Also known as acrochordon, a skin tag is a small benign tumour that forms mainly in areas where the skin forms creases, or rubs together — such as the neck, armpit, and groin. It resembles a wart and is connected to the skin by a small, thin stalk. “They are typically flesh-coloured or slightly darker and can vary in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter in diameter. Both men and women frequently experience them, and their frequency tends to rise with age,” said Dr Navya Handa, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, adding that skin tags are made of collagen (a type of protein) and blood vessels surrounded by skin.
What causes skin tags?
Skin tags tend to develop when the skin rubs against itself, and extra cells grow in the top layers of the skin. Usually painless, they don’t cause any specific symptoms. But if they rub on clothing or jewellery, they may bleed or get sore. According to Dr Handa, “Skin tags can develop as a result of friction as skin rubs against clothing or other flesh. Middle-aged and old people are more likely to develop skin tags as well as overweight or obese people. Hormonal changes in certain diabetic and pregnant individuals can also increase the risk of skin tags.”
Along similar lines, Dr Saurabh Shah, Dermatologist, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai said, “Skin tags are a result of an increase in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which causes an increase in the production of fibro-fatty tissue which gets encased in a skin overgrowth called skin tags.”
Treatment
As skin tags are usually harmless, removal is generally for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons.
Skin tag removal bands and patches
A skin tag removal band cuts off the supply of blood to the base of the skin tag, without which the cells die and the tag falls off. This process is known as ligation.
Freezing kits
In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals use liquid nitrogen to destroy unwanted skin tissue, which is known as cryotherapy.
Cutting or clipping
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Only cut or clip off a skin tag with the approval of a healthcare professional. Cleanse the skin and the tool thoroughly to prevent infection. In addition, do not try this method on tags around the eyes or genitals.
Some people with sensitive skin can have an allergic reaction to tea tree oil. (Source: Freepik)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Some experts claim that you can remove a skin tag by soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and applying it to your skin. It is believed that this method can take up to two weeks to work.
Tea Tree Oil
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Similar to the apple cider vinegar method, it is believed that applying a cotton ball soaked in tea tree oil can also help remove a skin tag. However, some people with sensitive skin can have an allergic reaction to tea tree oil.
Cauterisation
It is when a skin tag is burned off at its base. This can be done with an electrical probe or needle that produces an electric current.
Concluding, Dr Handa said, “The removal of skin tags at home can be risky and may result in infection or scarring. It is recommended to speak with a healthcare provider if you have skin tags and are worried about them.”
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