What Do You Mean By Skin Tags?
Skin tags are very tiny mole-like growths on the skin. It is to be noted that These are not painful. But they can mean pure signs of an unhealthy lifestyle that leads to premature aging. There is a very interesting name for skin tags. Do you want to know? It is acrochordons in Greek, the word acrochordons can be divided into two parts. Acro is meant by topmost or defines a leg or an arm. The term chorde refers to a string. The name describes the appearance of skin tags pretty well that look like tiny projections of string on the surface of the skin. Yes, an acrochordon is a complicated name. But the issues it causes are even more problematic.
A skin tag is as small as 2mm. But, they can prove to be bigger. If skin tags irritate, it is best to consult a doctor and get these removed. One does not need to fear skin tags, for these are not cancerous. These are loosened fibers of protein collagen that get stuck within the fold's thick skin folds. These are mushy looking and having them on the skin are signs of underlying illness like diabetes. But, these are very common in old people. These skin tags are not painful until they get ripped off by friction.
Skin tags are often mistaken as warts. Generally, warts are formed by Human papillomavirus (HPV). But, skin tags are not the outcome of any viruses. Warts tend to have a rough surface and are flatter. Some warts like verrucas might cause some amount of pain and irritation. But all skin tags have a painless, smooth surface. It hangs like a little stalk from the surface of the skin. If you want to understand the remedies, causes, and OTCs for this problem, stick to this article to the end!
Let Us Get Going with The Causes of Skin Tags
It is important to know certain things that cause skin tags. These are not painful and very small to be noticed. But, it is very important to know the reason why it is caused instead of staying in the dark. So, let us begin!
Skin tags are a cause of friction. The growth of an extra number of cells tends to cause this. More cell growth means the formation of fatty layers on the skin. These layers of the skin rub against one another and cause trouble. It is most likely for Obese people to suffer from this issue. The layers of their skin tend to cause friction when they rub against each other. This friction causes the protein collagen to get blocked in the layers of the skin. If skin tags are a matter of irritation for you. Get it removed!
Type 2 diabetes is one of the serious problems that promote skin tags. Older people who are more vulnerable to diabetes, are exposed to skin tag problems. A study mentioned in the National Library of Medicine conducted in 2007 reports a greater risk of diabetes in the population that suffers from skin tags. Recent research has also stated that skin tags are signs of internal issues. If the body is not healthy, these appear as its outcome. People with high cholesterol are likely to have these little stalks on their skin. So, if you have skin tags, it is a signal for you to check your lifestyle. These act as a kind of health indicator in simple terms. The National Library of Medicine also mentions the connection between skin tags and resistance of Insulin. If the pancreas is unable to create a good amount of insulin to transport the sugar into the body cells, then it could be said that the body has become insulin resistant. This is not a good sign to begin with. If the body has too much blood sugar, it amplifies into a serious sort of Diabetes Mellitus. Therefore, ignoring skin tags just because they are painless will not do.
One might face Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome if there are too many skin tags irritating the skin. This syndrome is problematic. This syndrome can also indicate lung problems. This accelerates the prominence of tumors in the kidneys and lungs. This, nobody wants. Therefore, it is advised to get medically tested as soon as one detects symptoms of these skin tags. This syndrome is reported to be inherited. People affected with this syndrome might also have a condition called pneumothorax, where the functioning of the lung declines.
An article in Everyday Health states that skin tags can also be associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome(NBCCS). The skin tags indicate the presence of this condition. Here, people are exposed to basal cell carcinoma cancer. However, this is a rare issue, and further research is required to prove its assurance.
Skin tags are indicators of many such problems as these. One should follow these indications and act accordingly. If one lets these problems amplify, it would lead to a health mess. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states that skin tags are nothing uncommon when one ages. It is a sure sign of aging. However, it also indicates diseases that afflict old age. One should try to seek medical help in these cases. The removal of skin tags though not necessary, is highly recommendable.
Understanding Skin Tags
Getting to understand the symptoms of skin tags is important. If you know these early signs, you can prevent its transformation into something pretty serious.
The most important thing to note about skin tags is whether it pains or not. If the condition causes no pain, then it is a sure sign of being a skin tag. Skin tags are not cancerous. These are painless tumors on the surface of the skin that project out like small sticks or a short string.
The second thing to be taken into account is the color of the skin tag. These are the exact color of your skin. Some may be flesh-colored, while some might be a little dark. But, the color is nearest to that of your skin. It does not have any red spots and does not form puss-like pimples.
Dr. Baxt states that these skin tags very commonly appear under your arms, neck, groin, and eyelids. Usually, skin tags don't get any large. However, the number can vary greatly.
