Using a Novel Skin Tag Removal Device

The aim of this study is to investigate the use of a mechanical device to remove skin tags in adults. The device ("Skin Tag Removal", or STR) utilizes the ligation method by applying a silicone band around the base of a skin tag, therefore restricting the blood supply, which is vital to its growth and survival. Because this method does not include freezing or burning of tissue in or around the skin tag, it could be considered less invasive and less risky than other options.

Common benign skin lesions include verruca, seborrheic, keratoses, fibromas, histiocytomas (dermatofibromas), nevi and skin tags (acrochordons). A skin tag is a small outgrowth of epidermal and dermal tissue and is common among middle-aged adults. Their size can range from one to several mm; usually flesh-colored and pedunculated. Skin tags are exceedingly common benign skin lesions with a reported prevalence of around 45-50% in the general population. Typically, they are small, soft, noncancerous fibromas or fibroepithelial polyps, bumps of tissue connected to the skin's surface by a narrow stalk. The color, texture, size, and width of the base can vary. Skin Tags can be removed by a dermatologist using excision, cauterization, or cryosurgical means. Most of these procedures are often done in a dermatology office and are an out-of-pocket cost. Recently there is a growing interest is in home-based methods. Some devices, such as cryo-based cauterization, have been cleared for marketing by FDA for "over-the-counter" (OTC) use and claimed acceptable removal levels. The STR study devices are designed for the removal of skin tags from the body by ligation of the blood supply to the skin tag through the application of a small elastic band. Bands are placed around the base of the skin tag by using an applicator, which pushes the band from a cylindrical extension on the device over the skin tag and to the base of the tag. The STR study device(s) are available in two different sizes to ensure the bands being used are tight enough to restrict the blood supply for skin tags that vary in size. The micro version of the STR study device has been designed to remove skin tags that measure 2-4mm at the base, and the standard version is designed to remove skin tags that measure 4-6mm at their base. Under Protocol revision (version 2), the micro size band will be used on all skin tags measuring between 4-6 mm. The standard size will no longer be used and skin tags measuring between 2-4 mm will not be enrolled in the study. The Investigator is planning to enroll up to 200 subjects, who will have the skin tags removed using the STR study devices. During the trial, each subject will complete a diary to document progress.