WHAT CAUSES SKIN TAGS?
The most common causes that explain why you develop skin tags on areas of your body are the following:
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
SKIN TAGS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Skin tags are usually flesh-coloured or may appear brown if you have light skin. They are smooth or wrinkled and range in size from very tiny – 1 mm – to approximately the size of a grape. Although it is usually possible to recognize a stalk that attaches the skin tag to your underlying skin, very small skin tags may appear as raised bumps on your skin.
HOW CAN I PREVENT SKIN TAGS
You can minimise developing skin tags on your skin by following these tips:
- Losing weight
- Avoid eating saturated fats and sugar
- Avoid wearing tight clothing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens when you cut off a skin tag?
Before trying to remove your skin tag, you should speak first to your GP. Your General Practitioner may explain how to remove a skin tag by yourself only if your skin tag is small and with a narrow base.
Can a skin tag grow back?
Although the removed skin tag doesn’t grow back, new skin tags may form.
Are skin tags contagious?
There is no strong basis with regards to skin tags being contagious.
TREATMENTS FOR SKIN TAGS
At sk:n we use several techniques for skin tag removal. Upon your consultation your doctor will advise you of the best option for your individual case.
Excision Removal
The skin tag is carefully cut away using a scalpel. The skin tag will be completely removed and there will only be a small white or pink scar in its place.
Cryotherapy
The skin tag is frozen by applying liquid Nitrogen, a gas that produces freezing temperatures, to the area. The cold temperature kills the cells within the skin tag, blocking the blood supply to the area, causing it to naturally fall off. (This treatment is also used for wart and verruca removal).
Hyfrecation
An electrical pulse is passed through the skin tag to damage the cells, causing the skin tag to fall off.
Whichever treatment method you choose, the procedure often will only take a few minutes to complete. An anaesthetic will be applied before removal and treatment will be relatively painless.