you have one skin tag or several that are catching, irritating you or simply affecting your confidence, the first step is a professional consultation.

At The Skin Blemish Nurse, I'll assess your skin, discuss what you'd like to achieve and explain whether advanced electrolysis is appropriate for you.

Consultation — £50
Includes a full assessment, skin test where appropriate and your personalised treatment plan. The consultation fee applies whether or not treatment subsequently goes ahead.

S A R A H B U T L E R
THE SKIN BLEMISH NURSE