Skin tags are a common skin condition. Fortunately, these developments are generally benign and pose only aesthetic and cosmetic issues. However, you may still want to visit a skincare professional to deal with skin tags, as they are commonly confused with moles or other skin conditions. In addition, DIY skin tag removal techniques can lead to excessive bleeding, pain, and infection, so these services are often best left to a professional. If you have developed skin tags, you should consult with a professional to ensure that the skin tag is not an indication of a more serious condition.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are essentially soft, fleshy growths. These growths hang from the skin. They are generally small and tend to be fewer than 2 centimeters in size. Skin tags are often referred to as acrochordons by dermatologists and other professionals. They are generally benign and simply provide cosmetic concerns. These tags are incredibly common underneath the arms, in the armpits, on the neck, near the eyelids, and on the torso. Skin tags are nothing to worry about, but it can be helpful to visit a skincare professional to have these tags removed. Depending on where they are located, skin tags may cause cosmetic concerns or make it difficult to shave effectively in specific areas.
Common Causes of Skin Tags
Skin tags can occur due to a variety of things. In some cases, skin tags develop simply as a result of genetics. In others, hormonal imbalances lead to the development of skin tags. Skin tags aren’t harmful in and of themselves, but they can indicate more serious problems. It is important to understand how these tags develop in order to prevent them and understand what they are indicative of.
Obesity
Obesity often leads to hormonal problems, especially pertaining to how the body produces collagen. This, in turn, can lead to issues with the skin, which may cause the development of skin tags.
Friction
Friction can cause the development of skin tags. This can occur when clothes that are too tight are worn frequently, or when areas of the skin rub together often.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy results in a multitude of hormonal changes. Not only are females more susceptible to skin tags in general, but they are especially vulnerable to skin tags during pregnancy.
Age
As individuals age, their bodies handle collagen production differently. These hormonal changes can cause skin tags to develop. The vast majority of older people develop skin tags at some point.
Diabetes
Skin tags have been linked to varying blood sugar levels. Due to this, it makes sense that skin tags often occur as a result of diabetes. If you are already aware that you have diabetes, it should be unsurprising when skin tags develop. However, if you aren’t aware of the development of diabetes, you should pay special attention to what your skin tags might mean.
Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome
This condition results in the development of multiple cysts on the surface of the ovaries. This results in both fertility and menstruation issues, along with the irregular production of estrogen. These variations commonly lead to the development of skin tags on the skin.
Treatments for Skin Tags
Understanding how skin tags are treated can help you to determine the best course of action to take when it comes to resolving the issue. It can be tempting to simply cut skin tags off, but this is never a good idea. Cutting your skin tags can result in excessive bleeding and can even lead to infection and scarring. The safest and most effective methods for removing skin tags are often done by skincare professionals.
Possible Biopsy
It is important to have skin tags examined by a skincare professional. This is necessary because it can be difficult to determine whether the condition is a skin tag or another related skin ailment. If it has been determined that the growth isn’t actually a skin tag, it may be necessary to have a biopsy done to ensure that the growth isn’t cancerous. Your medical professional will be able to determine whether or not a biopsy will be necessary.
Surgery
A skin tag may be removed with the use of a surgical procedure. During this procedure, your medical professional will likely remove the skin tag with the use of a scalpel. Never try to cut the skin tag off by yourself, as it can result in many issues if it is accomplished incorrectly.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses a liquid nitrogen compound that is applied to the affected area. Though this method is effective, it may take some time for the frozen skin tag to fall off on its own. It is vital to have a professional perform this to prevent damage from occurring to the surrounding healthy skin.
Cauterization
During cauterization, the skin tag is essentially burnt off. This method requires a special tool that is used to burn the skin tag. Similar to cryotherapy, it may take hours or even days for the skin tag to fall off completely.
Cut Off Blood Supply
Skin tags survive with their own blood supply. Cutting off this blood supply can cause the skin tag to die and fall off. Never attempt to do this yourself. If done incorrectly, this can lead to many different concerns, including excessive bleeding.
Laser Removal
Laser removal is another method that is often used to remove skin tags from the surface of the skin. These lasers are an effective method for safely removing these tags.
Skin tags are most often benign and won’t cause any harm. They can, however, result in significant cosmetic concerns. In addition, skin tags that rub against clothing or other areas may result in painful and sensitive areas. Here at Allen-Taintor Dermatology, we provide multiple services that are designed to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. If you have developed skin tags and would like to have them removed or are worried that they may be a condition other than skin tags, contact our experts at Allen-Taintor Dermatology today!