What is a skin tag?

Before looking for a remedy to treat your skin tag, it is essential not to confuse skin tags with another skin growth and understand exactly what is a skin tag. Skin tags are harmless, small, soft pieces of skin that are raised, or hang off the skin by a connection stalk. They are usually the same colour as the surrounding skin, and can vary in size from a few millimetres up to 5 cm wide.

Skin tags are very common, and can affect up to half of the population, so if you suffer from them, you are certainly not alone.

Where do skin tags appear?

They often appear in areas of the body where clothing is likely to rub such as around the neck, chest, under the arms, around the bra-line and your back and groin.

What do skin tags look like?

Skin tags are raised above the skin and connected to the skin on a stalk or stem. They are soft and flexible, and you should be able to move them back and forth with your finger. They are usually similar in colour to the surrounding skin.

What is the difference between a skin tag, a mole and a wart?

Sometimes skin tags can be confused with warts or moles. However, moles are normally darker than the surrounding skin and warts are normally rougher and flatter. A skin tag is attached to the skin with a stalk, which allows it to be moved backwards and forwards.

What are skin tags caused by?

Nobody really knows exactly what causes them, although they tend to grow where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Anyone can develop skin tags, but they are most common in middle-aged and older adults, overweight people and diabetics. Pregnant women may also be more likely to develop skin tags as a result of a change in their hormone and weight gain. Some people develop skin tags for no apparent reason.

Can I prevent skin tags?

As no one knows what causes skin tags, it is not really possible to prevent them from forming. Staying at a healthy weight may help to reduce your chances of getting them. However, some people naturally seem to be more prone to skin tags, so if you have one, it is quite possible you may end up with several more.

Are skin tags dangerous?

Skin tags are completely harmless and non-contagious (they cannot spread from one person to another). However, they may be irritating and catch on clothes and jewellery, and you may not like the look and feel of them. If you have any doubts about diagnosing your skin tag, make sure that you consult your GP.

Can I remove a skin tag myself without going to the doctors?

Yes, it is possible to remove your skin tag safely at home. However, if you have any concerns at all about your skin tag, do make sure that you consult your GP first. The most reliable method of removing a skin tag at home is with a cryotherapy treatment such as Cryotag. This will freeze the skin tag, and uses the same freezing technology as used by doctors. Find out more about Cryotag’s Clinically Proven Skin Tag Remover

It is also possible to use a ligature on your skin tag such as dental floss or a skin tag band, but you will need to keep this in place for several days. Many home treatments for skin tags have been shown to be unreliable. It is not advisable to cut the skin tag with scissors or clippers as this can cause bleeding and potentially infection. You can read more about this topic on our How to Remove Skin Tags section.

If you have a skin tag on your face, it is best to consult a professional. Skin tags are usually considered cosmetic surgery. Please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-tags if you’d like to find out more about available procedures.

Why do I have skin tags on my neck?

Although no one knows exactly what causes skin tags, they do tend to form in places where there is friction. Clothing such as a sweater or shirt collar may have caused friction on your neck. As the skin tag grows, it becomes more noticeable and your clothing can catch and rub, causing irritation. Skin tags on the neck can also sometimes get caught on jewellery.

Can my skin tag be treated with Cryotag?

For skin tags to be treated with Cryotag, they must have all 4 of the following characteristics:

Location of the skin tag

The skin tags must be located in one of these 5 locations:

• On the neck
• On the chest
• The underarms
• On the back
• On the groin

Skin tag colour

The skin tags need to be similar in colour to the surrounding skin.

Skin tag shape and feel

The skin tags must be soft and flexible. You should be able to move them back and forth with your finger. They must also be raised above the skin and connected to the skin on a stalk or stem like a piece of skin.

Skin tag size

The skin tags must be 2mm to 6mm in size.

If your skin tag does not have all 4 characteristics, or you are still unsure whether you have a skin tag, please consult your doctor in case you have a more serious skin condition.

Important – Please Note!

Before use, please read the instruction leaflet provided inside the product. You can download the leaflet by clicking here. Cryotag is not suitable for everyone; for example, Cryotag cannot be used if you are diabetic or if you have or have ever had any type of skin cancer. To see the full exclusion list, please read the FAQ section.

Skin tag removal at home

Skin tag removal at home is now fast, easy and effective with Cryotag.

Treatment takes just seconds, and in most cases a single treatment is all that is needed to remove the skin tag. Most skin tags will fall off within 2 weeks *.

There’s no need to have the cost or inconvenience of a private clinic, or experiment with unpleasant or potentially unsafe DIY options. Cryotag costs less than £2 per treatment so why not buy it now and try it yourself!

Are you a pharmacy and would like to stock Cryotag skin tag remover?

Telephone: 01483 516 434

Email: [email protected]

1 Disclaimer: Most customers have found Cryotag very effective and safe to use but of course, results can vary from person to person.
* Some skin tags may require additional treatments. You can treat the skin tags again, up to 4 treatment cycles.
** 1993 and 2007 clinical trials

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