HOW TO TREAT SKIN TAGS LIKE A DERMATOLOGIST

Doctorly

25 Jun 202311:24

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, Dr. Shaw and Dr. Maxfield discuss skin tags, also known as acrochordons, explaining their causes, such as genetic predisposition and friction, as well as their association with metabolic syndrome. They offer preventative tips, like reducing friction and improving metabolic health, and address various home remedies' effectiveness and risks. The doctors emphasize the importance of professional diagnosis and treatment, outlining office procedures like cryotherapy and surgical removal, and provide post-treatment care advice. They also discuss the cost of dermatologist-provided treatments for skin tags, which are typically not covered by insurance.

Takeaways

💭 Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are benign fleshy growths that can appear anywhere on the body, including the eyelids.
😷 The primary causes of skin tags include genetic predisposition, friction from clothing or skin-on-skin contact, and metabolic syndrome which increases insulin-like growth factor.
🛠 Preventing skin tags involves reducing friction by wearing looser clothing and improving metabolic health through dietary changes to lower insulin levels.
🔥 Home remedies for skin tags, like tying off with dental floss or applying caustic substances like apple cider vinegar, can be harmful and lead to complications.
🚨 Caution is advised with DIY removal methods, as incorrect diagnosis or removal techniques can lead to infections, scarring, or even mistreatment of potential skin cancers.
💁‍⚕️ Dermatologists can safely remove skin tags through cryotherapy (freezing) or excision (cutting), with minimal risk to surrounding skin.
🌡 Post-removal care is crucial for healing, with recommendations to keep the area moist with vaseline and to use sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation.
📈 Discussing skin tag removal with a dermatologist is important, as treatments are usually not covered by insurance and may incur a cosmetic fee.
💸 Costs for professional removal can vary, ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the number and location of skin tags.
🚧 Skin tags can sometimes be indicative of broader health syndromes, especially in young individuals or when presenting in unusual locations.

Q & A

What are skin tags and where can they appear?
-Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, fleshy growths that can occur anywhere on the body, including the eyelids. They are common and a part of life for many people.
What are the main causes of skin tags?
-The main causes of skin tags include genetic predisposition, friction from clothing or skin on skin, and metabolic syndrome or obesity which increases insulin-like growth factor, promoting the growth of skin tags.
How can skin tags be prevented?
-Preventing skin tags involves reducing friction by wearing looser fitting clothes and improving metabolic health to decrease insulin levels, which can help prevent future skin tags from forming.
Are there any home remedies for removing skin tags, and what are their risks?
-Common home remedies include tying off skin tags with dental floss or using caustic substances like apple cider vinegar. These methods can be risky, causing damage to surrounding tissue, scars, or infection if the skin tag or its remnants become necrotic.
Why is it important to correctly diagnose a skin tag before attempting to remove it at home?
-Correct diagnosis is crucial because other conditions, including skin cancers or other benign growths, can mimic skin tags. Removing a skin tag without proper diagnosis can lead to the removal of a lesion that should have been biopsied or treated differently.
What professional treatments are available for skin tags?
-Professional treatments include cryotherapy, where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the skin tag, and surgical removal. These methods are precise and reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissue.
How should one care for the area after a skin tag has been removed?
-After removal, it's important to keep the area moist with vaseline until it heals, consider using scar gel if there's a risk of scarring, and apply sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation, especially for lesions removed from sun-exposed areas.
Are skin tag removals covered by insurance?
-Skin tag removals are usually considered cosmetic procedures and are not typically covered by insurance. Costs can vary, generally ranging from $50 to $200 depending on the number of skin tags and the practitioner.
What are some other conditions that might be mistaken for skin tags?
-Conditions that can resemble skin tags include neurofibromas, cherry angiomas, various forms of skin cancer, pyogenic granulomas, and nevi. Proper diagnosis by a dermatologist is essential.
Why is caution advised when attempting to remove skin tags at home?
-Caution is advised due to the potential for incorrect self-diagnosis, risk of infection, and complications such as necrosis of the tied-off skin tag, which can lead to severe infections and higher medical costs than professional removal.

Outlines

00:00

📌 Understanding Skin Tags: Causes and Home Remedies

This paragraph introduces the topic of skin tags, also known as acrochordons, which are small, fleshy growths that can appear anywhere on the body, including the eyelids. It discusses the three main causes of skin tags: genetic predisposition, friction (from clothing or skin-on-skin contact), and metabolic syndrome, which can increase insulin-like growth factors promoting skin tag growth. The paragraph also covers various home remedies and 'hacks' that people use to treat skin tags, such as using dental floss, rubber bands, and topical substances like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. However, it warns about the potential risks of these methods, including misdiagnosis and damage to surrounding tissue, and emphasizes the importance of professional diagnosis and treatment.

