Skin tags are small, benign growths that can appear anywhere on the body. Although they are not harmful, they can be unsightly and irritating, especially if they are located in areas of friction. Nearly every person has at least one skin tag on their body. However, they are more common in people over 50.
What Causes Skin Tags?
- Friction: Skin tags are commonly caused by friction or rubbing of the skin. This can occur in areas where skin rubs against skin, or where clothing or jewelry constantly rubs against the skin.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags. This is because the extra weight can cause more friction between the skin, leading to the formation of skin tags.
- Hormonal changes: Skin tags are also more common in pregnant women, as well as in people with diabetes or other hormonal imbalances.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people may be more likely to develop skin tags just because it is genetically coded in them.
- Aging: Skin tags become more common with age, likely due to a combination of factors including increased friction and changes in skin elasticity.
Should You Consult A Dermatologist If You Have Skin Tags?
Most skin tags are harmless and do not warrant medical intervention. However, it’s important to consult a doctor if you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of a skin tag, or if it bleeds or becomes painful. These changes could indicate a more serious condition, such as skin cancer. Plus, it is undeniable that a visible skin tag can steal the attention away from you, even if that’s just for a second. This is why many people opt for removing skin tags for cosmetic purposes.
How Are Skin Tags Treated At Skin Stories?
Skin Stories is armored by state-of-the-art technologies which are wielded by Dr. Amit Kolli, a highly experienced dermatologist, and one of the best in Hyderabad! You can find several treatment options available here that successfully remove a skin tag without leaving any trace of it at all! Here are some of the most common procedures:
- Topical Treatments: Some prescription medications can help to dissolve or shrink skin tags and make them fall out. It is best to avoid OTC formulas to prevent unnecessary complications like pigmentation.
- Ligation: This treatment involves tying off the base of the skin tag with a piece of string or dental floss, which cuts off the blood supply and causes it to fall off within a few days.
- Cryotherapy: This treatment involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen to make it fall off within a few days.
- Excision: This treatment involves numbing the area with local anesthesia and cutting the skin tag off with a scalpel or scissors.
- Cauterization: This treatment involves burning the skin tag off with a special tool that uses heat or electricity.
All these procedures are done at the clinic on an outpatient basis. And usually, just one follow-up visit suffices.