Skin tags are very different from warts. Warts are contagious, but skin tags are not. The virus that causes warts can spread very rapidly. This condition may also cause a lot of pain, but skin tags are never associated with pain unless scratched with something rough.
If you can identify your condition with these issues, it is undoubtedly a skin tag that you have.
Some Available Remedies to Reduce Skin Tags
Skin tags are possible to remove in several ways. So, what are you waiting for? Try some of these and get to see the results. These are some of the options that you can try at home:
Even though treatment might be the best advice for the removal of skin-tag, other home-based remedies work effectively too. These are natural remedies and will benefit greatly.
These remedies will take a bit more time than medical treatments. But, giving it a shot is never too bad.
Let us view the first ingredient
Oil from Tea Tree
The tea tree is popular for its many benefits. Antifungal and antiviral functions are the best known of them. This tea tree is also known as Melaleuca alternifolia. This is different from the one that is used for the production of tea leaves. One of the compounds that it makes use of is terpinene-4-ol. This is greatly beneficial in destroying bacteria and fungi. This also accelerates the functioning of white blood cells that assist in shielding foreign germs. These natural features of the tea tree are very much recommended for skin tags. Yes, skin tags are not caused due to viruses but applying this oil might help the tag to dry up. In this way, you can get rid of it.
Some steps that one can follow for the proper application of this remedy are as mentioned:
- Rinse the area that has the skin tag
- Make use of cotton or a soft and clean cloth to apply the oil gently to the affected portion.
- Cover the area with a bandage.
Using this remedy continually for a few days would help in drying out the skin tag.
Vinegar of Apple Cider
It is highly beneficial to know the uses of this product. It is natural and amazing. It has been used for a long time for medicinal and cooking purposes. But, it is also unique for helping with the problem of a skin tag. It is a great antioxidant.
This helps any skin problem immensely. The acidic quality of this product helps in drying out the skin tag and in falls off consequently.
Some steps necessary to follow for the proper application of this remedy are:
- Soak a cotton pad in this vinegar and apply it to the affected portion of the skin.
- Make use of a bandage to cover this part for at least 20 minutes. After completing this step, wash off the area well.
- Just like the tea tree remedy, this remedy if followed every day, you will be able to observe good results.
Magic of Vitamin E
How can we forget this vitamin? This is a multipurpose vitamin. It has great antioxidant properties and helps decrease wrinkles and hydrates the skin. One can give a try to this Vitamin.
Using it on the skin tag would get it off your skin. After cleansing, the affected portion with a cotton pad soaked in warm water, apply the oil directly to the skin. This would do the needful. One will be able to view significant changes if this process is carried on for a couple of days.
Peel of The Banana
Instead of throwing away banana peels only to slip on them, try making use of its magic. Banana peels can do wonders to skin tag problems. It is to be noted that due to the antioxidant functions of banana peel, it helps in drying out the affected area.
One can make use of this properly by placing the peel over the tag and directly covering it with a bandage. Making use of this remedy every night would do the right thing.
The Garlic Thing
Garlic is imbued with anti-inflammatory benefits. If you can bear the strong smell of garlic, then you are well set to use it. Garlic contains a compound called Allicin which can do wonders. It is popular for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal functions. This also helps inactive blood circulation.
Several vitamins such as vitamin C, selenium, etc. are present in this white powerhouse. If applied regularly on the skin tag, you will surely get rid of it.
After crushing the garlic and putting it on the tag, one can cover the place with a bandage. In the morning, one can wash it off. Repeated use of this natural method would be of immense usage.
Is It Possible to Diagnose Skin Tags?
Skin tags usually do not require professional treatment. Either it goes away by using natural remedies, or it stays as it is without causing any irritation. However, if one feels insecure about their appearance due to these little tags, one can always consider the diagnosis in several ways.
Diagnosis of these tags is done by examining their nature of it. Laboratory tests for skin tags are not necessary. But, the doctor may advise the nature of the skin tag to be provided to a pathologist for diagnosis. This would clear doubts regarding the affected area. The diagnosis would help to eliminate other possibilities (if there are any) of the nature of the condition. In certain cases, moles and warts look like skin tags. Proper Diagnosis would help to identify the correct nature of the condition. It is to be taken into account that akin cancer is not associated with skin tags.
Skin Tag Removal with The Help of Surgery
- Skin tags can be removed by surgical means too. One might contact a dermatologist to conduct the surgery. One might prefer surgery for skin tags because of cosmetic reasons. Applying makeup on uneven skin becomes quite hard. So, surgery is recommended in these cases. Otherwise, if you are not into makeup or wearing clothes that irritate the tags, it is fine to depend on home-based remedies.
