What is a skin tag?
Skin tags are small, non-cancerous growths on your skin and appear on areas where there is friction. In other words, you will find them in areas where the skin rubs against each other. It could be found on armpits, groin, thighs, neck, etc. Skin tags are quite common and it has been found that at least half of the adults worldwide will experience at least one skin tag in their lifetime.
Skin tags are also called acrochordons. While they are harmless, it becomes essential to remove them when their appearance starts bothering you. This is particularly true when skin tags form on your face or neck. Also, sometimes, more serious conditions could mimic a skin tag. So, it is always recommended to visit a dermatologist to get your skin tag diagnosed.
Who develops skin tags, and are they preventable?
Anyone can get a skin tag, but there are a few types of people who have a higher chance of experiencing this skin condition –
- Having a family history of skin tags
- Having existing health issues such as diabetes, obesity, etc
- Experiencing high levels of growth factors, such as during pregnancy
While skin tags are not completely avoidable, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the chances of occurrences, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Getting regular exercise.
- Avoiding jewelry and clothing that may rub against your skin.
How to identify a skin tag?
Unfortunately, a skin tag can be of any shape and color. For instance, it could be the same color as your skin or darker. Some skin tags are also pink in color. If they are irritated to a great extent, they may even appear in reddish hues. As far as shapes are concerned, most skin tags are thick and dangling from a stalk. But sometimes, they may even appear firmly fixed to the skin. Owing to this lack of clarity about the appearance of skin tags, it becomes even more critical to evaluate any growth on your skin by an experienced dermatologist.
How is a skin tag different from warts?
Most people confuse a skin tag with warts. While they can appear similar sometimes, they are two completely different kinds of skin conditions. Here are the main differences between the two:
- While warts are hard and rough skin growths, skin tags are soft flaps of skin.
- While warts are contagious, skin tags generally do not spread from one person to another.
- While warts appear in areas of thick skin, skin tags appear in areas of friction.
- While warts are oval or round in shape, skin tags are usually thick and stalky.
Best treatments in Bangalore for skin tag removal
A treatment for skin tag becomes necessary under two scenarios. One, when your skin tag is irritated or it bleeds easily. Two, its appearance bothers you. There are a myriad of over-the-counter skin tag removal products, but many of them are unsafe. They can result in scars, exacerbate bleeding, cause infection, or even damage the healthy nearby skin.
As a result, it is always recommended to pay a visit to the dermatologist who will treat your skin tag without leading to unwanted side effects. They are qualified and have all the necessary training to remove skin tags even from sensitive areas like your eyelids.
At the skincare clinic, the dermatologist will take a look at the skin tag first and then ask about your health history. This step is necessary to rule out all the other growths that may look like a skin tag. Most of the time, a test is not necessary and a dermatologist will identify a skin tag by examining it. In rare situations, they may take a sample (biopsy) if they suspect something else.
There are several methods for skin tag removal, and it varies from one dermatologist to another.
But a typical treatment will involve the following approaches:
- Using a sharp instrument such as a scalpel to shave or cut it off.
- Using extremely cold gas (liquid nitrogen) to freeze it.
- Use heat (cauterization) to burn it off or to stop bleeding.
Once the dermatologist completes the procedure, the affected area will scab over in the next few days. Once it falls off, it will be very difficult for anyone to say that a skin tag existed there. During the procedure, you will experience only mild discomfort as the dermatologist will apply numbing cream to the area to reduce the pain.
Conclusion
As evident from this guide, skin tag removal is not a complex process provided you get it done from an experienced dermatologist. Only then you will achieve a scar-less skin without any unwanted side-effects. If you are in Bangalore or its vicinity, you can get your skin tag treated or removed at Dr. Renu’s Skin Care Clinic. Book an appointment with us today.
