Skin tags are common, benign, small growths of skin that often appear in areas of friction, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. Medically known as acrochordons, these harmless lesions are generally only removed for cosmetic reasons or because they cause irritation. The decision to remove them often comes with a common question: what is the sensation, and will the process be painful? Understanding the removal techniques available helps manage expectations regarding discomfort.
Professional Removal Methods and Associated Pain
The most common method, cryotherapy, uses liquid nitrogen to destroy the tissue by freezing it. The application causes a brief, intense cold sensation, often described as a sharp stinging or burning. This discomfort is temporary and quickly transitions into a mild numbing as the area freezes, with lingering pain usually minimal.
Another rapid method is removal by cutting the tag at its base, known as excision or snipping. Before this procedure begins, a local anesthetic, typically lidocaine, is injected directly into or around the base of the tag. The initial injection causes a sharp, momentary pinch, but the numbing agent ensures the actual cutting of the skin tag is completely without sensation.
Electrocautery is a procedure that uses a high-frequency electrical current to burn and destroy the skin tag tissue. Like excision, electrocautery is almost always performed after administering a local anesthetic. Patients generally report feeling pressure or warmth during the procedure, but the numbing medication prevents any actual pain from the electrical current itself.
Factors Influencing Discomfort Levels
The level of perceived discomfort can vary based on several factors unique to the skin tag and the individual. Larger skin tags require more extensive treatment, whether that means a deeper excision or a longer freezing time with cryotherapy. A more involved procedure may translate to slightly more post-procedure soreness as the tissue heals.
Tags located in highly sensitive or mobile areas, such as the eyelids, armpits, or groin, may also feel more tender immediately following treatment. The most significant variable influencing immediate pain is the use of a numbing agent. If a tag is very small, a practitioner might opt to skip the anesthetic injection for a quick excision, meaning the patient feels a brief, sharp snap. However, for most procedures, the numbing agent ensures the immediate procedure is painless, making the temporary sting of the injection the only discomfort experienced.
Safety and Pain of At-Home Removal
Common at-home methods carry greater risks of pain and complications compared to professional removal. Tying a thread or dental floss around the base of the tag, known as ligation, is a common do-it-yourself method designed to cut off the blood supply. This method does not cause sudden, sharp pain, but rather a dull, throbbing discomfort over several days as the tissue slowly dies and falls off.
Many over-the-counter kits use chemical solutions or small freezing devices to remove tags. Chemical agents can cause burning, irritation, and sometimes damage to the surrounding healthy skin, leading to a stinging pain. Improper use of these devices significantly increases the risk of bleeding, infection, and disfiguring scarring. The pain associated with an infection or improper wound healing far exceeds the temporary discomfort of a professional visit.
Attempting to snip or cut off a skin tag at home should be avoided entirely due to the high risk of significant bleeding and infection, especially if non-sterile tools are used. For safety and pain avoidance, consulting a healthcare professional ensures the growth is properly identified and removed using sterile, controlled methods that prioritize patient comfort.