Remove Skin Tags
That odd little piece of skin that seems to hang off the body is known as a skin tag. A skin tag is usually found in areas of the body where skin is wrinkled or folded such as the armpits, neck, eyelids or groin. These skin tags are not dangerous or harmful yet they are irritating and ugly. Skin tags usually develop in middle to older ages. As the skin tags become discolored they are even more unattractive. The typical size of skin tags if 1 to 5 millimeters. Trying to cut the skin tags on your own is a huge mistake. Not only is there a problem with bleeding but also with infection. This do-it-yourself approach to cosmetic surgery is also likely to leave a scar that is more distracting than the skin tag was. One mistake made in dealing with skin tags is to use over the counter preparations for wart removal. Warts are not the same as skin tags and the treatment is not interchangeable. Tying to use wart preparations on more delicate areas of the body can result is burning the skin or scarring. Meanwhile that stubborn skin tag is still hanging on.
The only safe way to remove skin tags is by freezing or surgical procedure done by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Cryotherapy is a simple procedure in which the skin tag is sprayed with liquid nitrogen which freezes the skin. Once frozen the skin tag disengages and falls off on its own. This process is done in the doctor's office and is relatively painless. Depending on the location of the skin tag, it may be removed by cauterization which is to burn the skin tag with electrical currents. This procedure is done by a physician. Skin tags on the eyelid can become irritating and interfere with vision. If that is the case, the skin tag may need to be surgically removed. Skin tags in sensitive locations are removed under local anesthesia. Some post-operative pain and bleeding can be expected after the procedure. A popular organic treatment for skin tags is tea tree oil. Use a cotton swab to place drops of tea tree oil directly on the skin tag at least twice daily for a month. Other organic remedies may be found at health food stores. Using oils or herbs is not a rapid as surgical intervention; however, it may be the choice for people who prefer organic methods or those who fear surgery. Removal of skin tags is a cosmetic procedure which is usually considered elective and not covered by many insurance policies. This procedure can be expensive and need to be repeated if the skin tag returns. The best approach is to request a consultation appointment with a cosmetic surgeon and get an estimate of the cost of the procedure. Skin tags seem to appear at will with no way to prevent this condition. The choices are to ignore them or pay for save removal by a physician. |