At Local MD Urgent Care, we offer professional and efficient skin tag removal services. Skin tags are common, harmless growths on the skin that can be bothersome or unsightly.
Our experienced medical team can safely remove skin tags, providing a quick and comfortable procedure, helping you achieve smoother and blemish-free skin. Trust us for expert care and exceptional results in skin tag removal.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, and often pedunculated growths that hang from the skin's surface. They are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker and can vary in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Skin tags are most commonly found in areas where skin folds or creases, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. While they are generally harmless, they can be bothersome, especially if they catch on clothing or jewelry.
How Do Skin Tags Form?
The exact cause of skin tags is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
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Friction: Skin tags often form in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as skin folds. This constant friction can irritate the skin and lead to the formation of skin tags.
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Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing skin tags due to genetic factors.
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Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or with certain medical conditions, may increase the likelihood of developing skin tags.
Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags can be safely and effectively removed through various methods:
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Excision: This is the most common method of removing skin tags. A healthcare professional will use sterile scissors or a scalpel to cut the skin tag off at the base. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area before the procedure.
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Cauterization: In this method, the skin tag is burned off using a medical cauterization tool. This process stops bleeding and ensures that the tag does not grow back.
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Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after some time.
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Ligation: This method involves tying a small surgical thread or dental floss tightly around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply. The tag will eventually fall off on its own.
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Electrosurgery: An electric current is used to remove the skin tag, sealing the blood vessels and preventing bleeding.
Reasons for Skin Tag Removal
While skin tags are generally harmless, there are several reasons why individuals may choose to have them removed:
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Cosmetic Concerns: Skin tags in visible or sensitive areas, such as the face or neck, may cause cosmetic concerns for some individuals.
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Irritation or Discomfort: Skin tags in areas prone to friction can become irritated, causing discomfort or catching on clothing or jewelry.
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Risk of Bleeding or Infection: Skin tags that are constantly irritated or injured may bleed or become infected, necessitating removal.
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Diagnosis Confirmation: In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend removing a skin tag to confirm its benign nature through microscopic examination.
Why Seek Urgent Care for Skin Tag Removal?
Urgent care centers offer professional and efficient skin tag removal services with several benefits:
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Expert Care: The medical professionals at an urgent care center are experienced in performing skin tag removal procedures, ensuring a safe and efficient process.
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Prompt Evaluation: Urgent care centers provide quick evaluation and treatment, minimizing waiting times for the procedure.
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Minimal Discomfort: The use of local anesthesia ensures that the skin tag removal process is virtually painless.
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Reduced Risk of Complications: Urgent care centers follow proper sterile procedures, reducing the risk of infection or complications during the removal process.
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Cosmetic Considerations: Healthcare providers at urgent care centers understand cosmetic concerns and take care to minimize scarring and ensure aesthetically pleasing results.
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Convenient Hours: Many urgent care centers have extended operating hours, providing flexibility for patients to seek skin tag removal services without scheduling conflicts.