Ways to Remove Skin Tags at Home and Salon

What are skin tags

A skin tag is not dangerous for skin growth, it can appear due to rubbing of the skin, and some sources also say skin tags release body toxins. Read more on the NHS website about it. Some people are more prone to that than others. 
Ways to remove include cryo-freezing it off, heat by electrolysis, and some other methods. In any case, I would highly recommend using professional help.

Cryotag Skin Tag Remover

I have tried to remove a very small skin tag on my arm myself with a cryo product from Boots. It was not so comfortable to hold it and freeze the root.  I had to ask for some help, after that it turned black and just some part of it fell off. It did not remove all of it, so a failure in my view. I have decided to try laser treatment.
I had a few flat skin tags for many years, which appeared after I added about 15 kg in weight due to hormone therapy. The skin friction caused those to appear and as skin is sensitive I have delayed the decision for a long time! 

Laser Skin Tag Removal

I decided to remove it with electrolysis I went to the Laser centre in Oxford Street, London. The device looked like a pen and a professional touched the skin tag and scrabbed off a few away. 

I am not new to electrolysis since I have tried permanent hair removal on my chin. I was seen by Nadja and would highly recommend her services to anyone! The session lasted for about 30 minutes, and all blood spots and skin tags (more than 5) were removed for 90 pounds. Although maybe for some it is a high cost, I had much higher quotations and the lowest I found was 50 pounds outside of London.

It is an investment and it is a permanent skin tag removal procedure. 
The procedure itself included moving the pen around the skin tag and burning off the root. It sounds scary, but it is not and it was only painful on tender skin parts,  and pain can be similar to chin hair removal, or burning over a hot oven pot. After an hour and a coffee treat from Pret, I had forgotten about that already.

Here are my reviews by day:
Day 1 after removal, redness around, washing only with water allowed, no soap, and no other creams. The areas read and slight burn sensations. I have applied aloe vera.
On day 2 after removal, a little black crust and yellow crust formed, especially on the larger ones.
On day 3, the area is still red, with no change in appearance just yet, still washing only with water. I will be able to use the soap and shower properly after 72 hours of treatment.
Fast forwarding to 2 weeks, the crust has fallen off on its own, the areas look a lot better, and healed and a very slight mark is still visible. June 2024 update: there is no notice of any skin tags ever existing. November 2024 update, I have noticed one new skin tag appeared again around friction zone around leg area, but the removed skin tags did not grow back!

Afterthought

If if you have one skin tag, maybe it worth to try at home. If you have flat skin tags and multiple, I would consult with a doctor if there is any underlining issue causing this. If no issue, then this is a simple cosmetic procedure and for many skin tags, best to use laser technique. See below the warnings for Cryotag product.

It is also important to use the right time for this procedure, autumn or winter time to avoid any sun exposure. If you do decide during other seasons, ensure to cover the areas from the sun to avoid permanent skin spots.

Never ever pick up the scabs, let them try and fall off once the wound is healed. Picking up like with acne can promote an infection. Please follow the advice from the specialist on what to do after treatment to prevent scarring.  I have also applied aloe vera gel twice a day for about a week after treatment. 

Cryotag warnings:

DO NOT USE IF YOU:

• Are diabetic or have poor blood circulation. The treated area may not heal well or completely.
• Have a weakened immune system. It may delay or prevent proper healing.
• Have a bleeding problem. There is a risk of bleeding after treatment.
• Have been diagnosed with blood conditions affected by extreme cold. It is uncertain how this product may affect you.
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is uncertain how this product may affect you.

NOT FOR USE ON:

• Children or anyone under 18.
• Skin conditions that are not skin tags, such as moles, birthmarks, dark-coloured, hairy or any unusual-looking skin conditions.
• Inside or on your mouth, nose, anus, genitals, buttocks or lips or hard to see places. This may cause burns and pemanent scarring.
• Irritated or infected skin with signs of redness, itching or swelling. It may worsen your current condition and make the infection more severe.
• On eyelids, eyes or face. It may cause burns, permanent scarring or blindness.

A quick disclaimer that I am not medical and the above is not advice. You should consult a GP for any treatments. I simply share my experience of removing skin tags and blood spots.