Why Do Skin Tags Pop Up? Can You Make Them Go Away?
Those harmless pesky little skin growths can pop up anywhere and be uncomfortable. If you're tired of living with skin tags, this comprehensive guide is for you.
We'll delve into what skin tags are, what causes them, their particular appearance, and most importantly, the most common ways to remove them.
Our goal is to address the various methods that have been used so far so that you can make informed decisions about effective treatment for skin tags.
Whether you're seeking at-home remedies or considering professional treatment options, we've got you covered.
Let's begin by understanding skin tags and the factors that contribute to their appearance.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are small, soft, and benign growths that commonly appear on the skin's surface.
While they are generally harmless and non-cancerous, they can be bothersome for some individuals due to their appearance or location.
Skin tags often develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, leading to friction. Common areas where skin tags tend to appear include the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, and other skin folds.
These growths vary in size but are typically small, resembling the size of a grain of rice.
Despite being painless, they can sometimes cause discomfort if they catch on clothing or accessories, leading to irritation.
Though skin tags are harmless, individuals may seek their removal for cosmetic reasons or to avoid potential discomfort.
Causes
While skin tags are a common skin concern, the exact cause of their formation is not fully understood.
But, several factors contribute to the development, and understanding can provide valuable insights into why skin tags occur and how to potentially prevent their formation.
Here the most common of them:
- Skin chafing: When skin rubs against skin or objects. It is often seen when tight clothing, jewelry, or medical devices are worn on certain areas of the body.
- Hormonal changes: Especially during pregnancy or menopause, are processes that can affect the collagen fibers of the skin and lead to the formation of skin tags.
- Obesity: Excess body weight can cause more folds and wrinkles in the skin, thus creating a more humid environment where the skin is constantly rubbing against itself.
- Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that genetics may play a role in the development of skin tags. If you have a family history of skin tags, you may be more likely to develop them.
- Diabetes: The exact relationship with diabetes is not fully understood, but insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances associated with diabetes may contribute to their formation.
- Age: Skin tags become more common with age and therefore tend to appear more frequently in middle-aged and older people.
How do they look like?
Skin tags have a unique appearance that distinguishes them from other skin blemishes.
Understanding the visual aspects of skin tags can help you identify them and differentiate them from other skin conditions.
👉Color and texture
They are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker, ranging from a light tan to a dark brown. Their color usually matches that of the surrounding skin.
In some cases, they may appear darker if they are irritated or have suffered a small hemorrhage.
The texture of a skin tag may vary slightly. In general, they have a soft, pliable texture, making them look like small pieces of hanging skin.
👉Size and shape
They are usually small in size, from a few millimeters to a centimeter in diameter. However, they can occasionally increase in size, reaching 5 centimeters in some cases.
When fully formed, they usually resemble a tiny, elongated piece of skin or a small round bump.
They are connected to the underlying skin by a narrow, thin, "tag-like" stalk. This attachment allows the skin tags to hang from the surface of the skin.
👉Location
The location on the body can vary, but they tend to develop in areas where there is frequent friction or rubbing.
The most common sites are the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin and under the breasts.
In addition, they may appear on other parts of the body where skin-to-skin contact or rubbing against clothing is frequent.
👉Number and clustering
Individuals may have one or several skin tags. Some people may develop only a few in their lifetime, while others may have clustered in several areas.
Clusters of skin tags may be especially prevalent in areas such as the armpits or neck, where rubbing is more likely to occur.
What are skin tags a warning for?
Generally, skin tags are harmless and do not pose serious health problems. However, they can sometimes indicate underlying health problems.
If you notice a sudden increase in the number of skin tags or experience rapid growth, in that case, yes it is essential that you consult a skin care professional.
Rarely, skin tags can resemble other skin growths, so it is critical to get an accurate diagnosis if that becomes a concern.
Some people wonder if skin tags are a symptom of something more serious.
Although they are not in themselves symptoms of specific diseases, their appearance, as we have seen, is more frequent in certain groups of people.
For example, people who are overweight or have diabetes are more likely to develop skin tags.
Treating these underlying health problems can help reduce the risk of further skin tags.
How do you get rid of them?
Now that we've covered the basics of skin tags, let's explore effective methods for their removal.
These methods and treatments are the ones that have been used the most by people, and here we will give a general approach with the most important things you should know.
Now, let's see what they are:
What you can find at home
✅Tying off the skin tag
This method, also known as ligation, involves using dental floss or thread to tie a knot around the base of the skin tag.
By doing so, you cut off its blood supply, causing the skin tag to wither and fall off over time.
It's essential to ensure the knot is secure but not too tight to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
🔺Risk: Tying the skin tag too tightly can cause pain, irritation, or infection. Improperly performed may lead to scarring or failure of the skin tag to fall off.
✅Off the shelf
They are available with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, known for their skin-drying properties.
Applying these products to the skin tag may help to dry it out and lead to its eventual detachment from the skin. However, it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully.
🔺Risk: These products may cause skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions. It's essential to perform a patch test before applying the product.
💡While at-home remedies can be convenient and cost-effective, they may not be suitable for everyone.
💡Plus, it's essential to exercise caution and maintain proper hygiene practices during the removal process to avoid infections and complications.
Professional treatment options
✅Cryotherapy:
This popular treatment involves freezing the skin tag using liquid nitrogen.
The freezing temperature causes the skin tag's cells to break down and eventually fall off.
It is generally safe and effective, and it's commonly used to treat both small and large skin tags.
🔺Risk: It may cause pain, blistering, or temporary skin discoloration. It's crucial to follow post-treatment care instructions to prevent infection.
✅Electrocautery
In this method, an electric current is used to burn off the skin tag. Is relatively quick, and the heat from the electric current helps coagulate blood vessels, minimizing bleeding.
The procedure is a precise and efficient way to remove skin tags.
🔺Risk: It may lead to scarring or skin burns if not performed correctly. Proper precautions and skills are essential for safe and effective treatment.
✅Ligation
Similar to the at-home tying-off method, medical professionals can use specialized medical devices to tie off the skin tag's blood supply.
The process is typically painless, and the skin tag will naturally fall off within a few days or weeks.
🔺Risk: If not done properly, ligation can cause pain, infection, or incomplete removal of the skin tag.
✅Excision
This involves the surgical removal of the skin tag by a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, the skin tag is carefully cut away.
This method is ideal for larger or more complex skin tags and allows for a more accurate diagnosis of the removed tissue.
🔺Risk: While excision is a common and safe procedure, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, or scarring. Following proper aftercare instructions is essential.
💡Professional treatment options are often more effective and provide quicker results, especially for larger or hard-to-reach skin tags, or sensitive areas.
💡But beyond that, you must take into account the costs, the visits to the dermatologist that will be involved, and the healing processes.
Ready to choose the right treatment for you?
As we have seen, skin tags can be a common concern, but they are generally harmless.
Understanding the causes, the appearance, and removal methods can help you make informed decisions about addressing skin tags.
We hope this comprehensive guide has been informative and helpful in your journey to achieving healthier, blemish-free skin.
Whether you choose at-home remedies or seek professional assistance, always prioritize your safety and your particular needs.
At Skintify, we're committed to providing effective skincare solutions, and our Fibroblast Plasma Pen is an excellent option for those looking to eliminate skin tags conveniently and confidently.
With our at-home plasma therapy system, you can safely and painlessly treat skin tags, and more, all for a fraction of the cost of a dermatologist's visit.
Embrace your skin's natural beauty with confidence and let Skintify be your trusted partner in your skincare journey.
Get ready to say goodbye to skin tags and hello to a newfound sense of self-assurance. Let's embark on this transformative journey together!