05:02

🚑 Cautionary Tales and Syndromic Associations of Skin Tags

This paragraph delves into cautionary tales about at-home removal of skin tags, highlighting the dangers of not having a professional diagnosis before attempting removal. It discusses two cases: one where an at-home removal led to a severe infection and another involving a keloid mistaken for a skin tag. The paragraph also mentions that skin tags can be associated with certain syndromes, especially in children, and that other skin conditions can mimic skin tags, including neurofibromas, cherry angiomas, and various forms of skin cancer. It stresses the importance of consulting a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

10:02

🩺 Professional Treatment and Post-Removal Care for Skin Tags

This paragraph discusses professional treatment options for skin tags in a dermatologist's office, including cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) and surgical removal. It emphasizes the importance of post-removal care, such as keeping the area moist with vaseline, using scar gel if needed, and protecting the area from sun exposure with sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation. The paragraph also addresses the cost of skin tag removal, noting that it is typically not covered by insurance and can range from $50 to $200 depending on the number of tags removed. It concludes with advice for patients on how to approach a dermatologist about skin tags and sets expectations regarding out-of-pocket costs.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Skin Tags

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, fleshy growths that can appear on the skin. They are benign and can occur anywhere, including the eyelids. In the video, the doctors discuss the causes, prevention, and treatment of skin tags, emphasizing their commonality and the fact that they are a normal part of life.

💡Friction

Friction is identified as a significant contributor to the development of skin tags. It refers to the rubbing or chafing of the skin by clothing, jewelry, or even skin against skin. Reducing friction can help in preventing the formation of skin tags.

💡Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as a factor that can promote the growth of skin tags due to increased insulin-like growth factors.

💡Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. The video connects insulin resistance to the growth of skin tags, as higher levels of insulin can lead to an increase in skin tag formation.

💡Destructive Caustic Methods

These refer to various home remedies or treatments that aim to remove skin tags by destroying or damaging the tissue. Examples include the use of apple cider vinegar, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil. The video warns against these methods due to the potential for scarring and damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

💡Rubber Band Ligature

A rubber band ligature is a method of removing skin tags by tying a rubber band tightly around the base of the growth, cutting off its blood supply and causing it to fall off. The video discusses this as a home hack but also cautions about the importance of correct diagnosis before attempting such a removal.

💡Diagnostic Importance

The importance of accurate diagnosis is emphasized in the video, especially before attempting any form of treatment or removal of skin tags. This is crucial to avoid misdiagnosing potentially serious conditions, such as skin cancer, as harmless skin tags.

💡Infection Risk

The risk of infection is a potential complication when attempting to remove skin tags or any growths at home without proper sterilization or medical knowledge. The video provides a cautionary tale of a patient who developed an infection after tying off a keloid at home.

💡Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. In the video, the dermatologists share their expertise on skin tags, discussing both medical and cosmetic aspects of their treatment.

💡Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a medical procedure that involves freezing abnormal skin growths, such as skin tags, with liquid nitrogen. It is one of the methods discussed in the video for removing skin tags in a dermatologist's office.

💡Aftercare

Aftercare refers to the care and treatment of a wound or surgical site after a procedure. In the context of the video, aftercare for skin tag removal involves keeping the area moist with Vaseline, using scar gel if necessary, and protecting the area from sun exposure with sunscreen.

💡Cosmetic Procedure

A cosmetic procedure refers to any medical treatment that is done primarily for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes, rather than for medical necessity. In the video, skin tag removal is mentioned as a cosmetic procedure that is typically not covered by insurance.

Highlights

Introduction to skin tags, also known as acrochordons, their common occurrence, including on eyelids.

The primary causes of skin tags including genetics, friction, and metabolic syndrome.

The relationship between insulin resistance, metabolic health, and the formation of skin tags.

Preventive measures for skin tags focusing on reducing friction and improving metabolic health.

The inefficacy of improving metabolic health on existing skin tags, only preventing new ones.

Overview of home removal hacks for skin tags seen on social media, including dental floss and rubber bands.

Risks associated with DIY skin tag removal methods, including misdiagnosis and damage to surrounding tissue.

The importance of accurate diagnosis before attempting removal, highlighting cases where removal led to serious complications.

In-office treatments for skin tags, including cryotherapy and surgical removal, with a preference for cutting.

Post-removal care instructions emphasizing the importance of keeping the area moist and protected from the sun.

The role of dermatologists in distinguishing skin tags from other conditions and potential associated syndromes.

The reality of insurance coverage for skin tag removal and the typical costs involved in cosmetic procedures.

Final thoughts on skin tag removal, urging caution with at-home methods and encouraging professional consultation.

Encouragement for viewers to engage with their content, suggest topics, and emphasize the aim of providing helpful information.

A cautionary note on ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe outcomes from DIY removal attempts.

Transcripts

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