A skin tag, medically known as an acrochordon, is a common, benign growth that appears as a small, soft flap of tissue attached to the skin by a stalk. These growths are typically flesh-colored and often appear in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. While completely harmless, many people seek removal for cosmetic reasons or because the tags become irritated by clothing or jewelry. Cryotherapy is a popular, minimally invasive removal method that destroys the tissue through the application of extreme cold. Understanding the phases of freezing and healing helps manage expectations for the removal process.
The Cryotherapy Process and Immediate Effects
The cryotherapy procedure involves applying a super-cooled agent directly to the skin tag to induce cell death. In a professional setting, this agent is most commonly liquid nitrogen, which operates at an extremely low temperature of around -196°C. At-home kits typically use a less intense freezing mixture, such as dimethyl ether and propane (DMEP). The intense cold causes the water inside the targeted cells to freeze rapidly, forming ice crystals. This crystal formation physically disrupts and ruptures the cell membranes, effectively killing the tissue of the skin tag.
During the brief application, which lasts only a few seconds, it is normal to feel a temporary stinging, burning, or cooling sensation at the site. Immediately after the application, the skin tag will blanch or turn white as it freezes.
Within a few minutes to hours, the treated area will typically turn red and swell slightly as the body’s inflammatory response begins. A blister, which may be clear or dark (hemorrhagic), often forms beneath or around the skin tag within the first 24 hours. This blistering is an expected result of the freezing process, indicating that the targeted tissue has been successfully damaged.
The Skin Tag Removal Timeline
Following the initial freezing and blistering, the body begins the process of expelling the dead tissue. The blister that formed will start to dry out and darken over the next few days, eventually forming a hard, protective scab. This darkening is a sign that the cell destruction was successful and the skin tag is beginning to shrivel.
It is important to allow this scab to remain undisturbed, as picking at it can interfere with proper healing and increase the risk of scarring or infection. The skin tag, now dead and integrated into the scab, will naturally detach from the surrounding healthy skin.
The entire process, from freezing to the skin tag falling off, typically takes between one to two weeks. Larger or thicker skin tags may require a longer healing period, sometimes taking up to three or four weeks to completely fall off. Once the scab and the tag detach, the underlying skin will appear fresh, smooth, and pink. This new skin is newly formed tissue that will gradually regain its normal pigmentation over the following weeks.
Safety Concerns and Professional Guidance
While cryotherapy is a safe procedure for benign growths, there are potential side effects that warrant consideration. One common concern is the risk of temporary or permanent changes in skin pigmentation. The extreme cold can affect the melanin-producing cells, leading to lightening of the treated area, known as hypopigmentation, or, less commonly, a darkening, called hyperpigmentation.
Minor scarring is another possibility, particularly if the treatment is applied too aggressively or if the healing scab is prematurely picked off. The precision of the application is a factor in minimizing these cosmetic risks. Over-the-counter freeze kits are often less effective and carry a higher risk of damaging the surrounding healthy skin due to less precise application and lower temperatures.
It is highly recommended to consult a medical professional, such as a dermatologist, before attempting any removal. A professional can confirm the lesion is indeed a benign skin tag and not a more serious condition like a mole or another type of growth. Furthermore, cryotherapy should not be used on any lesion that is bleeding, rapidly changing in color or shape, or is significantly larger than a typical skin tag.