Skin tags might seem like a small issue, but if you’ve ever had one, you know they can be a cause of significant self-consciousness. These tiny, benign growths on the skin are incredibly common, but what exactly are they, what causes them and, most importantly, how can you get rid of them safely?
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft growths that hang off the skin. They are usually flesh-coloured or slightly darker and can vary in size from a couple of millimetres to a few centimetres. Most often, you’ll find them in areas where skin folds or where there’s a lot of friction, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts.
What Are Skin Tags Caused By?
Understanding what causes skin tags can help in both treating and preventing them.
Genetic Factors – Genetics play a significant role in whether or not you might develop skin tags. If your parents had them, there’s a good chance you might get them too.
Friction and Skin Rubbing – Skin tags often appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This friction can cause small tears, leading to the development of these benign growths.
Hormonal Changes – Hormonal changes, especially those that occur during pregnancy, can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags. Hormones can affect skin elasticity and texture, making tags more likely to form.
Other factors such as obesity and diabetes may also contribute to skin tag development.
Who Is Prone to Skin Tags?
While anyone can get skin tags, certain groups are more prone to them. For example, skin tags are more common in older adults, while overweight and obese individuals are also more likely to develop skin tags.
Are Skin Tags Harmful?
Skin tags are generally harmless and are not cancerous. They don’t usually cause pain unless they become irritated by clothing or jewellery. Skin tags are also not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
While they are medically benign, skin tags can be a cosmetic concern as they can be unsightly, especially if they appear in visible areas like the neck or face.
How to Diagnose Skin Tags
Most skin tags can be diagnosed through a simple visual inspection. They have a distinct appearance that is easy to identify.
If you’re unsure whether a growth is a skin tag or something else, it’s best to consult one of our qualified medical practitioners here at Cosmetica London. They can provide a definitive diagnosis and discuss removal options if necessary.
You should also consult a medical professional if you notice rapid growth, changes in colour, or any pain or bleeding coming from the affected area.
How to Get Rid of Skin Tags Safely
There are a couple of professional treatments very effective at permanently removing skin tags, although it is important to note that these treatments can’t guarantee that new skin tags won’t appear elsewhere.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy skin tag removal involves freezing the skin tag with nitrous oxide. The freezing triggers the skin’s natural healing process and results are immediate, with continued improvement over the days following treatment as the skin continues to heal.
This method is quick and effective but should be performed by a professional to avoid damaging surrounding skin.
Plasma Pen Treatment
Plasma pen skin tag removal can also be used to remove a range of growths such as skin tags, as well as warts, moles and milia. The plasma pen uses heat from a very precise arc of plasma which vaporises instantly, to dissolve unwanted areas and encourage the skin to produce collagen and elastin, healing the area.
Just like cryotherapy, the results of plasma pen treatment for skin tags are immediate, and will continue to improve as the skin heals.
Benefits of Professional Treatment
Professional treatments ensure that skin tags are removed safely and effectively, minimising the risk of infection or scarring.
Do not be tempted to try and cut a skin tag off at home, as this is unsafe, and can lead to injury and/or infection.
Are there any side effects to removal treatments?
Professional treatments are generally safe, but some people may experience minor side effects like redness or scarring.
Cryotherapy is likely to leave a raised darker patch in the treatment area which will scab over and eventually fall off. Plasma pen treatment usually leaves patients with tiny dark spots on the treated area, which quickly scab over and heal within a week or so.
Skin tags are a common but harmless skin condition that can be easily treated if they become bothersome. When it comes to removal, the most important thing to remember is to choose professional treatment and not attempt to remove the skin tag yourself. If you are interested in booking one of our skin tag removal treatments, please get in touch to learn more, or book your consultation here.
