While skin tags look very similar to warts, they can be just as aesthetically displeasing. While it is tempting to remove them yourself, it’s essential to consider the repercussions of doing this without professional help. In the following article, we explain what a skin tag is and what to know before having it removed.
What is a skin tag?
Skin tags are loose collagen fibres and blood vessels that lodge themselves inside thicker areas of the skin, resulting in these skin growths. They are usually found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. Occasionally, they may also form on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.
Skin tags are harmless, non-cancerous, and should not cause pain or discomfort. They look similar to warts with some distinct differences, often looking like a cluster of skin tissue extending out from a tiny stem that hangs off of your skin. Skin tags come in different colours and sizes — they can range from a few millimetres up to a few centimetres wide, and occasionally they are darker and may resemble a raised mole.
It’s unclear what causes skin tags to form, but research shows that it may correlate with insulin resistance. Skin tags are very common, affecting over half of the adult population, and can develop in both men and women. They are more likely to occur in older adults, people who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes — however, it’s not always clear why they would start to develop. Additionally, due to the drastic change in hormone levels, pregnant women may also develop skin tags.
Why shouldn’t you remove a skin tag yourself?
Skin tags do not cause any pain or discomfort, but there are a number of reasons why you may want to remove one. They can be itchy and irritating. Their appearance may impact one’s confidence or self-esteem. It can also present practical challenges as they can get stuck on clothing or jewellery and bleed.
While you may see some at-home solutions for the removal of skin tags, such as tea tree oil or banana peel, it can lead to infection or bleeding if not done correctly. It is important to note that a home remedy will take longer to produce effective results compared to surgical procedures.
How can skin tags be removed?
The first option may be to freeze them (depending on their size) with liquid nitrogen, a process known as cryotherapy. This may require multiple treatments, especially for larger skin tags, following which the skin tags normally drop off. Another option would be to perform a small surgical procedure by numbing the area with local anaesthetic and then “skimming” them off. Depending on the size or location of the skin tag on your body, the doctor may perform one of the following procedures to remove your skin tag:
- Surgery – This involves using surgical scissors to cut off the skin tag with precision. This may need bandages or stitches.
- Cryotherapy – The skin tag is frozen off with liquid nitrogen, abruptly stopping its growth.
- Electrocautery – With a specialised electric current, the skin tag can be removed.
What you need to know before getting a skin tag professionally removed
If you would like a skin tag removed, we would recommend visiting a medical clinic. At Dr Skin Surgery, we are the best point of consultation for skin tag removal surgery in London and the surrounding areas.
Our expert team of doctors will effectively diagnose any skin tags before advising you about your treatment options. As some skin tags can resemble moles or warts, it is important to have this confirmed beforehand as some moles can be cancerous. This will be done through a face-to-face appointment.
The surgical removal of skin tags is a common procedure and one that we are familiar with at Dr Skin Surgery. During your consultation, we can talk through the treatment options available to you to ensure your skin tag is removed safely.
We will ensure that post-surgically your recovery goes as smoothly as possible by providing all the support and resources necessary.
