Introduction

You may have found yourself asking why you have skin tags and what causes them to grow in the first place. Skin tags are outgrowths of skin that can vary in size, shape, and color, and often appear in areas where skin is frequently irritated or rubbed, like the neck, armpits, or groin. Even though they are relatively harmless, skin tags can cause discomfort and embarrassment for those who have them.

This article will help you understand the causes of skin tags, the different removal techniques, and how you can prevent them from growing in the future.

Causes of Skin Tags

Skin tags can be caused by various factors including friction from skin rubbing against clothes, jewelry, or other body parts. They can also appear as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, insulin resistance, or inherited genetic traits. Some medications used to treat psoriasis can also trigger skin tag development.

There is no one definitive trigger for skin tags. However, factors that are linked to obesity or being overweight tend to cause skin tags to grow more often, which happens as folds in skin pinch together and cause irritations. Hormonal fluctuations can also play a role for others.

Simple measures, such as wearing loose clothing or keeping areas of the skin that are prone to skin tags, such as armpits or groin, dry and clean, can help mitigate your risks for skin tags.

Understanding the Development and Removal of Skin Tags

Skin tags are made of blood vessels and skin. They are usually attached to the skin surface by a small, thin stalk. Even though they can develop anywhere on the body, the neck, armpits, and groin tend to be the most common areas of the body where they appear.

The most common removal techniques for skin tags involve cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), surgical excision, electrical current (cautery), or the use of chemical applications like acids or herbal remedies. It’s important to note that removing skin tags can cause scarring or permanent marks on your skin.

The most effective removal technique depends on the size and location of the skin tag. Generally, if the skin tags are relatively small or positioned where it can cause pain or problems with fitting in clothing, the most effective removal technique would be either freezing them off or cutting them off.

Common Myths and Misconceptions about Skin Tags

There are several myths that surround skin tags, such as that skin tags only happen to older individuals or that they can be caught by others. One of the biggest myths is that skin tags are contagious, which is false. Skin tags are entirely benign and do not pose a risk of getting transferred to someone else or spreading.

Skin tags can also happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. They may be more common among those that are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Skin Tags

Some steps can be taken to help prevent skin tags from developing, such as maintaining healthy body weight to reduce skin friction and irritation.

It’s also essential to keep body folds clean and dry since moisture can cause skin tags or make them worse. Limiting friction in areas prone to skin tags by wearing loose clothing will help reduce the frequency with which skin tags develop in those regions.

Skin Tag vs. Other Skin Conditions

While skin tags may look similar to other skin conditions like moles and warts, there are differences that set them apart. Skin tags tend to be soft to the touch, whereas moles are firm and warts are rough.

Removal methods are also different since warts, for instance, can be spread from one person to another, while skin tags are strictly a result of a change in the surface of skin.

Skin Tag Removal Without Going to the Doctor

Suppose you have a skin tag that you want to remove at home to avoid the cost of going to the dermatologist. In that case, there are several safe do-it-yourself home remedies for you to consider.

One option is to use tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can be applied directly to the skin tag. Another option is applying apple cider vinegar or essential oils to the area, but these methods are quite controversial and should be used cautiously.

Conclusion

Skin tags can be annoying and uncomfortable but are typically harmless. Understanding why skin tags develop and how to remove them safely can go a long way in managing this condition. You can also adopt a few simple lifestyle changes to help prevent their recurrence by keeping skin folds dry, wearing loose clothing, and managing body weight. When skin tags are causing irritations, or they affect your self-confidence, consider contacting your dermatologist to help you with removal. Overall, maintaining good hygiene is the most effective way to prevent skin tags from developing.