Skin Tag Removal Guide: Treatment Options and Prevention Tips

Understanding Skin Tags and Available Removal Options

Skin tags are extremely common, harmless growths that can appear on the surface of the skin. While not dangerous, they can sometimes be itchy, irritating or cosmetically unappealing. As a result, many people look into safe and effective ways to get rid of skin tags.

What Exactly Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, soft flaps of tissue that extend out from the skin. They are connected by a thin stalk or stem. Skin tags generally do not cause pain. But they can become red, inflamed or irritated if they grow in areas where they rub against jewelry, clothing or skin folds.

Common Skin Tag Locations

Skin tags frequently develop in areas where skin rubs together, allowing them to form and grow. Some of the most common skin tag locations include:

• Eyelids, under arms and under breasts
• Groin, genital areas, buttocks creases
• Neck, armpits, belly/abdomen
• Facial areas like near eyes, lips and nose

Identifying Suspicious Growths

Skin tags themselves are harmless. However, people also understandably worry about cancerous growths. Warning signs to discuss moles or lesions with your doctor include if they:

• Bleed easily or change shape/color
• Have an irregular border
• Appear rapidly or grow quickly
• Itch, burn or become painful

Checking any suspicious skin changes with a dermatologist can provide peace of mind or early treatment if needed.

What Causes Skin Tags to Develop?

Common Skin Tag Triggers

While the exact cause is unknown, common contributors believed to spur skin tag development include:

• Obesity and insulin resistance
• Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause
• Skin rubbing from clothing, jewelry or shaving irritating folds
• Family history and genetic tendencies

Association with Diabetes and Heart Disease Risk

Some research shows correlations between skin tags and increased Type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease likelihood. Insulin resistance and inflammatory issues common with these conditions may promote skin tags forming.

While not an inevitable outcome, people with numerous skin tags should discuss screening for diabetes and cardiovascular disease with their doctor.

Normal Aging Changes

Skin tags affect nearly half of elderly adults. Loss of supportive collagen, reduced skin elasticity and years of exposure to irritating friction make skin changes like tags more common with age.

Treatment Options to Remove Skin Tags

At-Home Skin Tag Removal

Several methods exist to remove tags safely at home without surgery including:

• String method - Tying dental floss or thin thread at the base to cut off blood flow
• Freezing - Using a skin tag removal product with liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill the tissue
• Burning off - Applying small amounts of tea tree oil to burn the stalk over days
• Abrasives - Lightly rubbing with a pumice stone or emery board to irritate and shed the tag

In-Office Skin Tag Treatment Options

Dermatologists can also quickly and effectively eliminate skin tags using:

• Cauterization - Burning skin tags off with electrical cautery, lasers or cold therapy methods
• Excision - Cutting out skin tags surgically with a scalpel or scissors
• Cryosurgery - Freezing skin tags rapidly with super cold liquid nitrogen

Evaluating Skin Tag Removal Methods

The best skin tag removal approach depends on factors like:

• Number, size and location of tags
• Your pain tolerance for procedures
• Risk of infection or bleeding
• Importance of cosmetic outcomes/scarring
• Timelines for elimination
• Insurance coverage

Preventing New Skin Tags

Avoiding Known Triggers

You can reduce chances of growing additional skin tags by:

• Maintaining healthy weight levels
• Regulating blood sugar if diabetic
• Using gentle skin care and moisturizers to prevent drying and irritation
• Wearing smooth clothing that minimizes friction on neck and arms
• Carefully shaving irritated areas like the groin region

Catching New Growths Early

Check regularly, especially within skin folds and typical tag prone areas like the eyelids, neck, groin and underarms a few times per month. Spotting and treating tags when they are small maximizes treatment success.

Following Up with Your Provider

Stay engaged with your primary care doctor or dermatologist through:

• Annual skin checks to monitor for suspicious changes
• Discussing any worrisome lesions promptly
• Managing contributing conditions like obesity, insulin resistance
• Considering screening for associated diseases like diabetes based on risk factors

Ongoing prevention partnership with your health providers can help reduce future bothersome skin tags.

Outlook for Skin Tag Sufferers

Skin Tags Are Harmless Despite Annoyances

While unsightly or uncomfortable, skin tags themselves pose no real short or long term medical problems. Even large crops of skin tags all over the body primarily cause issues due to their appearance or friction with clothing rather than being unhealthy.

Treatment Is Safe, Effective and Permanent

With many over-the-counter and medical methods available, skin tag removal can safely and successfully restore normal skin appearance and texture very effectively. Eliminated tags typically do not regrow if the base stalk is treated appropriately.

Prevention Is Better Than Treatment

Pursuing preventative measures enables catching and treating tags early before they enlarge or cause significant irritation. Maintaining healthy skin and weight, avoiding friction and promptly checking suspicious growths facilitates prevention of recurrent issues.

Discuss the best skin tag remedies and coping approaches for your situation with both your doctor and dermatologist to create an optimal management plan.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.