Skin tags are little growths of skin that can be attached or sometimes hang off the skin. They can be solitary or multiple and as one ages, more can appear. Sometimes they can be confused with warts or other skin blemishes.

Skin tags are very common in men as well as women, but they are nothing to worry about; they are frequently found on the face most often on the neck and around the shoulders, the armpits, groin, breast folds etc.

Patients sometimes want to have skin tags removed as they can be cosmetically unsightly; however sometimes it is for functional reasons when, for example they catch on clothes. Warts are usually much more rough surfaced or even have a ‘furry’ apex and warts are contagious, unlike simple skin tags.

There are a number of methods for skin tag removal including freezing, cautery, and surgical excision. We would advise seeing an experienced clinician to address skin tags to ensure that that is what they are and to advise you on the best treatment option for you which then should enable you to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome. Often simple removal under local anaesthesia with scalpel or extra fine scissors is all that is needed; occasionally tangential shave excision. The nature of these methods would be explained to you in detail so that you can make an informed decision should you decide you wish to go ahead with treatment.

At Cambridge Clear Beauty, we will never pressure any patient into taking things further and would not consider treatment until you are ready and happy to do so.