Cryosurgery is a treatment that involves using extremely cold temperatures to remove skin tags, warts, and other skin growths. While cryotherapy is commonly performed in a dermatologist's office, there are also at-home cryo treatments available that have been FDA cleared to treat skin tags safely and effectively at home. In this blog post, we will review the use of at-home cryo treatments to treat a skin tag.
What is At-Home Cryosurgery?
At-home cryotherapy involves using a device that delivers a cold temperature to the skin tag, causing it to freeze and eventually fall off. These devices usually contain a canister of cryogen gas that is used to cool the skin tag.
The process of using an at-home cryo treatment usually involves holding the tip of the device against the skin tag for a few seconds, then repeating the process, if needed, several times over the course of a few weeks until the skin tag falls off.
Does At-Home Cryotherapy Work?
The FDA has cleared the first cryosurgical products for at home treatment of skin tags. A single treatment will clear over 50% of treated skin tags. From freeze to falling off can take up to 2 weeks. Even if additional treatments are needed, skin tags will fall off nearly 100% of the time.
Is At-Home Cryotherapy Safe?
At-home cryotherapy cryosurgery devices can be safe when the directions are followed and used to treat skin tags on the neck, underarms, breasts, and groin. used correctly. However, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully and avoid including Never use these devices near the eyes, mucous membranes, or sensitive areas of the skin.
It is also important to note that not all skin tags are suitable for cryotherapy. Skin tags that are large, greater than 6mm, in sensitive areas or in areas of thin skin (such as the eyelids) are not suitable for this treatment.
Conclusion
Treating skin tags by freezing them is safe and effective for consumers to do at home. Skin tags are harmless and are a cosmetic problem for many of us as we age. In the past, cryosurgery could only be done in a doctor’s office. Today these at home kits are easy to use and will get the job done helping you look and feel better without those skin tags on you neck, underarms, breasts, or groin.