Are you experiencing skin tags that cause irritation and discomfort? The exact cause is unknown, but many factors can cause skin tags like hormonal changes, obesity, etc. It can easily be removed with several procedures. One of the best options to remove them is by the cauterization process using silver nitrate because this natural chemical compound has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that boost healing and lower the risk of infections. Learn about how silver nitrate is used in skin tag removal in this article. If you notice changes in the appearance of your skin, you can consult the best dermatologist in East New York. Please contact Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center.

What are skin tags and why do they occur?

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, harmless, non-cancerous growths that occur in stacks and are benign by nature. They typically appear on the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and other areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. They comprise collagen fibers and blood vessels, often appearing as fleshy or pigmented protrusions. Almost 50 to 60% of adults will develop these at least once in their lifetime, which increases the chances of recurrence after the 4th decade of life. It can occur to anyone.

While the exact cause of skin tags is unknown, factors like hormonal changes, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MeTS), and genetics may lead to their development.

Silver Nitrate and Skin Tag removal

To remove skin tags and warts, the doctor uses a cauterization procedure which involves silver nitrate chemical to burn or destroy the growth which leads to removal. The procedure may follow these steps:

• Anesthesia: Before the procedure, the area surrounding the growth needs to be numbed by using a local anesthetic to ensure the patient stays comfortable during the procedure.
• Preparation: The doctor will thoroughly clean the skin tag or wart to prepare for the procedure. Disinfecting the area can minimize the risk of infection.
• Heat cauterization: In heat cauterization, the doctor uses a specialized tool such as a heated wire or high-frequency electrical device to apply heat to the growth. The heat will destroy the tissue which leads to the removal of the skin tag or wart.
• Chemical cauterization: In chemical cauterization, the doctor uses a specific chemical agent such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or silver nitrate on the skin tag or wart to destroy the growth with chemical burning or dehydrating the tissue.
• Post-treatment care: After the cauterization procedure, the area needs to be cleaned and dressing or ointment may be applied to promote healing. Your doctor will guide you about post-treatment care, including wound care and any necessary follow-up appointments.

Cauterization benefits

The cauterization procedure offers some benefits when it is used to treat skin tags and warts, including:

• Precision and effectiveness: This procedure allows precise targeting of the growth and ensures the destruction of the tissue and its removal later on.
• Immediate results: This procedure provides immediate results with the skin tag or wart being eliminated during the procedure itself.
• Versatility: This procedure can be used to remove various types of skin tags and warts, which makes it a versatile treatment option.

Aftercare

For proper healing, your doctor gives instructions on how to take care of your wound at home which may include:

1. Clean the area with soap and water twice a day and dry it using a paper towel by patting it.
2. Your doctor may prescribe you an antiseptic cream to apply to the wound to lower the risk of infection until the area is fully healed. However, don’t use products that contain alcohol, peroxide, or iodine.
3. The treated area should be covered with a sterile dressing for proper healing and to prevent friction from skin folds, jewelry, or clothing. A clean bandage should be changed every time after cleansing and ointment application.
4. Keep the area covered to prevent accidental touching of the area until it heals. In some cryotherapy procedures, small blisters may be formed to ensure the natural healing process and prevent scarring.
5. You can use fragrance-free skin moisturizers on the surrounding area of the skin where the skin tag was removed to maintain hydration of the skin cells.
6. To enhance healing and prevent complications, avoid intense exercises and activities during the first few days after skin tag removal.

When to call a doctor?

In case you experience any of these signs, you should call your doctor right away:

• If you have any redness, pain, or yellow pus around the area, it indicates you have developed an infection.
• If you bleed on the injury site which is not stopping after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
• You develop a fever greater than 100°F (37.8°C).
• If you experience pain at the site which is not getting better even after taking pain medicine.
• The wound gets split open.
• Your stitches and staples come out too soon.

During healing, if your skin tags do not go away you should call your provider.

Silver nitrate for skin tag removal is a good option because its antimicrobial properties ensure quick wound healing and lower the risk of infection. It is very effective, precise, versatile, and provides immediate results. It also lowers healing time as well. Unlike other surgical procedures, it also contains certain side effects and risks that need to be discussed with your dermatologist before considering the treatment.

Need help with your skin tags, visit our dermatology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help from well-trained dermatologists who have years of experience in dealing with all kinds of skin problems. Call us to book your appointment today. At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, we have the best dermatologists who can help you take care of your skin. As dermatology experts in East New York, we are dedicated to providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com.