A skin tag is the most common type of skin bump. They are entirely harmless but may present cosmetic concerns to some. They are very small, soft, non-cancerous growths that typically range in size from 2 millimeters to 1 centimeter. In some cases, they may grow up to 5 centimeters in size.

Skin tags are made up of collagen fibers, ducts, nerve cells, and fat cells. They can range from being smooth to irregular in appearance and vary in color (either flesh-colored or brown). Multiple skin tags may be found in large areas of the skin. Almost everyone will develop these benign growths at some point in their life.

You can find skin tags all throughout the face and body. The most common places include areas where the skin folds. These areas include the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, under the breasts, and on the upper chest. Because these are not extremely prominent locations, skin tags tend to go unnoticed for quite some time. Sometimes, they go unnoticed for so long, they painlessly rub or fall off on their own. Bigger skin tags may also burst under pressure.

Removing skin tags should always be done by a professional. Although it is possible to remove skin tags at home, it is not recommended by Dr. Dima Ali. When done at home, removal can cause bleeding and possible infection. We recommend seeing a trained professional to remove a skin tag in order to avoid any risk of bleeding, unnecessary pain, and to ensure a safe removal.

Skin tags do not require medical attention and many people may choose to treat them with home remedies. Below are a few products that sometimes aid in skin tag removal.

TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil is a very useful antiviral and antifungal essential oil and is safe to use on the skin. Before proceeding with any kind of topical treatment, we advise first trying a skin test to reduce possible irritation or the risk of an allergic reaction.

When using tea tree oil, it is best to wash the affected area and surrounding skin. Then, with a Q-tip or cotton ball, gently massage the oil over the skin tag. It is recommended you place a bandage over the treated skin tag to ensure the oil stays in place overnight.

Some people may also benefit from diluting the tea tree oil with a small amount of coconut oil.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Some people have noticed that apple cider vinegar can help remove skin tags. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, which can help break down skin tissues surrounding the skin tag and cause it to fall off.

Again, it is best to begin by cleaning the affected area. As with the tea tree oil, soak a Q-tip or cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar and place the swab over the skin tag. Place a bandage over the treated area and wait for 15 - 30 minutes. Wash your skin and repeat the process until you achieve your desired results, which may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

VITAMIN E

Aging is often associated with the development of more skin tags. Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants and helps nourish the skin. Applying vitamin E oil may help with skin tag removal. All you need to do is apply the vitamin E oil to your skin tag daily until it falls off.

GARLIC

Garlic is great for your skin. It can help reduce inflammation and helps fight off bacteria. To help rid yourself of your skin concern, apply crushed garlic to your skin tag. Then, bandage the area and leave it be overnight. When you wake up the next day, remove the bandage and wash the treated area. Repeat this process until the skin tag either shrinks or completely disappears.

As mentioned before, if you are considering removing skin tags, it is always best to consult a doctor. In many cases, small skin tags eventually rub off on their own and do not require treatment. Larger skin tags, however, may stay attached to the skin. In this case, as long as it doesn’t bother you, it may be best to leave it alone. However, if your skin tag hurts, becomes irritated, or is a cosmetic concern, it is best to have it removed professionally.

Some of the most common methods of removing a skin tag include:

• Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to remove the skin tag (like with warts).
• Surgical removal: Removing a skin tag with a scalpel or medical scissors.
• Electrosurgery: Using light energy to remove a skin tag.
• Ligation: Removing a tag by cutting off the blood supply with surgical thread.

Small skin tags typically do not require anesthesia. However, a local anesthetic may be used to prevent pain or bleeding when treating larger skin tags.

Here at WellMedica, Dr. Dima Ali may use cauterization, cryosurgery, or excision to get rid of unwanted skin tags. Cauterization involves burning off the skin tag using electrolysis. We also use cryosurgery, which involves freezing a skin tag with liquid nitrogen.

Lastly, we may also excise these growths by having our board-certified doctor shave them of the surface of the skin with a scalpel. Our doctor will analyze your skin during your consultation and decide which treatment option is best for you based on your needs and skin type.

It is usually not necessary to see a doctor for a skin tag. Unlike moles, skin tags are not a health concern or harmful to the body, nor do they have the potential to develop into cancer. However, they may be a cosmetic concern for some.

POSSIBLE RISK FACTORS:

Some people may be at a greater risk of developing skin tags. Those who are more prone to developing skin tags are those who:

• Are overweight
• Are pregnant
• Have a genetic predisposition to developing skin tags
• Have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
• Have HPV

OTHER POSSIBLE CONCERNS

Skin tags don’t become skin cancer like other skin conditions, such as warts and moles, which may resemble skin tags. Since some moles may be cancerous, it’s best to have your skin tags examined by a doctor. Your dermatologist will be able to diagnose your skin tags, typically through a visual exam. If they have any doubt about the diagnosis, they may also perform a biopsy.