How to Get Rid of Skin Tags: Exploring Professional and DIY Methods
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What are Skin Tags?
Also known as acrochordons, Skin Tags are small, benign skin growths that typically form in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. They're usually the same color as your skin or slightly darker and are most commonly found in areas like the neck, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area.
Skin tags consist of a core of fibers and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis. They often appear as soft, hanging skin that may have a stalk known as a peduncle.
While skin tags can vary in size, most are typically quite small—around two millimeters to one centimeter in diameter—but some may grow as large as five centimeters. They are harmless and don't usually cause pain or discomfort unless they are repeatedly irritated, for instance, by the collar or in the groin.
The exact cause of skin tags isn't known, but they are more common in older adults, people with obesity, individuals with diabetes, and during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. If a skin tag is bothersome, a medical professional can remove it.
Causes of Skin Tags
The small benign skin growths that are commonly found in areas where the skin forms creases or rubs against itself or clothing. Though the precise cause of skin tags is not fully understood, several factors have been identified that contribute to their development.
- Friction: Continuous rubbing of skin against skin or clothing is believed to contribute significantly to skin tag development. This is why they are often found in areas like the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
- Age: Skin tags are more prevalent in older adults, indicating that aging may play a role in their formation.
- Obesity: Individuals with obesity tend to have more skin folds and creases, which can lead to increased friction and subsequently, the formation of skin tags.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, especially during pregnancy, can stimulate the growth of skin tags.
- Insulin resistance and diabetes: Some studies suggest that people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes may be more prone to developing skin tags.
- Genetics: There seems to be a hereditary component, as skin tags can run in families.
While skin tags are generally harmless, they can cause discomfort or self-consciousness. If they become bothersome, medical intervention can be sought for removal.
How to get rid of Skin Tags Naturally-Home Remedies
While skin tags are benign and typically don't cause any harm, some people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort. Here are some home remedies that have been suggested for removing skin tags naturally. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before attempting any of these methods to ensure they are safe for your particular situation:
Apple Cider Vinegar: Some people recommend applying apple cider vinegar to the skin tag with a cotton ball and securing it with a bandage for 10-15 minutes daily until the skin tag falls off.
Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antiviral and antifungal properties, tea tree oil may be used to remove skin tags. Apply the oil to a cotton ball, attach it to the skin tag with a bandage, and leave it on for a few hours. Repeat this process daily for a couple of weeks.
Garlic: Garlic has antibacterial properties that may help in removing skin tags. Crush a clove of garlic to make a paste, apply it to the skin tag, and cover it overnight. Wash it off in the morning and repeat the process for several days until the skin tag falls off.
Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E oil is often used for skin health. Apply the oil to the skin tag and cover it with a bandage. Repeat daily until the skin tag falls off.
Banana Peel: Some people claim that placing a piece of a banana peel on a skin tag and covering it with a bandage can help remove it over time.
Remember, these methods are not scientifically proven to be effective and can potentially cause skin irritation or other side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional before attempting these methods. If a skin tag is bothersome or you're not sure if a skin growth is a skin tag, it's best to seek medical advice.
Prevention Tips for Skin Tags
While there's no foolproof way to prevent skin tags because they are often caused by factors we can't control, like genetics and age, some lifestyle modifications can potentially reduce the likelihood of developing them. Here are some tips:
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Overweight and obesity increase the likelihood of skin tags due to more skin folds and creases which can lead to friction. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce this risk.
Choose Loose Clothing: Tight clothing and jewelry can cause friction against the skin, possibly leading to skin tags. Opt for loose clothing and be mindful of jewelry placement to minimize friction.
Control Blood Sugar Levels: People with diabetes or insulin resistance may be more prone to skin tags. Keeping blood sugar levels under control can help.
Healthy Skin Care Routine: Regular cleansing and moisturizing can help maintain the health of your skin, potentially reducing the risk of skin tags.
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Certain nutrients play key roles in skin health. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support overall skin health.
Remember, if skin tags are a recurring issue or if you're concerned about a particular skin growth, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on the best ways to manage and prevent skin tags based on your individual health situation.
Medical Treatment-Effective Solution for Removing Skin Tags
While many skin tags don't require treatment unless they cause irritation or are considered unsightly, various effective medical treatments are available for their removal. Here are some standard procedures used by healthcare professionals to remove skin tags:
Cryotherapy: This is a common method where the healthcare professional applies the liquid nitrogen to freeze off the skin tag. The tag typically falls off within 10 to 14 days.
Electrocautery: This involves burning off the skin tag using electrical energy. This procedure can usually be done in a single office visit.
Ligation: In this procedure, the blood supply to the skin tag is interrupted, usually by tying a thin thread around the base of the skin tag. This causes the skin tag to fall off due to a lack of blood supply.
Excision: This involves cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or surgical scissors. Although it's a simple procedure, it needs to be done carefully to avoid bleeding or scarring.
Laser Therapy: In this procedure, a laser is used to get rid of the skin tag. This method is less commonly used for skin tags, but it can be effective.
Local anesthesia is typically used for these procedures to minimize any discomfort. After removal, the skin heals quickly. While these methods are effective, skin tags can reappear in the same or different areas over time.
Make sure to not remove a skin tag at home using scissors or other tools, as this can lead to infection or scarring. Always seek professional medical help for skin tag removal. It's also important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in the color, size, or shape of your skin tags, as this could indicate a more serious condition.
What is Ocura Plasma Pen & How Does it Help in Removing Skin Tag?
Designed to improve skin appearance by stimulating skin tightening and rejuvenation Ocura Plasma Pen works by converting electrical energy into electrostatic energy to create artificial plasma.
The pen creates a small electrical arc from its tip, and when this arc comes close to the skin, it vaporizes a micro-millimeter-sized dot on the skin's surface. This process is known as sublimation. The surrounding skin contracts as a response, causing immediate tightening.
In terms of skin tag removal, the plasma pen sublimates the skin tag, essentially turning it from a solid directly into a gas and causing it to fall off, without bleeding or causing damage to the surrounding skin. The procedure typically leaves a small dot or scab that heals over the following week.
The treatment can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, aiding in the renewal and tightening of the skin. Plasma pens can be used for a range of skin conditions, including skin tags, moles, seborrheic keratosis, age spots, and warts.
While plasma pen procedures are generally considered safe, it's important to have the treatment done by a certified professional to minimize potential risks, such as scarring or infection.
For specific details on the Ocura Plasma Pen, you should reach out to the manufacturer or the appropriate healthcare professional to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
Ocura Plasma Pen-The Best Solution to Remove Skin Tags
Plasma Pen treatment is an innovative and effective approach for skin tag removal. The non-invasive method uses the process of sublimation, which turns a solid directly into a gas, to effectively remove the skin tag without damaging the surrounding skin.
In this procedure, a medical professional uses a plasma pen, which generates a small electrical arc from its tip. When this arc comes close to the skin, it vaporizes a tiny spot on the skin's surface. The skin tag is removed as this electrical arc comes into contact with it, causing it to sublimate and fall off.
The advantages of Plasma Pen treatment for skin tag removal include
- Minimal Discomfort: The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, leading to minimal discomfort during the procedure.
- Precision: The plasma pen can target the skin tag without affecting the surrounding skin, reducing the risk of scarring.
- Quick and Simple: The procedure typically takes only a few minutes per skin tag.
- No Bleeding: The heat from the plasma pen cauterizes the area immediately, which means there's typically no bleeding.
- Fast Healing: Recovery time after plasma pen treatment is usually short.