Skin tags are general in all men and women. It mostly appears after the age of fifty or above. Skin tags are commonly noncancerous and painless growths on the skin. They can appear on any part of the body, but mostly founds on the folding areas of skin such as
- Thighs
- Neck
- Armpits
- Groin area
- Under the breasts
- Behind ears
- Eyelids
Skin tags connected to the skin through a small skin stalk that also called a peduncle.
Table of Contents
What are the Foremost Causes of Skin Tags?
There are not a confirmed reason and cause or study available which shows the exact reason for skin tags. According to researchers as they just appear mostly on the skin folding areas, maybe friction is causing skin tags.
Skin tags contain small blood vessels surrounded by collagen which is covered by another layer of skin.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
According to a study conducted in 2008, a human virus named papillomavirus can be a reason for developing skin tags. They examined the skin tags of a different part of the body and fifty percent of them found DNA of HPV(human papillomavirus).
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance in the body can also play a role in this condition of skin tags. Insulin resistance also causes diabetes in type 2.
The body and skin cells of an insulin-resistant person do not utilize glucose properly from blood and cause a different kind of health conditions.
Insulin resistance also a risk factor for high blood pressure and diabetes. Skin tags are mostly found in people with
- High insulin resistance
- High triglycerides
- High body mass index
Pregnancy and Skin Tags
Skin tags are one of the side effects and after-effects of pregnancy. Because during pregnancy pregnant women gain a lot of body mass and have many hormonal changes in the body. Due to the imbalance of hormone in the body cause an endocrine problem and multiple skin tags appear on the skin.
Genetic and Skin Tags
It is not clear that skin tags have any genetic connection. It is not common that all family members have skin tags, so, we can not say that skin tags are contagious.
How to Know a Skin Tag
The difference between moles, other skin growths, and skin tags is a peduncle (small stalk) which only found in skin tags.
Skin tags are normally small in size which can be 1.5mm to 3mm. In some cases, they grow large to 3 to 5 centimeters. Skin tags are normally soft to touch. They have different shapes like smooth and round.
Skin tags have some color of skin and flesh. sometimes they get darker than other skin. Sometimes they get black if twisted.
How to Remove Skin Tags?
Skin tags normally vanish with time. But sometimes they stay connected and attached to your skin and body. They did not need any special treatment and medication.but if they bother or irritate you there are some options such as
Electrosurgery
In this procedure, dermatologists use high-frequency electrical waves to burn the skin tags.
Cryotherapy
The doctors use liquid nitrogen to remove skin tags by freezing them.
Ligation
In this process the skin specialists tye the skin tag with surgical thread which cut off the skin tag by stopping blood flow.
Surgical Tag Removal
Doctors use a scissor or blade to remove the tags. Small tags did not need anesthesia and stitches while removing the large or multiple skin tags may need local anesthesia.
Natural Remedies to Remove Skin Tags
There are many simple cures to remove skin tags. Although some have proven good results they are not yet scientifically proven, such as
Tea tree oil
Lemon juice
Apple cider vinegar
Olive oil
Castor oil
Removing Skin Tags at Home
It is not recommended to remove tags at home there are many websites and videos on youtube which show how to remove skin tags at home by using thread and other households. But you should not do it at home, it can cause bleeding, infection, and burns. let the doctor do his job.
Risk factors linked with Skin Tags
You can be at risk of getting skin tags in various health condition such as
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Family history
- Diabetes
- HPV
Skin tags did not cause skin cancer. If you have skin tags in shaving areas, shave carefully, although it did not cause permanent damage or bleeding, it can be irritating if rubbed with skin, clothes, or jewelry.
Bottom Line
You need no to worry if you have developed skin tags. If they did not bother you, and you sure that they are not irritating you, leave them alone.
If you really want to get rid of skin tags visiting your doctor is the best idea. If you are obese or overweight, try to lose some extra weight it will help to be safe from skin tags and also reduce other risks associated with obesity.
