WellMedica

Skin Tag Treatment

Skin tags are soft, non-cancerous skin growths that often occur in small, undisclosed places around the body. These are loose, collagen fibers that are often lodged in the thicker skinned parts of your body.

WellMedica Skin tag

Skin tags are soft, non-cancerous skin growths that often occur in small, undisclosed places around the body. These are loose, collagen fibers that are often lodged in the thicker skinned parts of your body.

Although it isn’t exactly known why skin tags develop, they are very common – affecting over half of the world’s population. They are more prevalent in the elderly, pregnant women, and people with diabetes.

Skin tags are harmless lesions, but may bleed or cause irritation when rubbed or snagged against clothing and jewelry. Some people may find them irritating or bothersome, however, treatment is available in many forms!

Here we will address any questions you may have concerning skin tags and how to treat them.

SKIN TAG TREATMENTS | BEFORE & AFTERS

What are Skin Tags?

A skin tag is the most common type of skin bump. They are entirely harmless, but may present cosmetic concerns to some. They are very small, soft, noncancerous growths that typically range in size from 2 millimeters to 1 centimeter. In some cases they may grow to 5 centimeters.

Skin tags are made up of collagen fibers, ducts, nerve cells, and fat cells. They can range from being smooth or irregular in appearance and they can also range in color (from flesh colored or brown). Multiple skin tags may be found in large skin areas. Almost everyone will develop these non-benign growths at some point in their life.

What Causes Skin Tags?

As stated earlier, almost everyone does end up developing these growths at some point in their life. However, it is not exactly clear what causes skin tags. We do know that they are often found in the creases of folds in the skin which may indicate that they appear when skin is rubbed together. They are also more common as we age. Those in the middle-age bracket are the most susceptible to have skin tags. It is also associated with obesity, pregnancy, and diabetes. If one has a genetic predisposition this can also be a factor.

Where Do Skin Tags Develop?

You can find skin tags all throughout the face and body. The most common places where the skin folds. These areas include the neck, armpits, eyelids, under the breasts, groin, and upper chest. Due to the fact that these are not extremely prominent locations, skin tags tend to go unnoticed for quite some time. Sometimes they go unnoticed for so long they rub off or fall off on their own painlessly. Bigger ones can burst under pressure.

How to Remove Skin Tags

Removing skin tags should always be done by a professional. Although you can remove skin tags at home, we do not recommend it. When done at home, it can cause bleeding and possible infection. We recommend seeing a trained professional to remove a skin tag in order to avoid any risk of bleeding, unnecessary pain, and to ensure a safe removal.

Home Remedies for Skin Tags

Skin tags do not require medical attention and many people may choose to treat them with home remedies. If so, you may have some of these remedies in your cabinet at home. Below are a few products that sometimes aid in skin tag removal.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a very useful antiviral and antifungal essential oil and is safe to use on the skin. Before proceeding with any kind of topical treatment, we advise trying a skin test first to reduce possible irritation or risk of allergic reaction.

When using tea tree oil, it is best to wash the affected area and surrounding skin. Then, with a Q-tip or cotton ball, gently massage the oil over the skin tag. You can place a band-aid or bandage over the ski tag to ensure the oil stays in place overnight.

Some people may benefit from diluting the oil with a dab of coconut oil.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Some people have noticed that apple cider vinegar can help remove skin tags. Again, it is best to begin by cleaning the affected area before continuing. As with the tea tree oil, soak a Q-tip or cotton ball in and place the swab over the skin tag. Place a bandage over the site and wait for 15 to 30 minutes. Wash your skin and repeat for a few days to a couple of weeks.

Apple cider vinegar is acidic which can help break down skin tissues surrounding the skin tag causing it to fall off.

Vitamin E

Aging is often associated with developing more skin tags. Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants and helps nourish the skin. Applying vitamin E oil may help with skin tag removal. All you need to do is apply the vitamin E oil to your skin tag daily until it falls off.

Garlic

Garlic is great for your skin. It can help reduce inflammation and helps fight off bacteria. To help rid yourself of your skin growth, apply crushed garlic to your skin tag. Bandage the area and leave it be overnight. When you wake up the next day, remove the bandage and wash the area. Repeat until the skin tag either shrinks or completely disappears.

Safe Skin Tag Removal

As mentioned before, if you are considering removing skin tags, it is always best to consult a doctor. In many cases, small skin tags eventually rub off on their own and do not require treatment. Larger ones may stay attached to your skin. In this case, as long as it doesn’t bother you, it may be best to leave it alone. However, if your skin tag hurts, becomes irritated, or is a cosmetic concern, it is best to have it removed professionally.

Some of the most common methods of removing a skin tag include:

  • Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to remove the skin tag (like with warts).
  • Surgical removal: Removing a skin tag with a scalpel or medical scissors.
  • Electrosurgery: Using light energy to remove a skin tag.
  • Ligation: Removing a tag by cutting off the blood supply with surgical thread.

 

Small skin tags typically do not require anesthesia. However, a local anesthetic may be used to prevent pain or bleeding.

Here at WellMedica, we can use cauterization, cryosurgery, and excision to get rid of skin tags. Cauterization involves burning off the skin tag using electrolysis. We also use cryosurgery which is freezing off a skin tag with liquid nitrogen.

Lastly, we excise these growths by having our Board Certified doctor cut them out with a scalpel. Our doctor will analyze your skin upon arriving to decide what is the best treatment option for you based on your needs and skin type.

When to See A Doctor

It is usually unnecessary to see a doctor for a skin tag. Unlike a mole, they are not a health concern, nor do they develop into cancer nor are they harmful to your body. However, they may be a cosmetic concern for some.

Possible Risk Factors:

Some people may be at a greater risk of developing skin tags. If you are:

  • overweight
  • pregnant

or

  • have a genetic predisposition to developing skin tags
  • have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
  • have HPV

Other Possible Concerns

Skin tags don’t become skin cancer like other skin conditions such as warts and moles can resemble skin tags. Since some moles may be cancerous, it’s best to have your skin tags examined by a doctor. Your dermatologist or family doctor will be able to diagnose skin tags. They’ll likely do this through a visual exam. If they have any doubt about the diagnosis, they may also perform a biopsy.

Table Of Contents

What are Skin Tags?
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What Causes Skin Tags?
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Where Do Skin Tags Develop?
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How to Remove Skin Tags?
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Home Remedies for Skin Tags
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Safe Skin Tag Removal
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When to See A Doctor
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CONTACT US

Contact Info

1801 Robert Fulton Dr. Suite 540
Reston, VA 20191
phone# 703-787-9866
Fax# 703-787-9861

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