- Cryosurgery is a well-known method for skin tag removal. If you are troubled with skin tags that cause irritation and lead to bleeding, this is a piece of good advice to follow. This method removes skin tags by freezing the affected area using liquefied nitrogen. It is preferred because it has a low-risk rate. The process does not involve the destruction of healthy tissues. However, if not done properly, it may lead to different problems.
- Electrocautery is yet another process. This also assists in the quick removal of skin tags by burning them off. It might be a bit more painful than the previous method of Cryosurgery.
- Ligation is another process that dissolves tag growth. Here, a surgical thread is used to cut the flow of blood from the skin tag. This detaches the tag from the skin. It is quite a simple process.
- Some simple methods of skin tag removal include chopping off the tags with the assistance of medical scissors or a surgical knife. This is a simple process with minimal complications and pain. The website of Everyday Health confirms the usage of these surgical procedures.
OTC Necessities
Over-the-counter materials are available for tag removal. Besides natural and surgical remedial, these options can also be relied on. There are few surgical kits present in the drugstores. The freezing kits have the feature of cryotherapy. Now, one may remove the skin tag sitting at home. Removal of ointments for skin tags like Mamaearth's tea tree spot gel can also be beneficial. But the continual usage of these products may lead to problems like irritation of the skin. These are great for short-term usage.
The Wrap Up
Now, we all know what a skin tag is. We even know the methods and processes that can be used in its removal. It is best advised to use natural methods for skin tag removal in normal cases. But, if you are a makeup artist or a fashion icon, wearing make-up and tight dresses might add to discomfort with skin tags covering the body. Here, people can rely on surgical techniques from trusted doctors. Usually, skin tags do not grow back. But, there are cases when they appear continually.
In such cases, it is recommended to contact a trusted dermatologist. These are indicators of underlying issues of health. Thus, ignoring these will not be fruitful. One needs to make use of the available remedies to reduce the effects of skin tags and prevent them from developing into something very serious. It is always recommended to use a good ointment rich in antibiotics after the removal of the skin tag at home. This reduces the problems associated with infections. Consulting trusted doctors should be given the topmost priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Remove Skin Tags by Oneself?
It is never a clever idea to remove skin tags by oneself. It is a bad idea. At times getting the assistance of over-the-counter methods is also not trustworthy. These are not very assuring because we can never know if the condition is a skin tag or not. Skin tags can be confused with moles and warts at times. Also, chopping off the skin tags by oneself without the aid of medical scissors might often lead to excessive bleeding. At times people tie the skin tags using dental floss. This is not advisable either. At the end of the day, this process might lead to skin tag rotting. So, it is advisable to get a diagnosis if one is in need to remove skin tags. Otherwise, there is no issue.
Is It Possible for Skin Tags to Grow Back?
Usually, when skin tags are treated, they do not grow back. But, if one is a sufferer of obesity, these growths cannot stay limited. One needs to check blood sugar levels to restrict the continual growth of these tags. Losing weight might help a bit.
What Are the Best Products for Reducing Skin Tags?
Ointments and skin tag removal pads are great products one can rely on for the short term. Some trusted brands are Samsali Skin Tag Remover Pads and Hello Sunshine's Skin Tag Removal Pad.
Which Skin Tag Removal Works the Best?
According to the trusted website of Wexner Medical Center, the methods of freezing and snipping occupy the top shelf. Over-the-counter methods are not always useful. Ointments and lotions might also not be a long-term profit. So, the best option is to contact a trusted dermatologist to understand the process that would work well.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Useful for Skin Tag Removal?
It is useful if used in a limited way. Over usage of this liquid might be harmful. Several studies have reported that the application of apple cider vinegar might remove skin tags well but also lead to the removal of the upper layer of the skin. This might scar the area. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be caused due to usage of this vinegar in large quantities. However, if one wants to make use of this product, some steps are to be followed:
Firstly, a cotton cloth must be soaked in the liquid and applied to the skin tag with a bandage's assistance.
Secondly, the time limit should be considered. The wrap should be removed precisely after 10 minutes, not more.
Thirdly, the affected area is to b rinsed with warm water and be left to dry on its own.
Fourthly, these three steps, if followed for a couple of weeks, would add to the considerable benefit.
References
- Canter, J. (2019). Skin Tags: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options - https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/skin-tag-causes-and-treatments.aspx
- Cole, G. (2022). Skin Tag, Medicine Net - https://www.medicinenet.com/skin_tag/article.htm
- Wells, D. (2018), How to Treat Acne and Some Other Skin Conditions with Garlic, Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/garlic-for-acne
- Website of Cleveland Clinic - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21528-skin-tags-acrochordons
- Website of Healthdirect - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/skin-tags
- Higuera, V. (2022), Everything to Know About Skin Tag Removal, Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-tag-removal#home-remedies
