Understanding Skin Tags Under the Eyes
Skin tags under or around the eyes are common, harmless growths. Though not generally dangerous, they can become irritated, inflamed, or affected by neighboring eye cosmetics. Learning what causes skin tags to form near the eyes and exploring safe, effective treatment options can help manage these benign growths.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, sometimes called acrochordons, are small, soft, skin-colored flaps of tissue that protrude from the surface of the skin. They often have a slight stalk connecting them to the surrounding skin.
Skin tags tend to occur in areas where skin rubs against skin, like the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. Friction likely plays a role in their formation.
Common Causes and Locations of Skin Tags
Skin tags can develop on almost anyone, though some people and locations seem more prone:
- Overweight or obese individuals
- Pregnant women - Skin tags may form due to hormonal changes
- People with diabetes
- Middle age and older adults
- Eyelids and under eyes
- Neck and armpits - Areas of skin-on-skin friction
Are Skin Tags Under the Eyes Dangerous?
Skin tags near the eyes rarely pose any serious health risks. However, their proximity to the eyes and tear ducts make them vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.
Possible complications from skin tags around the eyes include:
- Irritation from rubbing on eyeglass frames or nearby skin
- Inflammation if the skin tag twists, restricting its own blood flow
- Ingrown eyelashes scratching the surface
- Infection
Skin tags under the eyes also tend to gather eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, and facial cleansers if not washed well, leading to chronic irritation.
When to Seek Treatment for Skin Tags by the Eyes
Since skin tags rarely cause problems, treatment is optional in most cases. However, it may be wise to consider removal if the skin tag:
- Becomes irritated or inflamed repeatedly
- Doubles in size - This may indicate internal bleeding
- Changes color or bleeds
- Impairs eyesight
- Rubs painfully on glasses or skin
- Gathers makeup, attracting bacteria
Skin tags can be safely removed at any time for cosmetic reasons as well. No harm comes from leaving them alone, but treatment is reasonable if a skin tag bothers you.
Skin Tag Treatment Options Under and Around Eyes
Several methods can remove uncomfortable skin tags from around the delicate eye area:
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing skin tags using liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold kills the tissue so the tag eventually falls off. Though effective, this can damage healthy skin around the tag. Recovery also takes 1-2 weeks.
Surgical Excision
Skin tag removal surgery uses a sterile scalpel or scissors to snip the stalk beneath the tag. The skin is numbed first to prevent pain. Excision offers excellent control for accurate removal.
Cauterization
Electrocautery and chemical cauterization destroy skin tags by burning them off at the base. These methods should not be used near eyes due to risks.
Natural Skin Tag Removal
Natural skin tag removal uses substances like oils or acids to corrode the tissue. These treatments take many weeks but avoid scars or pain. However, strong acids near the eyes demand extreme caution.
Discuss risks, benefits, expectations, and costs of each method with your dermatologist. Let comfort, safety, efficacy, recovery time, and cosmetic outcome guide your treatment choice.
Aftercare Tips Following Skin Tag Removal Around Eyes
Proper aftercare ensures safe, comfortable healing following skin tag removal near the sensitive eye area:
Keep the Area Clean and Dry
Gently cleanse around the eyes with mild, fragrance-free soap and water once or twice daily. Avoid rubbing the area. Carefully pat dry. Ointments may help soothe.
Apply Cool Compresses
A clean, soft cloth soaked in cool water and gently held over closed eyes can diminish inflammation and discomfort.
Use Antibiotic Cream
If the skin tag site oozes, topical antibiotics reduce infection risks while healing. Ask your doctor for an appropriate prescription.
Avoid Eye Makeup
Prevent bacteria from entering injured skin near the eyes by not applying cosmetics until fully healed.
Take Oral Pain Relievers if Needed
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve pain as skin tag wounds mend.
See Your Doctor if Signs of Infection Develop
Seek immediate medical care if skin becomes increasingly red, swollen, warm, or painful, as these suggest infection. Rarely, antibiotics by mouth or injection may be needed.
Closely following post-procedure wound care instructions reduces risks of complications after skin tag removal near the eyes.
FAQs
What causes skin tags to form under the eyes?
Skin tags often occur where skin rubs on skin. The thin skin of the eyelids and friction from blinking likely causes tags to form near the eyes. Obesity, diabetes, aging, and hormonal shifts like pregnancy also increase risks.
Do I need to get a skin tag near my eye removed?
No immediate need for removal exists unless the tag becomes irritated, inflamed repeatedly, or impairs vision or comfort. Cosmetic removal is optional. Discuss risks and benefits of treatment with your dermatologist.
What is the best way to remove a skin tag under the eye?
Several effective options exist, including cryotherapy freezing, surgical excision to snip it off, or natural skin tag removal using acids. Choose the method that best balances efficacy, recovery time, cost, and cosmetic outcome for your situation.
Is it safe to apply makeup after skin tag removal near eyes?
No. Avoid using eye makeup until the wound has fully healed, typically 1-2 weeks. Cosmetics can introduce bacteria to broken skin, raising infection risks. Gently cleanse the area daily with mild, fragrance-free soap and water instead.
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.
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