Skin tags are completely harmless. Formed by loose collagen fibres and blood vessels, skin tags are similar to moles in some ways, except that they are skin-coloured. They commonly appear in creased areas of the skin, such as the neck, armpits, elbows, and (in women) under the breasts.
In contrast to moles, skin tags have a small stalk that protrudes from the skin called a peduncle.
Usually less than 2 millimetres in size, most skin tags are small and inconspicuous. Some can reach a height of up to a few centimetres. Tags on the skin are soft and pliable to the touch. They can be smooth and round or wrinkled and asymmetrical, depending on the type of material used. Some skin tags are thread-like and look like rice grains.
Skin tags are predominantly flesh coloured. However, hyperpigmentation can also cause them to be darker than the rest of the skin around them. For example, if a skin tag twists, it will lose blood flow and turn black.
Uncertainty surrounds the exact cause of skin tags. The fact that they usually appear in skin folds suggests that friction may be a contributing factor. An external layer of skin surrounds blood vessels and collagen to form skin tags.
Skin tags are thought to be caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), according to research published in 2008. The researchers analyzed 37 skin tags from different parts of the body for this study. Nearly half of the skin tags examined contained HPV DNA.
It’s possible that insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, is also involved in the formation of skin tags. Insulin resistance is characterized by a reduced ability to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Researchers found that multiple skin tags were linked to diabetes, obesity, and high triglyceride levels.
Pregnancy is also associated with skin tags. Due to pregnancy hormones and weight gain, this could be a contributing factor to this phenomenon. Multiple skin tags can signify a hormonal imbalance or an endocrine problem in rare cases, but this is extremely rare.
Skin tags aren’t contagious and can’t be spread from person to person. Genetics may play a role in the relationship between them. It’s not uncommon for a family to have several of them.
There are various treatment methods to remove skin tags:
In most cases, removing small skin tags doesn’t require an anaesthetic. However, your doctor may opt for local anaesthesia rather than general anaesthesia when removing large or multiple skin tags.
Unless your skin tag is causing you pain or discomfort, the removal of skin tags is no longer available on the NHS as it is viewed as cosmetic. However, it is recommended that you do not attempt to remove the skin tags on your own. Tying or cutting skin tags can cause bleeding, burns or other complications. So please leave it to the professionals and call Cryosonic today.
After treatment, it’s normal to feel a stinging sensation that can last up to an hour. Sometimes, the area will become red, puffy and sore. A blister may form as a result of this. In some cases, the wound may weep and develop a scab. If you pick at the wound, you may leave a scar behind. After healing, the skin tag dries up, darkens in colour, and falls off in 1 to 2 weeks. It’s crucial to avoid picking at the affected area, as this will prolong the healing process.
There are only a few things a person can do to reduce the development of skin tags. The most important thing is to reduce friction in the areas where skin tags tend to form. For example, friction from necklaces is a common cause of skin tags on the neck. In addition, friction under the arms can lead to the development of skin tags. Therefore, reduce irritation with friction-reducers, such as powder deodorants. Skin tags are also associated with obesity, and therefore, weight loss could also be considered a preventive measure.
When it comes to removing skin imperfections, the CryoPen is an advanced cryotherapy innovation that is fast, effective, safe and new.
The Cryopen works with millimetre precision, emitting a fine jet of nitrous oxide at high pressure onto the skin tag. The gas causes the tissue around the skin tag to freeze and die, resulting in ice shards and crystals that rupture the membrane, destroying the cell in the process. However, due to the precision of the Cryopen, healthy tissue won’t be harmed during treatment.
Many doctors no longer perform cosmetic procedures on the NHS. Contact Cryosonic today to book an appointment.
Cryosonic invites you to contact us today! We can get to know you better, understand what you hope to accomplish, and determine whether or not you are a good candidate for Cryopen treatment.