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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
200
The Investigator will assign an STR version for use, stratifying the number of skin tags in each pool. The investigator will review the subject's skin tags and agree with the subject on the body location and skin tag that will be treated as well as whether the micro or standard size of the study device is appropriate. The Investigator will also verify that the skin tag does not present implications of cancerous tissue. After informed consent and reviewing device labeling, the subject will then have the band(s) placed on the skin tag(s) by the healthcare professional. Once the band has been placed, the Investigator will examine the skin tag, complete study documentation. The subject will then review trial diary instructions, including but not limited to the documentation of all observable characteristics regarding the banded skin tag(s). This diary is electronic (eDiary) and accessed through a secure website and must be fully completed to successfully finish the study.
Center for Dermatology Clinical Research, Inc.
Fremont, California, United States
Successful removal of skin tag
Number of successful removals of treated acrochordons using the STR device
Time frame: Treatment, 1-24 days; Safety follow-up on days 30-37
Comfort and Safety Issues
Amount and number of discomfort, issues or adverse events occurring during the study
Time frame: Treatment, 1-24 days; Safety follow-up on days 30-37
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