Using a Novel Skin Tag Removal Device

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.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults at least 22 years of age.
• Must be able to understand, speak, and read English sufficiently for completion of the trial.
• Subject has at least one skin tag meeting ALL of the following requirements:

• no previous attempts to remove the skin tag(s) of investigation, including skin tags that were treated in a previous version of this protocol
• measuring between 4mm and 6mm at the base. Skin tags measuring larger than 6mm can be rounded down based on investigator's discretion.
• not located around the eye, on the eyelid, or in the groin area
• if treating two tags, only one may be located in axilla
• free of any active skin infection & area to treat tag has no severe eczema
• located in an area where participant can take a self-taken photo
• does not, in the opinion of the Investigator, require an evaluation by pathology at the time of screening
• Subject has access to the internet via smartphone to complete the eDiary

Exclusion criteria

• Significant medical condition or other circumstance which, in the opinion of the Investigator, would preclude compliance with the protocol, adequate cooperation in the trial or providing informed consent, or may prevent the subject from safely participating in the trial
• Any prior history of skin-related cancer
• Subject states that they are currently pregnant or intending to become pregnant during the course of the study
• Has an allergy to latex
• Current diagnosis of a bleeding disorder included but not limited to Hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease
• Currently being treated with blood thinners (use of 81 mg of Aspirin is not exclusionary)
• Currently being treated with topical steroids at site of skin tag of interest or oral steroids
• Currently immunocompromised by conditions such as diabetes (either Types 1 or 2, regardless of level of control) or receiving immunosuppressant therapy
• Current MRSA infection
• Diagnosis or any history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
• Current or recent participation within the last 30 days in another interventional clinical trial