Skin tags are not an attractive feature to have on your body. So, it is no surprise that most people will want to immediately remove their skin tags. Some people resort to unsafe methods for removing skin tags, which may lead to additional problems or injury. To safely remove your skin tags, you should use the following tips and suggestions.
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What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are basically what they sound like. They are small pieces of skin that can appear anywhere on the body. They are similar to moles, in the sense that they are typically harmless and serve no purpose. In fact, no one really knows why or how skin tags appear. They are simply an issue that some people have to deal with on occasion.
Generally, skin tags appear as small, soft pieces of skin. They often stick out on a thin stem and commonly appear along the neck, armpits, and other parts of the body where skin folds.
Despite the fact that doctors do not really understand where skin tags come from, they do know how to safely remove them. You can attempt to remove the skin tag at home, depending on the size of the skin tag, but you run the risk of injuring yourself. Instead of attempting to remove the skin tag at home, you may want to learn more about the safe procedures that doctors can perform.
How Should You Get Rid of Skin Tags?
There are safe methods of getting rid of skin tags. Again, you will want to consult your doctor to determine which method is best in your situation. Here is a look at the most common ways that skin tags are removed:
- Cutting off the skin tag
- Freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen
- Burning off the skin tag
The first method is to simply cut off the skin tag. They can often be snipped off using a scalpel or with surgical scissors. Depending on the size of the skin tag, your doctor may be able to shave off the tag using a medical instrument. Whether or not cutting is an option will depend on the size of the skin tag and its location.
Another option is to freeze the skin tag with liquid nitrogen. Again, this treatment will depend on the size and location of your skin tag. When liquid nitrogen is used, your doctor will apply liquid nitrogen directly to the skin tag. The liquid nitrogen is often applied with a swab or a spray. Once the tag is frozen, it can easily be removed; though, you may have a small scar or blister that should heal quickly.
The third treatment that your doctor may use is burning off the skin tag. When burning off the skin tag, an electric current is passed through a wire and is used to burn off parts of the skin. In some cases, you may need more than one treatment to remove the skin tag. This will again depend on the size and location of your skin tag. If the skin tag is attached by a narrow stem, then the stem will typically be burnt until the doctor can remove the skin tag.
Burning the skin tag can sometimes hurt, so your doctor may numb the immediate area using an anesthetic. If your skin begins to bleed, your doctor will stop the procedure until the bleeding is under control.
Generally speaking, none of these treatments will leave a permanent scar on your body, but this will again depend on the size and location of the skin tag. Skin tags remain a bit of a mystery; though, you definitely need to remember that they are a harmless piece of skin. Skin tags do not pose any risk to your health.
It is entirely your decision whether or not you want to remove the skin tag using cosmetic surgery. The methods described typically only take a few minutes, so this is not a major operation. In the end, the choice is yours, as you are the one that has to deal with the skin tag.
Why Should You Remove a Skin Tag?
You do not actually need to remove a skin tag unless you want to. They are a harmless problem, but many people find them unattractive. They can also sometimes cause discomfort, depending on where they are located along the body. For example, you may not enjoy having a skin tag along your neck that is frequently irritated by the collar of your shirt. In these situations, it would be useful to remove the skin tag to prevent further irritation.
Can You Prevent Skin Tags?
Skin tags are not really a problem that you can prevent. You will mostly have to deal with them once they appear. Luckily, skin tags are not incredibly common. Once you deal with them, you may not have to deal with them ever again.
As mentioned, there is no known cause of skin tags. As with moles, they are a harmless feature that are typically removed for cosmetic reasons. You cannot prevent them, but you can remove them. The option is at your discretion. If you are not happy with the appearance of the skin tag or if it is causing any discomfort or irritation, then consult your doctor and find out which option would be best for your situation.
If you are tired of dealing with skin tags, make sure you consider the suggestions provided. You may be able to finally eliminate your skin tags without undergoing surgery or visiting your doctor; however, you should still think about consulting with your doctor before attempting any of the treatment ideas provided. Everyone is different and you may not get the results that you are expecting.
Skin tags are definitely an unusual occurrence. They are a mystery and no one knows why they appear. Luckily, they are a harmless problem and are not incredibly common. If you are ready to get rid of your skin tag, schedule an appointment with your doctor.