What Are the Best Options for Skin Tag Removal?

Skin tags are benign skin growths that can develop anywhere on the body. Skin tags are common among women, especially during pregnancy or menopause when hormones are changing rapidly. Individuals who are obese or have diabetes, high blood pressure, Crohn’s disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or who take certain medications tend to have a higher incidence of skin tags. Although skin tags are harmless, your healthcare provider may recommend skin tag removal if the growth is in an area prone to irritation or if it makes you self-conscious about your appearance.

The most common skin tag removal procedures include burning the tag off with an electric cautery, using liquid nitrogen to freeze the tag, or surgical removal. Depending on the circumstances, a numbing agent may be applied to the area to minimize any minor discomfort. An MD Now provider can recommend the most appropriate skin tag removal procedure based on the size and location of your skin tag.

Do Ingrown Toenails Heal Without Treatment?

A toenail becomes ingrown when it grows into the skin rather than over it, which can cause pain, swelling, and redness around the nail. Common causes include improper nail trimming, ill-fitting shoes, or an injury to the toe that forces the nail into the skin. Ingrown toenail care typically involves proper nail trimming and wearing shoes that do not place pressure on the toes. You should consult a medical professional for ingrown toenail care if the pain worsens or does not improve within a few days, if the nail appears to be infected, or if the nail is so thick or hard that you cannot trim it properly. Individuals with diabetes should also seek professional ingrown toenail care since they are at high risk for complications from infections.

What Is Debridement Surgery?

Debridement is used to remove dead or infected skin tissue from a wound to promote healing, minimize scarring, and reduce complications from infections. The specific method of debridement is based on the type and nature of the wound, the person’s age and overall health, and the risk for complications. The most common type of debridement involves using a moving force, such as pulling off a dressing, or surgical instruments to physically remove the unhealthy tissue.

Can an MD Now Provider Remove a Tick?

A tick should be removed as quickly as possible by using a pair of tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the surface of the skin as possible, and pulling up on the tick using steady pressure while taking care not to twist or pull so hard that part of the tick remains in the skin. The bite area and your hands should be cleaned with soap and water or alcohol. Never use heat to force the tick to detach or attempt to “smother” the tick by applying fingernail polish or petroleum jelly. Once the tick has been removed, it should be disposed of by placing it in a sealed bag or container, flushing it down the toilet, or wrapping it up tightly in tape.

If you are unable to remove the tick yourself, or you develop a fever, rash, or general flu-like symptoms following a tick bite, you should visit an MD Now provider promptly.