Skin Tags : What It Is and Removal Procedure

Skin tags are benign, noncancerous growths that commonly develop in the folds of the skin and often grow on the neck, armpit, thighs or groin, eyelids, under the breasts and genitals area. They usually form in a small, fleshy, and round shape. They are also called acrochordons, cutaneous papilloma or soft fibromas and they most often occur on the neck or under arms. Skin tags are small flaps of skin that commonly hang from the belly button and groin area with diameter around 1 mm to 5 mm and some of it can really grow, up to few centimeters.

Skin tags also can appear on the inside of the mouth, eyelids, and eyelashes. Skin tags are more likely to develop in people who have been:

+ obesity and overweight,

+ due to genetics history,

+ diabetes issue,

+ skin disorders or

+ increase growth factors due to pregnancy.

Some people may also develop them simply by aging because they become more prone to developing these skin irregularities after 50 years old.

The medical term for these growths is acrochordon. It is harmless growths that often start to appear during puberty as a result of an increase in hormones. They are post-adolescent skin growths that occur in the skin’s top layers due to excess and loose collagen formation and blood vessels in the cells of the tissue which cause them to form into hard protrusions of this tissue. It is normal occurrence for mostly half of all adults in this world to develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime.

Skin tags will often shrink and eventually fall off the body after a few months. They are usually just a nuisance and may be removed for cosmetic reasons or due to itching or irritation. Even though it may be caused by genetics, poor hygiene, diet or other environmental factors. Some people have inherited a tendency for developing skin tags and are susceptible to in later life.

While they are harmless, they may require removal if you find them unattractive, bleeds easily or notice that they’re becoming irritated by certain clothing or jewelery. Often, you will notice a skin tag only when it starts to grow larger or change colors. These changes often indicate that the skin tag is trying to heal itself or grow more blood vessels in order to remain in place. Some people even report growth of more skin tags after treatment for others.

Difference between Skin Tag and Mole

A mole is a type of tumor that can form anywhere on your body. It is often brownish or black but can come in many colors including pink, red and grayish-white moles. A mole is made up by group of skin cells called melanocytes unlike a skin tag which is just a protruding combination of collagen and blood vessels.

Moles commonly located rooted deeper within the skin, but skin tags only form on the skin surface. No hair will grow inside skin tags but hair can grow inside moles. Moles can change in appearance over time as the surface of the mole runs through various stages of change.

Skin Tags in Pubic Area or Skin Tag Genital

Daily and consistent rubbing between skin and clothes (underwear) can irritate the sensitive skin around genital area and leading to build up of these small tags growth. Since these areas loaded with thin and sensitive skin, it’s crucial to choose a specific home remedies or over-the-counter products if you are looking for at-home treatment.

Skin Tag Turned Black

Skin tags tend to be the same color as it surrounding skin. Although it is not common for skin tags to turn black, there is no need for extra concern because this might just be caused by irritation from scratching or picking at it.

Skin Tag vs Wart

Wart structure normally flat, meanwhile skin tags are a little bit raised from the skin by a thin joint that contain blood vessels. Skin tags formed due to many causes such as obesity but warts commonly formed due to virus attack.

+ Filiform Warts

This type of wart is totally different compared to other warts that are flat. Filiform warts have narrow and long protruding structure about 2 to 3 millimeters from the skin. While skin tags color normally same as its surrounding, this kind of warts have yellow, pink or brown color and form in clusters.

+ Wart on eyelid

Filiform wart can form around eyelids area and also known as facial warts. This kind of warts commonly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and it is contagious by skin contact. The treatment for filiform wart is same like skin tags where you can use sharp instrument or cryotherapy.

Skin Tags Removal

Skin tags are generally small and harmless. Modern dermatologists agree that they should not be considered as a significant cause for worry or concern. They usually have no adverse effect on health and don’t pose any kind of risk to patients. In most cases they cause no harm to the person and should not be removed unless they become inflamed or infected. But when it starts to affect your daily life, you might want to consider getting it removed because it can cause discomfort or embarrassment.

There are many different ways to remove a skin tag, and you can choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some people prefer a DIY at home removal while others prefer a more conservative method with a professional dermatologist visit.

# OTC Products

You can get over-the-counter (OTC) skin tag removal products and it is advisable to take few precautions step before applying it on the skin tags area as to avoid excessive bleeding, infection or scars formation. Skin tag removal creams can be used for skin tag near eye removal at home. It works by weakening or killing the cell membrane surrounding each hair follicle, eventually causing the cells to die and fall off your body naturally. Creams work by applying pressure on the skin tag through a wound in the outer layer of skin which leads to blood flow that is necessary for breaking down collagen tissue under the skin and weakening it until it falls off and is replaced with new healthy tissue. The tags normally will fall off after 8 to 11 days.

# Dermatologist

Skin tags can be removed with the help of a dermatologist in the clinic. A dermatologist will identify the best method and treatment for your skin tags to minimize scarring and damaged to healthy nearby skin. These methods include:

+ Sharp Instrument

One of them is by cutting the skin tag off with small surgical scissors or scalpel.

+ Heat

There are also heat method using electric cautery unit that burns off the blood vessels feeding them or also known as skin tag cauterization method.

+ Laser

In recent years, dermatologists have been using laser technology to quickly zap off skin tags without surgery.

+ Extremely Cold Gas

Another method of removing skin tags is called cryosurgery and this method freezes the skin tag with liquid nitrogen as a way to destroy it. The downside of this procedure is that it damaged any surrounding tissue as well, which may result in an ugly appearance post procedure.

These are all the in-office methods on how to remove skin tags on eyelid or eye tag. Home remedies for skin tag include soaking cotton balls in apple cider vinegar and placing them around the area of concern, but please make sure to rub alcohol on cotton balls to kill off bacteria before applying it.

After the skin tag is removed, you will notice the skin will scab for few days. It is recommended to put antibiotic ointment and covered it with bandages for few days in order to contain it from any infection. After one week, continue to put loads of scar serum and moisturizer on the concerned areas after the scab falls off to minimize the scarring.

Eyelid Skin Tags Pictures

Can I Use Wart Remover on Skin Tags?

Skin tags normally have soft tissue characteristics and this make it different from warts. Using wart remover that are designed for hard skin will leads to some damage to the skin surrounding skin tags area and causing scarring.

Takeaway

Skin tags can be removed with a dermatologist or at home except if the skin tags located close to an eyelid, it is recommended to get service from ophthalmologist to avoid unnecessary health risks. There should be few skin tag removal dermatologist service near you, and the most easiest way is by using Google engine by querying remove skin tags near me or skin tag removal clinic near me keyword phrase.

In most cases, a skin tag will not grow larger than 1/4 inch in size, but for some it may grow to a large size if left unchecked. However, dermatologist advise against trying to remove skin tags at home if the tags are quite large or in numerous quantities as it could cause further issues such as bleeding and infection. Instead, you should speak with a dermatologist about what is safe and effective for you to use. They can tell you about the different options for skin tag removal procedure and after removal treatment guide.

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