A skin tag is a non-cancerous growth on the skin which usually takes the form of a bump. Sometimes a peduncle may be present that joins the overgrown and the healthy skin. In most cases, tags have the same pigmentation as the rest of the skin, but in some rare cases, skin tags may be darker or lighter than the rest of the surface.
Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
This question does not have a straight yes or no answer. Why? Because most skin tags are not dangerous as they do not cause pain and they show no signs causing any damage to the patient’s general health.
Rarely, skin tags can become dangerous. This happens when tags start to become itchy and cause you to scratch the surface of the skin around the tag extensively, leading to skin damage.
Skin tags can appear on the face, on the neck, on the armpits, on the groin, or virtually anywhere on the body. Before getting to skin tag removal, let’s review causes of tags.
Why am I Getting Skin Tags?
Doctors and health researchers have not been able to pinpoint one particular factor that causes the development of skin tags.
With different theories available, skin irritation caused by the skin rubbing itself has been the leading cause of skin tags. This is supported by the fact that skin tags commonly appear in places that are prone to skin rubbing such as the eyelid, neck, and other areas where the skin has folded.
Apart from irritation, skin tags can also be caused by genetic conditions, meaning that these abnormalities will are common among families. Studies have established that skin tags appear more on women than men. Additionally, overweight and older adults have higher chances of developing these benign skin growths.
Skin tag removal is the usual choice for affected individuals as these bumps can itch and are unattractive. Some of the procedures used to remove skin tags can be carried out at home while others need top medical attention to avoid any complications.
Below is a guide on how to remove skin tags found in the most common places.
How to Get Rid of Skin Tags?
How to get rid of skin tags on face:
Facial skin tags severely damage one’s self-esteem since they are the first things others see, so removal is the usual course of action.
Fortunately, the face can accommodate a variety of treatment options compared to other areas. Some of the ideal ways to remove skin tags on the face include the use of apple cider vinegar. When using vinegar, a clean cotton ball soaked with apple cider vinegar should be put on the skin tag and held in position with a bandage for 30 minutes. The procedure should be repeated twice a day.
How to get rid of skin tags on neck:
There are many skin tag removal treatments frequently used for the neck. Surgical skin tag removal needs to be performed by experienced doctors as a wrong procedure may lead to complications. This may involve lasers, cauterization, and surgical removal. Cauterization consists of placing a special heated device on the tag, causing it to fall off with time.
How to get rid of armpits skin tags:
Tags appearing on the armpits have limited ways to treat due to the heat and moisture of the underarm. This prevents treatment methods like cauterization. However, freezing can be used to eliminate skin tags. Some people try using ice cubes to freeze off their tags at home, but a professional with liquid nitrogen is the most effective.
A string may also be used to remove skin tags found on the armpits. This method works on those growths which are quite long. This is not an at-home removal method. Only a medical professional with a sterile string can perform this procedure.
This string is tied to the base of the skin tag and cuts off blood supply, forcing the growth to fall off slowly.
How to get rid of groin skin tags
Skin tags on the groin can be treated with the same care as those found on the armpits. A surgery where the skin tag is instantly removed is one way to deal with skin tags on this part of the body. If you choose to try a do-it-yourself method, then papaya or banana peels are sometimes useful.
Before sleep, secure a fresh banana or papaya peel to cover the skin tag. Repeat this procedure for a few nights, and usually, the tag will fall off. Checking for skin itchiness or irritation during this process is important. Seek a different solution if this occurs on the first night.
Skin tags after-removal care
Once the skin tag is gone, you need to pay close attention to the area. Follow any instructions for after-care provided by your medical professional. This includes not washing the area with soap and water for a given period, applying antibiotic ointment, or any other infection prevention procedure.
If the tag was removed through home remedies, any abnormal skin condition like bleeding or pain should be mentioned to a doctor as soon it occurs.
Since a skin tag may vary in size, a large skin tag should be removed after consultation with a dermatologist or doctor. Large skin tags are prone to infections after removal, and home remedies are not typically effective on these large growths.
Skin tags on all areas of the body can also be removed with a tagband skin tag removal device or a skin tag removal cream.
∼ Conclusion ∼
There are many ways of removing skin tags although their effectiveness varies from one method to another. The location of the growths on the body also plays a significant role in deciding which method to use. Skin tags can be due to skin irritation or genetic conditions, so be mindful of tight clothing or if family members have developed any growths. Please speak to your doctor before attempting any at-home remedies or if you feel any pain or itchiness around your skin tags.