A skin tag is a small, soft growth that hangs off the skin. This growth is usually skin-colored but may have a different shade. Its size may vary between a few millimeters and five centimeters.
Skin tags usually grow on the armpits, neck, under the breast, or around the groin area. Sometimes, these tags develop on the eyelids or under the butt folds. These are not painful but may cause loss of self-esteem, especially when they are on the neck or other visible parts of the skin.
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What Causes Skin Tags to Appear?
Skin tags are generally a result of the growth of extra skin cells in the top skin layers. They usually develop in overweight or obese people with fleshy folds of skin. These tags are also common among older people or individuals with type-2 diabetes. Some pregnant women also develop skin tags, but usually after giving birth.
What are the Treatments for Skin Tag Removal?
Skin tags are harmless growths with no adverse effects on health. But you may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Here is a brief overview of the treatment options available at EuroMed Clinic Dubai to eliminate these growths.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a commonly used method in which a dermatologist applies the liquid nitrogen to a skin tag. This freezes off the tag, blocking its blood supply and destroying its tissues. It then falls off after some time. A repeat cryotherapy session may be needed if the skin tag doesn’t fall away.
Cauterization
Cauterization involves using a handheld device that uses an electric charge to burn the skin tag tissues. The skin tag falls off as a result. It is an outpatient treatment, which doesn’t lead to any recovery period afterward.
Laser Skin Tag Removal
Laser treatment for skin tag removal involves using an intense light beam. This light beam burns and destroys tissues of a skin tag, making it fall off afterward. It is an outpatient procedure that generally takes 30 minutes.
Excision
Large-sized skin tags can be removed with surgical excision. During this treatment, the skin tag is cut off, usually with a scalpel or scissors. A pair of forceps may be used to hold the skin tag and pull it away once it has been cut. It is a straightforward procedure after which you won’t need stitching, and scarring will be minimal. However, it must not be DIYed at home due to a high risk of infection.
Who Can Get a Skin Tags Removal Procedure?
Skin tags are common among men and women. While they are noncancerous and harmless, many people want to get rid of them. You are an ideal candidate for a skin tag procedure if you:
- Have an abnormal skin growth or skin lump anywhere on the body
- Feel physically uncomfortable due to these abnormal skin growths
- Want to improve your appearance by eliminating these protruding skin growths
Skin Tag Removal FAQs
Skin tags will not grow back after their removal. However, if you still get skin tags in the treated area, you may be more prone to having these growths in that region.
Is skin tag removal safe?
Skin tag removal treatments are generally safe and cause little to no side effects afterward. However, ensure that you get these treatments from a qualified GP instead of excising a skin tag yourself.
No, skin tags are benign skin growths made of collagen and blood vessels. They do not cause any other health concerns as well.
You can prevent future skin tags by adhering to the following steps:
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Avoiding jewelry and wearables that rub against the skin
Experts have found the presence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body to be one of the causes of skin tags.
Book a Consultation
To book a consultation at EuroMed Clinic Dubai, call us at +971 4 394 5422 or fill out the online form below.
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Dr. Fazeela Abbasi MD
Physician Specialist DermatologyDr. Fazeela Abbasi has been in the field of dermatology since 2003. She is a DHA-licensed dermatologist specializing in advanced laser techniques, Botox, PRP therapy, rosacea treatment, etc.
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