Skin tags can be quite uncomfortable. They can grow very large and become irritated by friction or rubbing against clothing or in the folds of the skin. If they are irritated, they can itch and bleed. They can even pop or bleed. It can be embarrassing to have these unsightly growths on your body, but fortunately there are many treatments for removing skin tags from the comfort of your own home.
The most common type of skin tags occurs on the eyelids. These generally form in families, with one gene inherited from each member of the family. Skin tags that occur on the eyelids can range in size from a golf ball the size of a fingernail to the size of a nickel. While some of these tags will subside over time, others will continue to reoccur throughout the year. It’s important to note that some of these tiny skin tags can be cancerous, so the best way to remove them is to remove them while they are still harmless.
Your doctor may remove your skin tags through one of the following methods: Cooling: In order to perform cryotherapy, a small bulb fitted with an electrical current is placed over the affected area. When the bulb is turned on, a cryoacid bath is applied. This water freezes the tag providing it a hard surface to fall off. The process must be performed safely, as there are possible complications such as excessive frostbite if the cryoacid is administered at a temperature lower than what the skin is capable of safely freezing. Although cryotherapy is a relatively painless procedure, it does take a bit of time, and it can be expensive depending on the number of skin tags that need to be treated. Another drawback is that if the tags develop an infection during the treatment, then they will need to be removed surgically, which can be a costly procedure.
Cutting: A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can cut the skin tags away if they are found to be soft, although this is not always necessary. If the tag occurs in a fold or grove inside the skin, then cutting it can help reduce its size. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if skin tags will occur in a fold or grove without a biopsy, and therefore, if they do occur, then they may have to be removed surgically.
Cryotherapy: A medical professional will use liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tags; this is the most effective way of removing them. Although cryotherapy is relatively safe, it does carry some risks including minor skin irritation, burning, swelling, and scarring. There are even potential side effects from this procedure for pregnant women and those who suffer from benign growths. However, if the tag is extremely small, then the risk of scarring is unlikely.
Warts Creams: A medical professional will perform a biopsy, send it to a lab, and then have your doctor prescribe either freezing or cryotherapy. Popular wart creams include Revitol Wart-Free. This is a highly effective treatment, but because of its name, it also comes with some side effects that you need to be aware of. Common side effects from using these types of wart removers include skin irritation, burning sensations, and swelling.
Diabetes: In some people, the presence of high blood sugar can cause skin tags to develop. High levels of glucose have been proven to increase the risk of the development of multiple skin tags; therefore, individuals who regularly consume high amounts of food with sugar should consider monitoring their blood sugar levels to prevent the formation of these harmless growths. There is also some evidence that high levels of insulin resistance could play a role in the development of skin tags. If the insulin resistance is related to the presence of the wart, then treatment with anti-diabetic medications may be necessary.
Although the exact cause of this harmless condition is not yet known, there are many different potential causes. Some studies have found that sun exposure and genetics are both linked to the development of benign skin tags. Other possible factors include exposure to radiation, pregnancy, an infection, or diabetes. If you believe you have a skin tag that is any of these, your physician will be able to identify it and help determine the best course of treatment.