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Treatment of Skin Tags
In the field of skincare, skin tags are a common issue faced by people of all ages. If you suffer from skin tags, this article will help you understand their causes and different types, as well as the best treatment methods, ranging from traditional techniques to innovative modern therapies.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are abnormal growths of tissue that hang off the surface of the skin. They range in size from 1 mm to 1 cm and are composed of collagen (a type of protein) and blood vessels surrounded by skin. These tags often appear in skin folds where the skin rubs against itself, such as on the neck between folds, underarms, thighs, around the anus, eyelids, and under the breasts.
Skin tags are very common with aging, with one in two adults experiencing them. Although they do not cause any harm, if they cause discomfort, you can discuss their removal with your doctor using various medical techniques.
Causes of Skin Tags
Skin tags form when the body overproduces cells in the upper layers of the skin. The exact cause is unknown, but lifestyle and genetic factors are likely contributors. Some conditions believed to increase the likelihood of skin tags include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
While skin tags can appear in people of all ages, they are more common in older adults. If some tags appear during pregnancy, they often disappear after childbirth.
Difference Between Skin Tags and Warts
People may confuse skin tags with warts, though there are clear and fundamental differences between the two:
- The texture of warts is rough, whereas skin tags are usually smooth.
- Warts are often flat, while skin tags are protruding and hanging.
- Warts are contagious and can spread from person to person, but skin tags are not.
- Warts extend into the inner layers of the skin, whereas skin tags form on the skin’s surface.
Treatment of Skin Tags
In most cases, skin tags do not require treatment, but they may cause concern or discomfort for some people, affecting the skin’s appearance. The following methods can help treat skin tags:
Medical Patches
Skin tag removal patches are over-the-counter products that mimic cryotherapy. They help cool the area containing the tag, eventually causing it to fall off.
Cauterization
This technique involves using heat to burn off the skin tag.
Cryotherapy
In this technique, the doctor sprays liquid nitrogen on the skin tag to freeze and stop its growth, then removes it.
Surgical Removal
Some skin tags may require surgical intervention, where the tag is removed using surgical scissors, and the wound is stitched based on the tag’s size.
Tips After Removing Skin Tags
In most cases, removing skin tags does not cause complications if handled properly. However, it may leave a mark on the skin that improves and fades over time. If you remove a skin tag at home, you may need to apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to the area and cover it with a bandage to prevent infection. If removed in a clinic, follow the doctor’s instructions based on the technique used.
Skin Tag Treatment at Dr. Rana Gheith's Center
At Dr. Rana Tariq Gheith’s Center, we offer a range of non-surgical solutions for removing skin tags with minimal visible scarring using the latest cauterization and cryotherapy devices.
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