Skin tags are the unwanted guests that appear randomly and hang out even if they have no business. Those who have them will understand what we’re trying to say. While they’re harmless, some might get infected, which may also make one feel self-conscious.
Skin tags come in various shapes and sizes, and it may get complicated to understand a particular type. In this blog, Dr. Vedant Ghuse, a leading dermatologist in Chembur who has treated multiple patients with varied forms of skin tags, will simplify the task of identification for you.
Did you know a skin tag is a harmless tumour of the skin? Sounds serious, but in reality, it isn’t. A skin tag is benign, loose, hanging skin that may have a peduncle (a thin stalk that connects the skin tag to the skin). The core of the skin tag is formulated by nerve cells, ducts, fibres, fat cells, and a covering.
It doesn’t discriminate, affects all genders equally, and commonly appears in the following areas:
They often occur in areas where the skin is rubbed on the skin or some kind of clothing. A popular place that the skin tags love are the creases and folds of the skin.
Skin tags, alias acrochordon, are of different types and forms. Some of the common ones are as follows:
Traditional skin tags are the most common and often do not require any medical intervention. They are generally small in size and do not cause any discomfort.
Such skin tags are small in size and have a rough texture. They tend to form bumps in areas such as the upper arms, cheeks, or buttocks and are usually dry. They are not uncomfortable, but they may have an appearance that not many may like.
Benign lesions are protruding bumps or lumps that are non-cancerous in nature. They can appear anywhere in the body but are mostly seen in areas such as the legs, arms, stomach, and chest.
Visit a trusted doctor, such as Dr. Vedant Ghuse, a renowned dermatologist in Ghatkopar, if you have any type of skin tag and it is causing discomfort. The experienced professional can conduct a comprehensive examination and treat it accordingly.
Skin tags are usually removed for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons, as they do not cause any harm.
On the other hand, there are some that might rub on your skin or clothes and cause irritation; in such a case, the removal of the skin tag is the best decision.
The two viable options to remove skin tags are:
Procedures such as excision, ligation, cauterization, and cryosurgery are performed to get rid of skin tags. Such surgeries are required to be performed by trained dermatologists. Please do not attempt to remove the skin tags by yourself. It may cause more harm than relief and increase the chances of infection.
Readily available at a pharmacy, over-the-counter solutions often prescribed by dermatologists harden the skin tag and cause it to fall out in a week or 10 days.
Contact Dr Vedant Ghuse - a trusted dermatologist in Tilak Nagar, if you wish to bid goodbye to your skin tags and enjoy a tag-free life.