Skin tags are harmless skin growths that can occur anywhere on the body, although most frequently do so on the neck, underarms, or eyelids. They could be a shade darker or the same as your skin tone. A few are pink. Others become upset and blush. One might be seen hanging on a stalk, while another would be securely affixed to the skin.
When the blood flow to a thrombosed or clotted skin tag is insufficient, it might quickly turn purple, black, and itchy. Usually, thrombosed skin tags come off on their own in 3 to 10 days and don’t need to be treated further. You may need to see your doctor for assessment and assurance if you have skin tags that have bled or changed color. Rarely, thrombosed skin tags may require a biopsy because they indicate the presence of another illness.
SYMPTOMS OF SKIN TAGS
Skin tags are distinguished from benign skin lesions such as warts by a tiny stalk that connects them to the skin. Skin tags dangle off the skin, whereas warts are often flat. These growths can occur anywhere on the skin, but they typically start to show where clothing, jewelry, or other surfaces have been in contact with the skin for a while. They typically arise in one or more of the following regions: Underarms, Eyelids, Groin, Neck creases (where jewelry or clothes brush on the neck), and Breasts (below).
CAUSES OF SKIN TAGS
Although the precise cause of skin tags is unknown, lifestyle factors and genetics are probably involved. Others develop them for no apparent cause. Skin tags are also frequently observed on the back, sides, or belly. Skin tags are more common in those who are overweight, pregnant, or have loose skin because they form when skin scrapes against the skin. Additionally, having diabetes, metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels, excess fat around the waist, or abnormal cholesterol levels), or having a blood family with skin tags increases your risk of developing skin tags.
Skin tags can affect persons of any gender, but they are more prevalent among the elderly. Skin tags that grow during pregnancy typically go away once the baby is born.
Must I cut off a skin tag?
Because they’re harmless, a skin tag only needs to be removed if it:
becomes sore or starts to bleed, grows on your eyelid interferes with vision feels unpleasant, particularly when the pain starts out of nowhere. If a skin tag comes into regular contact with clothing, jewelry, or a seat belt, it may get inflamed. Additionally, shaving may irritate it, particularly if you cut the skin tag. These skin tags can be removed by a dermatologist.
TREATMENT OF SKIN TAGS
Skin tag removal is not required medically. Skin tags can occasionally fall out on their own over time. Speak with your doctor if you wish to remove a skin tag because it is troubling you or because you don’t like how it looks, for example.
Your physician can get rid of the skin tags by:
Cryosurgery: Your dermatologist will use liquid nitrogen or another extremely cold chemical to freeze and destroy the skin tag during this procedure. Freezing can occasionally result in a blister or scab. The skin tag will come out together with the blister or scab. Your dermatologist may use cryosurgery to remove a skin tag by freezing just the bottom portion of it and cutting it off with sterile scissors or a surgical blade.
Electrodesiccation: Your dermatologist zaps the skin tag to destroy it with a tiny needle. On the treated area of the skin, a scab will form and will fall off in one to three weeks.
Snip: After administering an anesthetic, your dermatologist will cut out the skin tag using sterilized surgical scissors or a blade and apply a dressing to halt the bleeding.
Are products for skin tag removal at home safe?
Skin tag removal products available over the counter are numerous. However, home remedies are not secure. There is an increased possibility of complications with them, including infection, excessive bleeding, and scarring. Unfinished skin tag removal, which increases the likelihood that it will reappear damage to neighboring healthy skin when a tag remover is improperly used on something that is not a skin tag, such as skin cancer.
The differences between moles, warts, and skin tags: While moles and warts can occasionally be mistaken for skin tags, they are not the same.
Warts are more commonly found on the hands and feet. The majority of warts are rough-surfaced, hard, and elevated off the skin.
Moles appear on skin regions that have been exposed to sunlight. Depending on the color of your skin tone, they might be pink, light brown, brown, or darker brown and are typically a different tone from the rest of your skin. Typically, moles are round, flat, or oval in shape.
PREVENTION
How can I prevent getting skin tags in the future?
Actions you can do consist of keeping a healthy weight in mind and exercising regularly. One may not be able to prevent skin tags. Since skin tags are more common in obese individuals, controlling your weight is one thing you can do to try and prevent them. You might also attempt to maintain normal blood sugar levels, as skin tags have been linked to diabetes. Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that skin tags can be avoided by moisturizing and bathing with Syndet (synthetic detergent) bars and steering clear of clothing and jewelry that could rub against your skin.
Your dermatologist may provide you with aftercare advice to follow following treatment. This can entail taking off the bandage, giving the region a thorough cleaning, and applying a fresh bandage. To avoid issues like an infection, strictly follow your aftercare recommendations.
In conclusion, Because skin tags can have a variety of sizes and forms, you could confuse them for warts or even skin cancer. Dermatologists who hold board certification are skilled in distinguishing between minor and significant issues. You can get peace of mind by visiting a dermatologist and learning more about the subject and how to remove it, thereby staying safe.