Skin tags are those small benign growths that often show up on the skin, and can aggravate or worry a lot of people. Even though skin tags are normally harmless, the desire to remove them for cosmetic reasons or discomfort is common. Fortunately, skin tags may be taken off at home, competently and efficiently without an expert’s help.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes of skin tags, different extraction techniques, and best practices for safe and secure skin tag removal procedures.
Understanding skin tags
Before timing into removal methods, it is essential to understand what skin tags are. Skin tags, scientifically known as acrochordons, are small, soft clothes that often appear on the skin’s surface. Usually flesh-colored or barely darker, these benign growths are generally potential, but they can grow to be bothersome if they rub against jewelry or clothing.
What are the causes of skin tags?
While the exact cause of skin tags remains unclear, several factors contribute to the development:
- Friction
Skin-to-skin friction or skin rubbing towards apparel may lead to the formation of skin tags, especially in the areas where the skin folds.
- Genetics
Studies endorse that skin tags can be inherited especially by predisposing individuals.
- Hormonal changes
Variations in hormones same as the ones experienced at some point of pregnancy, or in humans with diabetes, have been linked to skin tag formation.
Safe Methods for Extracting Skin Tags at Home
If you have decided to extract a skin tag at home, it is essential to choose a procedure that is safe and increases the risk of infection or scarring. Here are a few convincing strategies.
- Over-the-counter topical solutions
It is possible to find over-the-counter topical solutions containing ingredients such as salicylic, acid, or tea tree oil. These ingredients are characteristic with the aid of dissolving the tissue of the skin. Apply the solution directly to the skin attack by following the instructions thoroughly.
- Tying of the dental floss or a thread
If dental floss or thread is secured tightly across the surface of the skin tag, reducing its blood supply, the skin tag will ultimately weaken and fall off.
- Apple cider vinegar
To help in the breakdown of the tissue, apply apple cider vinegar on the surface of the skin tag it with a cotton ball, and leave it on all night. This ought to be performed continuously until the skin tag comes off.
- Freezing with over-the-counter products
It is viable to cause skin tags to drop off by freezing them. These products, which contain dimethyl ether and propane, are commonly sold over the counter.
- Medical adhesive
The technique of tying off skin tags with dental floss is similar to the use of clinical adhesive in directive to reduce blood supply. The skin tags peel off slowly with this method, for that reason, it takes some time to show the outcomes.
Best practices for safe removal
- Clean the region well
Wash the skin tag and the encircling area well with gentle cleansing soap and water to reduce the opportunity for Infection.
- Carefully follow instructions
Whether using over-the-counter solutions or home remedies, carefully read and follow the product instructions to instruct the proper application.
- Avoid cutting
To save you from bleeding, infection, and scarring, do not cut off skin tags with scissors or any sharp tools at home.
- Need patience
The majority of home eradication techniques call for persistence. The most vital factor is to use the chosen treatment continuously and with persistence until the skin tag falls off on its own.
- Inspect for contamination
Keep a tight eye out for any signs of infection, inflammation, redness, or discharge within the vicinity. If any of these appear, seek medical attention.
When to seek medical advice?
Despite the reality that many people may additionally, successfully get rid of skin tags naturally at home, in certain conditions, professional help could be required.
- Enlarged or multiple skin tags
If you have a huge or more than one skin tag, visiting a dermatologist can be the quality line of action to guarantee the proper elimination and decrease scarring.
- Uncertain diagnosis
If you are unsure if the increase in a skin tag is another type of skin lesion, it’s far imperative that you try to find expert advice for the right diagnosis.
- Persistent bleeding or infection
After extracting at home, if you experience chronic bleeding or unusual pain, it is encouraged to seek clinical help.
Does the presence of a skin tag or enlargement indicate cancer?
This one is hard. Skin tags are benign (non-cancerous) by definition. However, it is entirely possible to confuse a potentially cancerous growth for a skin tag, and the only person who can tell you whether you are safe is a medical professional. Make sure to report any questionable areas to a dermatologist. A dermatologist can examine your possible skin tag and specify whether it’s something more serious that needs to be biopsied.
Experts recommend checking out any painful or itchy skin tags before considering how to remove them. The skin growth “should be biopsied” if it appears shiny, scabbed, bleeds, or changes or darkens in color. When it comes to the health of your skin, it’s better to be proactive even though there might not be anything to worry about. The best way to repay your outer layer for all of its hard work keeping you safe is to proactively address any potential issues before they arise.
Conclusion
Skin tag removal at home can be a safe and simple procedure. For the procedure to be successful, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the casualties of skin tags, choose the right extraction techniques, and follow the best practices. Patience and consistency are essential when using over-the-counter medications or home remedies.
References:
- Zabawski E, Styles A, Goetz D, Cockerell C. Asymptomatic facial papules and acrochordons of the thighs. Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. Dermatol Online J. 1997 Dec;3(2):6. [PubMed]
- The Australasian College of Dermatologists (Skin tags),
