A skin tag is a small, soft and hanging skin growth that develops on the surface of normal skin. Skin tags- medically known as acrochordors- are attached to the body by a thin piece of tissue called a stalk.
Skin tags may differ in size and appearance and are generally smooth or slightly wrinkled and irregular. They are usually flesh colored or slightly browner. They can occur on any part of the body. However, skin tags usually develop on eyelids, neck, under the arms, under the breasts and folds of the groins etc. Middle aged adults are more prone to develop skin tags than children and teenagers.
Are skin tags cancerous?
Skin tags are not cancerous (malignant). They are a type of growth that develops on surface of the skin. Skin tags are not found to have potential to become cancerous if left untreated.
What problems do skin tags cause?
Generally, skin tags cause no serious problems, but they can be painful, unsightly or uncomfortable. They are removed to avoid irritation and red from bleeding or black from twisting.
Skin tag removal techniques
To remove skin tags, there are various treatment options available. These include:
Natural Treatments: Natural treatments are one of the most effective and easy treatments. This treatment usually comes in liquid form and the solution is simply applied to the skin tags. After some days, skin tags fall off. This procedure is not painful and leaves no scars on the surface of the skin.
Cauterization: This technique involves burning off the skin tag using electrolysis equipment. This procedure is simple, quick and relatively painless.
Cryosurgery: Skin tags are removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen. This technique is moderately painless. But, to fully remove skin tags, more than one treatment may be given.
Excision: skin tags are cut off with a pair of scissors. In many cases, result can be painful and lots of bleeding may occur. The benefit of excision is that growth is immediately removed but it may leave scaring after treatment.
