Skin Tag Removal
From LoveToKnow Skincare
. If you are considering skin tag removal, you have more options today than ever before. Some of the more advanced techniques are virtually pain-free.
What is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag, also known as an acrochoron, is a tiny knob of skin that protrudes from the skin's surface. Tags are often the same color as the surrounding skin, but some do appear darker. Acrochorons are always soft and movable.
Although skin tags can appear on any part of the body, the most common areas are:
- Armpit
- Under the breast
- Neck
- Groin
- Eyelids
Causes of Skin Tags
Skin tags are not related to any illnesses, conditions, or diseases. Their formation is completely natural and cannot be prevented. Some people are just prone to harmless skin growths, but common causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Heredity
- Weight gain
- Age
Once a skin tag grows, it is permanent. While the tag may grow, it will not become cancerous.
Should it be Removed?
Skin tags are typically not painful or dangerous. They are not warning signs of cancer. Considering this, there is no real medical reason to go through skin tag removal.
Still, many people do choose to have their growths removed. Common reasons include:
- The tag is being irritated by clothing.
- The tag is getting caught in jewelry or zippers.
- The tag is in a conspicuous place and is causing embarrassment.
- Multiple tags appear in a mass and are unattractive.
The bottom line is that skin tag removal is a personal decision. If you find your skin tag uncomfortable or unsightly, have it removed.
Skin Tag Removal Methods
There are currently several ways to remove the irritating knobs. Some methods can actually be done at home. All methods are rather quick and provide almost instant results.
At-Home Tag Removal
If there is any doubt as to the diagnosis, do not attempt to remove your growth at home. For example, if the knob is painful or immovable, it could be something more serious than a skin tag. It is also a poor idea to attempt to remove an infected tag. In those cases, you must be examined by a doctor.
If, on the other hand, you are completely sure that you are dealing with a skin tag, you can remove it at home. There may be a bit of temporary stinging or discomfort, but these symptoms should fade quickly.
Over-the-counter removal systems include:
- Derma Tend uses an all-natural approach to acrochoron removal. Simply apply Derma Tend directly to the tag and lightly cover. Within days, the tag will disappear. According to the site, the procedure is completely painfree.
- Skin Save relies on a blend of mineral salt and herbs to dissolve tags, moles, and warts.
In-Office Removal
If you are unsure of the diagnosis or are uncomfortable performing the removal yourself, it is best to see a physician or dermatologist. Once the doctor has confirmed the diagnosis, he or she can often perform the removal on the spot. No further visits are usually necessary. There are several ways the doctor can remove the knob, including:
- Cutting
- Cauterizing
- Freezing
- Liquid Nitrogen
- Laser Surgery
It is important to note that skin tag removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is rarely covered by medical insurance. For this reason, many patients choose the less expensive methods, such as cutting or freezing.
Learn More
Comments
Ouch! Sorry to hear about that, J. The tendency to develop skin tags is quite common during pregnancy due to elevated hormone levels. I'd recommend having your dermatologist remove it since it's causing you so much discomfort. This is a quick, easy and relatively painless process (you may feel a tiny pinch). Good luck.
-- Contributed by: TsharmaI am pregnant and i have had a skin tag that was normal colored and all a sudden it seems to have gotten a little bigget, has turned red, now dark purple, almost black. It is really painful and of course my hair keeps getting stuck in it! I dont know what to do!!!
-- Contributed by: jSarge, thanks for sharing! Yes, it can definitely be a relief to get rid of unsightly skin tags. Glad to hear you're on your way to recovery (and muscle shirts!).
-- Contributed by: Tsharma
This page has been accessed 45,413 times. This page was last modified 08:56, 30 September 2006.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Visit us on facebook