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skin tags

8K views 52 replies 29 participants last post by  MichaelME 
#1 ·
Can they be cancerous? My doctor said they can freeze them off. Has anyone done this?
 
#2 ·
yes, i've had a couple of very small ones removed by my GP from my neck (caused by friction from necklace). same method for removal of warts although skin tags are not viral so unlikely to return in exact same place. they fall off a few days after treatment, i found it worked well for me.
 
#4 ·
no, not really - just stings a tiny bit from the cold temp but only for a second. you can also have them removed by electrolysis, where a tiny electric current is applied using a small needle. i've had both methods done, got the same result from both, would favour the freezing method coz it's a bit quicker.
 
#9 ·
I've had skin tags and they were caused by friction too -- my skin is super sensitive and becomes irritated if clothing, jewelry rubs against it. I've had them removed -- no problem. They don't vanish on their own, in fact I had one that started to get larger. I don't know how to avoid them but if I notice that, for instance, a bra is causing irritation I'll start wearing a cami for a while; also check out if clothing or jewelry is rough in the area you note skin tags are forming.
 
#11 ·
Skin tags are very small skin growths that look weird 'cause they usually hang from a narrow piece of skin. They're usually small but they can continue to grow. They can be removed by freezing, cauterizing (sp) or if you are silly enough to try to remove them yourself tie them off with dental floss or thread to cut off the blood supply. (I don't recommend this -- a friend did it and she ended up with a smaller tag). They can be a real nuisance if they grow on or around your eyes. They're usually not cancerous.
 
#13 ·
I always wore a gold chain around my neck which I never took off. For sentimental reasons -well I ended up with these skin tags around my neck area. I never knew about them. After having them for years, I saw advertised a cosmetician who specialized in the removal of skin tags. So Finally I had them removed.
She used a needle similar to electrolosis. I was thrilled with results. The larger ones did hurt, but worth the pain. I also had a few under my bust probably from friction like someone else mentioned, from my bra.
I had about 12 on my neck and 3-4 under bust.
Total cost for about 20 min was $40.00 which I thought was a lot cheaper than going to dermatologist and she was very fast.
 
#14 ·
I had about 4 removed by a derm, I had one on one harm, one on my leg, and one on my stomach, and on my chin, and it cost me $180 and that was about 8 years ago! I can't recall the method he used, he told me they needed to be analysed just in case they were cancerous and I got a call few days after and they weren't! feeew!
 
#16 ·
It because here in Quebec, you can see a derm paid by the province (at least free for the visit) but it takes about 2 years to get an appointment, if you don't want to pay and wait 2 years then get your $ out and you will get your appointment in a day or two.
 
#17 ·
Oh wow, so to have your visit covered by insurance its a wait for like 2 years(an exaggeration, no?) or pay yourself and get in immediately. Ugh,. so that's free health care, huh? How is that good for people? Potential serious skin disease like skin cancer but since you can't afford it, take your chances and wait?!! No way. Obama better not make this type of health care a reality in this country.
 
#19 ·
I saw the Micheal Moore film "Sicko" and it's not very joyful in the state, 50 millions persons cannot afford health insurances (and that was before the recession) and the 250millions think they are well covered, but when something happens, they learn very fast how they can be ruined because their insurances don't cover everything. 100,000 americans migrates to Canada, so they can have medical assistance for free.
 
#20 ·
I have skin tags. I was told once by a GP that they are viral (I think that is what he said). He froze them off for me. As has been said earlier this only feels like a pin prick. I have also had some removed at a beauticians. I had the same good results on both occassions. The GP also told me that if you see them early enough you can scrape them yourself - I use a fingernail. Unfortunately with me I think mine are hereditary as my Father also had them. I get them on my eyelids, underarms and have one horrible large one currently on my back. They really annoy me.
 
#22 ·
Im in Alberta and its the same as Ontario -You have to be referred by GP and they dont consider skin tags as a serious condition thats why removal is not covered by our health care.
I would only go to beautician who is highly recommended and she made a point of showing me that the needle used is from a sealed
package that is sterile and only used once and is thrown away after treatment. This is reassurance that there is no risk of infection.
She also advises on cleaning the area with alcohol and to put on an
antibiotic ointment if needed. The area is red and sensitive after treatment. It is being burned off afterall.
 
#25 ·
It depends were you live in Canada on how long you wait to see a specialist. In larger cities I can see that it would take longer.
Also the availability of the specialist in your area. Sometimes smaller towns dont have specialists so you might have to travel to other city.
We only have one dermatologist in our city of 60,000.
Also depends on how serious the MD thinks your condition is.
If the MD thinks its cancerous, well then they would get you in sooner.
Skin tags is not serious so you would wait longer.
Ive also been able to pick them off when they are small.
And small ones Ive been able to cut off. Be carefull though and use alcohol to kill any germs and steralize anything you might use to cut them off.
 
#27 ·
I had a skin tag in my bikini area when I was a teen. I got it from wearing too small of panties. At the time I didn't know what it was and was embarressed so I iced it and cut it off with scissors. It worked but I would not recommend it again. Anyway what are the home removal ways/kits? I think I have another one on my backside and would like to safely remove it.
 
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