Ask a doctor on the topic of Dermatology

stem wart

January 16, 2013 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Christian Welsch

Hello,
I have a skin tag, not very small, about the size of a large pea. I have already been to the dermatologist about it. She told me it is a harmless skin tag, nothing serious. When I asked if it could be frozen off, she said that is not possible with this type, I could try it but it wouldn't work. She said she would only laser it off. I had left it at that for the time being. About a month ago, I tried to freeze the skin tag and nothing happened. Now, since yesterday evening, I noticed that it has turned red. It was previously always skin-colored. I had twisted it around a long time ago, it also turned reddish, but then turned back to skin color. It doesn't hurt, it hasn't increased in size, but it feels firmer, before it was rather flabby.
I heard that there are people who tie off a skin tag, then it turns black and falls off, I don't plan to do that now, but could that be the same effect now, why has it turned red? It looks very well supplied with blood. Is this dangerous or bad? Could it turn black now?
By the way, in terms of appearance, it really hangs like on a small skin stalk..
Best regards

Christian Welsch

Dear inquirer,

This doesn't sound dramatic, but through mechanical irritation such as rubbing or pressing, there can be a change in blood circulation or small hemorrhages that can permanently alter a stalk wart.

Whether a skin finding is harmless or not can unfortunately only be determined by removing it and examining it under a microscope.
Stalked warts can usually be easily removed, and if a finding grows or is mechanically irritated (e.g. when shaving), it can also be removed as a reimbursable service.

By the way, in this portal you also have the option to upload a photo of the finding (unfortunately does not replace dermatoscopy by a dermatologist).

If the finding remains persistently changed, I would recommend consulting the dermatologist again.

Do you have any questions? Regards, C. Welsch