Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are benign growths affecting approximately 60% of the population, often appearing on the neck, groin, under the breasts, or even eyelids. While not medically serious, these growths can cause discomfort and affect self-confidence. Ezinne Igboke, a 35-year-old nurse, experienced such issues with ten skin tags on her neck, which would snag on jewelry and clothing, causing soreness and an unsightly appearance. Her GP informed her that she would likely have to live with them, as the National Health Service (NHS) considers their removal cosmetic and unnecessary.
Facing limited options, Ms. Igboke explored DIY treatments, which carry risks of infection, bleeding, and scarring. Instead, she opted for electrocautery, a procedure that utilizes a heated probe to burn off the skin tags. This 15-minute treatment, costing just over £100, resulted in all her skin tags disappearing within seven days. She described the sensation as tolerable, similar to small stings, and reported no adverse effects on the surrounding skin quality or texture.
Electrocautery works by destroying the skin tags with an electric current. The procedure seals the blood vessels supplying the growth, minimizing bleeding and promoting rapid healing. Specialist nurse Monicha Mignott, who performs the procedure, explained that a fine needle is used for precision, reducing the risk of damage to adjacent tissue. Depending on the size, tags can be removed at the base or 'pierced,' causing them to shrivel and fall off within two weeks. The process typically takes no more than 15 minutes, with scarring being rare and often requiring only one session for complete removal.
This method has shown promising results compared to other common treatments like cryotherapy (freezing) or snipping. While cryotherapy can be imprecise and damage surrounding tissue, electrocautery offers a more controlled approach. A 2024 study by dermatologists at the Iranian University of Medical Sciences indicated that both patients and doctors were more satisfied with the results of electrocautery over cryotherapy after a three-month follow-up. The cost is also noted as a significant advantage, with prices ranging from approximately £70 for a single tag to £100-£120 for several, making it more accessible than private dermatologist treatments which can cost hundreds per tag.
While generally well-tolerated, electrocautery can involve mild pain, though some practitioners use numbing cream, which requires specific qualifications. Ms. Mignott suggests using over-the-counter Emla cream beforehand to manage discomfort. She also emphasizes the importance of a thorough examination before the procedure, as some skin growths can be mistaken for skin cancer. Characteristics like significant color change, bleeding, pain, or rapid growth warrant medical attention from a GP or dermatologist.
For Ms. Igboke, the procedure not only resolved her physical discomfort but also significantly boosted her confidence, allowing her to wear jewelry again and feel more like herself. She has since recommended the treatment to colleagues, expressing satisfaction with the quick, effective, and attentive care she received outside the traditional NHS system.