Discover the best ways to remove skin tags and learn how to avoid them.
From cryotherapy to surgical options, we’ll help you get rid of those unsightly blemishes for good!
Do you have unsightly skin tags that make you feel self-conscious?
Are you wondering what they are and the best way to remove them?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small flesh-coloured growths typically found on the neck, armpits, or groin area. Though harmless, many people seek ways to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons.
In this blog post, we’ll look at what skin tags are and explore some methods of removing them, including cryotherapy and other surgical options.
We’ll also cover how you can avoid getting these annoying blemishes in the first place by understanding how obesity or diabetes may increase your risk of developing skin tags. So keep reading if you want to know more about dealing with these unwanted visitors.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small, benign growths that appear on the skin’s surface. They are typically flesh-coloured and can range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. Skin tags often appear on the neck, armpits, groin area, or eyelids and may be mistaken for warts or moles.
These growths are composed of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by an outer layer of skin. Although they can occur anywhere on the body, they tend to be more common in areas where there is friction between clothing and skin, such as underarms or around the waistline.
Although harmless, some people find them unsightly and choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
Fortunately, removing skin tags is relatively simple, with minimal discomfort involved.
Standard methods include
- cutting off the tag with a scalpel or scissors
- freezing it off using liquid nitrogen
- tying it off with thread (ligation)
- burning it off using electric current (electrocautery)
- applying topical medications that dissolve them over time (chemical cauterization).
It’s important to note that although these treatments may sound painful, most patients report little to no pain during removal procedures due to local anaesthesia used beforehand. In addition, since skin tags don’t contain any nerve endings, their removal doesn’t cause any long-term damage either – making this procedure safe for all ages.
Suppose you think you might have a skin tag but aren’t sure what it is. In that case, it’s best to consult your doctor before attempting any treatment yourself, as some growths could potentially be something else entirely, like melanoma which requires immediate medical attention.
Key Takeaway: Skin tags are common, harmless growths that can be easily removed with minimal discomfort using various methods such as cutting, freezing, tying off or burning. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before attempting any treatment.
Best Way to Remove Skin Tags
Cryotherapy (freezing) is one of the most popular methods for removing skin tags because it is relatively painless and has a high success rate with minimal risk of scarring or damage to surrounding tissue.
This procedure involves freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen, which results in the tag falling off a few days after the treatment. Depending on the size of the tag, it may take multiple treatments, but results should be visible shortly after each session.
For those who prefer not to use cryotherapy, other options include cutting off the tag with scissors or using an electric current (electrocautery) to burn it off at its base.
These methods require more skill than cryotherapy, so if you choose this route, it’s essential to find an experienced surgeon, as the improper technique could result in scarring or infection at the site of removal.
Regardless of your chosen method, ensure your practitioner follows proper safety protocols, such as wearing gloves and sterilizing all instruments before beginning any skin contact procedure. Additionally, avoid touching or scratching your skin tags, as this could lead to infection and further irritation around the area.
For the most effective and safest way to remove skin tags, it is essential to consult a doctor or dermatologist. However, there are also some preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing skin tags in the first place – let’s explore those now.
Key Takeaway: Multiple methods are available to eliminate skin tags, such as using liquid nitrogen, snipping it with sharp scissors or having them burnt off with electricity. However, you must follow all safety precautions and refrain from touching the area after removing it.
How to Avoid Skin Tags
If you’re looking to avoid developing skin tags, there are specific lifestyle changes you can make that may help reduce your risk of developing them.
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your chances of getting skin tags. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables will also help keep your body healthy and functioning optimally, which can prevent unwanted growths from forming on the surface of your skin.
Regular exercise is another excellent way to maintain good health while reducing your risk of developing skin tags and other conditions such as diabetes and obesity, which could increase the likelihood of their formation.
Aiming for at least 30 minutes per day should be enough to keep you feeling energized while helping ward off any potential issues with your overall health that could lead to an increased chance of developing these types of growths on the surface of your skin.
Key Takeaway: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practising proper hygiene, and keeping wounds clean can help reduce the risk of developing skin tags.
Conclusion
In conclusion, skin tags are a common and harmless skin condition and can be removed easily with cryotherapy or other surgical methods.
At the same time, there is no sure-fire way to avoid them altogether; it’s essential to take steps such as maintaining a healthy weight and managing diabetes to reduce the risk of developing skin tags. You can have smooth, clear skin free from pesky skin tags with proper care and treatment.
We at Harley Street Health Care have an experienced team who regularly deal with the removal of skin tags and can advise you of the best treatment method tailored specifically to you.
Call us now and restore your skin to its former glory.