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Cutaneous skin tags - Treatment

Alternative Names

Skin tags; Acrochordons; Fibroepithelial polyps

Treatment:

Treatment is usually not necessary unless the cutaneous tags are irritating or are cosmetically displeasing. The growths may be removed by surgery, by freezing (cryotherapy), or by electrical burn (cautery).

Expectations (prognosis):

Cutaneous tags are generally benign and usually not bothersome. They may become irritated or be cosmetically displeasing. There is usually no regrowth or scar formation after cutaneous tags are removed, although new growths may appear elsewhere on the body.

Complications:

There are usually no complications. Occasionally, irritation and discomfort may occur. If cut, they can bleed excessively. The skin tags may be cosmetically unsightly.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if cutaneous tags are present and you want them removed, or if the appearance of a cutaneous tag changes.

Skin tag

Reviewed last on: 2/5/2008
Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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