Understanding Skin Tags: How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Skin tags are small, benign growths that develop from the skin. They can appear on any part of the body, but most commonly occur in areas where there is friction or pressure. They are usually not painful, but sometimes they can be itchy or tender.

There are two types of skin tags: common and plantar. Common skin tags appear anywhere on the body and grow slowly over time. Plantar skin tags grow only on the bottom of your feet and are more likely to develop in people who have diabetes or obesity. You don’t have to live with skin tags anymore. We’re here to help you safely remove them for good—and we’ll give you some tips on how to avoid them in the future.

What are skin tags

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Skin tags (medically known as acrochordons) are small growths on your skin that sort of resemble a mole. They range in size but are usually between 1 to 5 millimeters and are the same color as your skin. They are loose collagen fibers that get attached to the thicker areas of the skin. However, skin tags are more commonly found among older adults, especially those overweight and diabetic.

What causes skin tags

Dermatologists don’t really know what causes skin tags, but there are a few theories. What makes them annoying is that they typically grow in folds of skin or areas where there tends to be a lot of friction—think armpits, neck, and groin. Dr. Larson adds that though we don’t know for sure what causes them, there seem to be common risk factors for people who develop skin tags like family history or genetics, older age, higher body weight, or hormonal changes, like pregnancy. Dr. Larson adds your dermatologist may choose to test you for diabetes if you have a lot of skin tags.

Treatment for removing skin tags

Cryosurgery

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Cryosurgery is a treatment that uses extreme cold produced by liquid nitrogen or argon gas to destroy skin tags. It is a local treatment, which means that it is directed toward a specific part of your body. The type of cryotherapy you get depends on whether the cells it’s targeting are inside or outside your body.

Surgical excision

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Shave excision is a simple procedure that your doctor can use to remove growths, such as moles, lesions, and tumors, from your skin. The primary tool used in this procedure is a sharp razor. Excisional skin surgery involves the use of relatively superficial structures, is performed under local anesthesia, and seldom entails major blood loss or fluid shifts.

Ligation

A skin tag removal band cuts off the supply of blood to the base of the skin tag. Without a supply of blood, the cells die, and the tag falls away. This process is known as ligation.

Radiofrequency

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Radiofrequency ablation is a service where warts, skin tags, or any benign growths on the face, neck, or any part of the body are removed. Skin- tags are growths of varying size that commonly occur on the face, neck, and under-arms. Very small, minute growths can also occur in the area below the lower eyelids. RF works on the principle of using tissue as resistance against high-frequency radio waves delivered at low temperatures. When a high-frequency wave passes through, the tissue resists its passage, thereby creating heat. This heat increases the inner pressure within the mass of tissue by taking the intracellular water to way above boiling point. The increased pressure makes cell walls break, creating a cutting effect.

Electrosurgery

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Electrosurgery is a process that uses electricity to destroy the skin tag. A small probe is used to send an electric current through the tag. This procedure is recommended for people who have one or two skin tags. It is a quick and painless procedure, and the patient can return to normal activities immediately. The results are usually permanent.

Laser surgery

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Lasers work by destroying the damaged skin cells that cause skin tags. As skin tags are found in the deep layers of the skin, lasers can aid in their removal by producing small wounds to promote the healing process. As the laser penetrates the skin tags, the surrounding skin surface will not be damaged. The heat from the laser will also promote new skin cells and collagen production. After a few laser treatments, you’ll notice smoother and brighter skin.

Treatment for removing skin tags in the home

Apple cider vinegar

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Apple cider vinegar is an age-old home remedy for removing skin tags. The acidity in apple cider vinegar helps to dissolve the proteins that hold the skin tag together. This can cause the skin tag to fall off or become smaller.

To use apple cider vinegar, apply a few drops of it directly to your skin tag with a cotton ball or swab. Then, cover the area with a bandage and allow it to sit overnight. When you remove the bandage in the morning, rinse with warm water and dry gently with a towel. If you have sensitive skin, try diluting the apple cider vinegar with water first before applying it directly to your skin tag.

Do this procedure twice daily for two weeks until your skin tag falls off or becomes smaller enough for removal by yourself or a doctor.

Tree tea oil

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Tree tea oil is a natural remedy that can help remove skin tags. It contains many anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to reduce swelling and pain, as well as to kill the bacteria and viruses that cause skin tags.

To use tree tea oil for skin tags, simply apply it directly to the area where your skin tag is growing. You can also mix it with other ingredients like coconut oil or rose hip seed oil to make a more potent treatment.

Garlic paste

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Garlic paste is a very effective home remedy to remove skin tags. It is made by crushing garlic cloves, mixing them with olive oil, and applying it to the affected area. This remedy can be used once or twice a day.

Skin tags are caused by the excess growth of skin cells. They are harmless and do not need to be abolished by surgery. Garlic paste helps in removing them naturally without any side effects or pain. It also prevents new skin tags from forming in the same area.

Vitamin E oil

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

Vitamin E oil is a natural way to remove skin tags. It works by softening the skin tag and making it easier to remove. You can apply vitamin E oil directly to the skin tag or mix it with coconut oil and rub it on the area surrounding your skin tag. You can also use vitamin E capsules to make a paste, which you will then apply to your skin tag.

Banana peel

Understanding Skin Tags How to Remove Them Safely and Effectively

The peel of banana has natural enzymes that can help to dissolve the dead skin cells and oils around your tag, making it easier for you to remove. When you’re ready to start treatment, simply rub the inside of the banana peel over your tag until it falls off.

You may need to repeat this process several times before all of the skin comes off, but this method is highly effective and will leave your skin smooth and clear.

Conclusion

Skin tags can be removed in a variety of ways. The method you choose to remove skin tags depends on the size and location of the growth, as well as your preference for how you want to treat it. Thanks for reading our guide about how to remove skin tags. We hope you found it helpful.

While skin tags are generally harmless, it is important to seek professional help before attempting to remove them. Some skin growths may appear similar to skin tags but can be a sign of a more serious condition. Additionally, at-home removal methods can be dangerous and may cause infection or scarring. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional to determine the best course of treatment.

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