Are you bothered by those small bumps on your skin that spoil your appearance? They are called skin tags. Generally, they are harmless but people prefer to remove them to maintain their appearance. If you want to learn how to remove skin tags safely off your skin, here is a detailed guide for you.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, benign growths of skin that appear to hang off the skin’s surface. They are made up of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by a layer of skin and are usually the same color as the surrounding skin. There is nothing to fear about them as they are very common.
Skin tags can affect people of all ages and skin types. They often appear in areas of the body where there is friction or rubbing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. They can vary in size, from a tiny pinpoint to a few millimeters in diameter, and can grow individually or in clusters.
Skin tags are generally harmless and painless, but they can become irritated or inflamed if they are constantly rubbed or irritated, leading to discomfort or bleeding. They are also a cosmetic concern for some people and that’s the major reason people want to remove them.
To help with this, it is important to know how to remove skin tags safely. This blog post will discuss the best methods for removing skin tags so that you can feel more comfortable in your own skin. We’ll talk about what causes them, what treatment options are available, and how to safely remove them at home or with the help of a doctor.
What Causes Skin Tags to Erupt?
If you are seeking what causes skin tags, here is the answer for you. Skin tags are commonly caused by a build-up of collagen and blood vessels in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and neck. They can also be caused by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, and by certain medications, such as steroids. Skin tags are not severe and they do not need to be detached unless they are resulting in irritation, pain, and discomfort.
How to Remove Skin Tags
Skin tags are very commonly found harmless growths like bumps on the skin. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most often found on the neck, underarms, or groin area. Skin tags are not cancerous and do not cause any medical problems. However, many people who find skin tags spoiling their beautiful appearance choose the skin tag removal option.
If you do not want skin tags on your skin, you must know how to remove skin tags. There are various ways to eliminate skin tags. You can have them removed by a doctor or you can remove them yourself at home.
Removing Skin Tags by Yourself at Home
If you prefer to remove your skin tags yourself, there are several over-the-counter treatments available. These include creams and ointments that contain chemicals that dissolve or burn away the extra skin growth. Once applied, these treatments typically take one to two weeks to work.
How to Remove Skin Tags Yourself at Home
If you want to know how to remove skin tags yourself at home without spending a lot of money, there are several home remedies you can try.
Tie a Thread Around Skin Tags
One popular home remedy is to tie a thread or dental floss around the base of the skin tag. This prevents the blood from reaching the skin tag, causing it to eventually fall off.
Apply Duct Tape or Wart Remover
Another home remedy is to apply duct tape or wart remover to the skin tag. This method may take a few days or weeks, but eventually, the skin tag will dry up and fall off.
Apply an OTC Cream
You can also try applying an over-the-counter cream or ointment that contains salicylic acid or lactic acid. These acids help to break down the skin cells, causing the skin tag to shrink and eventually fall off.
Removing Skin Tags With the Help of a Doctor
If you choose to have a doctor remove your skin tags, they will usually do so by freezing them off with liquid nitrogen or burning them off with a cautery device. These methods are quick and effective, but can be painful and may leave a small scar in the treatment area.
Skin Tags Removal Treatments Used By Doctor
Cutting: This method involves using a sharp, sterile blade or scalpel to cut off the skin tag. It’s important to ensure that the skin tag is fully cut through and that the wound is properly cleaned and disinfected afterward to reduce the risk of infection.
Freezing: This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag, causing it to fall off after a few days. This method is often performed by a dermatologist.
Ligation: This method involves tying a piece of dental floss or thread around the base of the skin tag, cutting off its blood supply and causing it to eventually fall off.
Over-the-Counter Creams and Ointments: Some topical creams and ointments are marketed for the removal of skin tags. However, the efficacy of these products is not well-established and results may vary.
When You Need to See a Doctor For Skin Tags Removal
If you have skin tags (that are causing you discomfort) in a place that rubs against your clothing, or if you simply don’t like the way it looks, you may consider the skin tags removal option. But before taking any action, it’s important to know when to see a doctor for skin tags.
In most cases, skin tags are harmless and can be left alone. However, there are some instances where you should see a doctor:
- If the skin tag is large and/or located in a place where it gets irritated by rubbing against clothing or jewelry
- If the skin tag bleeds or becomes infected
- If you have multiple skin tags
- If skin tags bother you
- If multiple skin tags are easily noticeable on your skin
Can I Remove Skin Tags Myself at Home
While it’s possible to remove skin tags yourself at home, it’s not recommended. Some over-the-counter creams and ointments are marketed for the removal of skin tags, but their efficacy is not well-established and results may vary.
Attempting to remove a skin tag yourself at home using a sharp object, such as a pair of scissors or a razor can be dangerous and may cause bleeding or infection. Additionally, if not performed correctly, the skin tag may not be fully removed and could grow back or become irritated.
If you have a skin tag that you would like to have removed, it’s best to consult a dermatologist and learn from them how to remove skin tags. They can advise you on the best removal method, and ensure that the procedure is performed safely and effectively.
Conclusion
Skin tags can be removed at home or by a doctor with simple methods. If you are looking for how to remove skin tags and which skin tag removal option is the safest, it is very important to talk with your dermatologist. With the right approach, you should see great results in no time!