You might be aware of skin tag removal, which is a simple and quick procedure that many people opt for to get rid of that small and harmless growth that can develop on the skin.
However, once the procedure is done, there are certain aftercare steps to follow to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications. Therefore, some people usually have common doubts if they can shower after a skin tag procedure. To know the exact answer, reading this blog post is essential for you. Here you will get to know everything about it!
What is a Skin Tag, and How is it Removed?
Before going to the topic, let’s understand what the actual skin tag is and how you can remove it.
A skin tag is a small, soft, and harmless growth that usually appears in the areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, like the neck, underarms, or around the eyelids. They are harmless, but they can be annoying or unsightly for some people.
If you want to remove it, here are certain ways your dermatologist can opt for this purpose.
Cryosurgery
During this procedure, your dermatologist uses an extremely cold material, such as liquid nitrogen, to freeze and eliminate the skin tag. Sometimes freezing generates a blister or scab. The skin tag will fall off after the blister or scab is removed.
When doing cryosurgery, your dermatologist may freeze only the bottom of the skin tag and then remove it with a sterile surgical blade or scissors.
Electrodesiccation
Your dermatologist uses a small needle to zap the skin tag, destroying it. You will develop a scab on the treated skin, which will recover in one to three weeks.
Snip
Your dermatologist will numb the area, then remove the skin tag with sterile surgical scissors or a blade before applying medication to stop the bleeding.
If you want to learn more about these procedures and are looking for skin tag removal in Moorestown, NJ, then Meta Dermatology is the place you should be.
Can You Shower After Skin Tag Removal?
Yes, you can safely shower following skin tag removal procedures. After skin tag treatment, taking important safety steps to get proper healing of the treated skin while avoiding complications is also important.
Remember, your body requires a certain healing time for the removal site after a skin tag procedure. The treated area might feel tender with a small scab or wound depending on the removal method used. Though showers create no safety risks, observing these protective steps maintains the area’s health.
Tips for Showering After Skin Tag Removal
Avoid Hot Water
Hot water from showers can cause irritation to both the skin surface and the wound area. Furthermore, the affected part can develop noticeable swelling together with surrounding redness. So, it is advisable to use water that is cool or lukewarm during your shower routine. A gentle water temperature will reduce skin sensitivity without creating further discomfort.
Be Gentle
The removal area requires gentle care and should be free from scrubbing and harsh treatment. So, use gentle hand or cloth movements to wash your face and body without excessive scrubbing of the treated space. You must also wait for complete healing before using exfoliating scrubs or loofahs and wash with hands rather than harsh washcloths.
Avoid Soaking in Water
Showering is safe, but bathing in bathtubs, hot tubs, or pools should be avoided throughout the first week following removal of the skin tag. The reason behind that is prolonged water exposure to the treated skin area after tag removal increases the chance of infection while also delaying the healing process.
Keep the Wound Dry
Pat the treated area dry with a clean towel after your shower. You should not rub the treated area because it might cause skin irritation. Make sure that your skin stays completely dry before you put on any ointments or bandages. The procedure of keeping a wound dry serves to lower the chances of experiencing infection.
For further information, you can visit Meta Dermatology, which is the best dermatologist in NJ.
How Long Should You Wait Before Showering?
After skin tag removal, you can typically take a shower on the same day following the removal of any necessary bandages your doctor applied. Your doctor will let you know when to remove the bandages.
However, it is important to wait a few hours to shower because the new clotting blood and applied ointment could wash away post-skin tag removal treatment.
When Should You Avoid Showering?
There are situations when doctors may advise against showering right away because other skin problems exist or the skin tag removal process requires a more significant procedure. Consult your healthcare provider for specific post-treatment guidelines when you feel uncertain about your aftercare practices.
You should wait for your doctor’s approval before showering when you see any of the following signs of infection in your treated area: redness, swelling, or pus formation.
Final Thoughts
The process of showering after skin tag removal has no significant problems for your day-to-day activities while providing safety for the treated area. The treatment area needs gentle care together with avoidance of hot water and maintenance of a clean and dry state. The quick recovery of your skin tag removal area depends on implementing these basic treatment tips.
However, it is important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you experience any uncertainties regarding the aftercare of your treated skin. The healthcare provider can give personalized recommendations because of how you removed the skin tag and what condition your skin is currently in. If you need a consultation with a dermatologist near Moorestown, NJ, then Meta Dermatology is the perfect fit for you.