Removing Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, useless pieces of skin that hang onto other areas such as eyelids, armpits, neck or groin. These skin tags are more annoying than dangerous and usually are benign. Some skin tags are darker than the other skin which makes them stand out even more. One thing is certain, most people who have this problem want to know as much as possible about removing skin tags. The anatomy of a skin tag is simple as its just part of your skin. Although the irritation caused by a skin tag may feel huge, the average skin tag is 1 to 5 millimeters in size. A skin tag can be flat or rounded. It is attached to the skin by a skin stalk that is called a penducle.
The big question is how to get rid of skin tags. This little piece of skin is small and looks as if it would be easy just to snip off with nail clippers. But that's a bad idea. Clipping or cutting a skin tag is not a job for amateurs. The first problem is bleeding, which may be more difficult to control than expected. The next problem is the potential for infection from using non-sterile tools. And the final problem is that the scarring left where the skin tag was may be even more unattractive than the skin tag was.
The safe way for removing skin tags is to have it done by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. The physician may use cryotherapy to freeze the skin tag or cauterize the skin tag by burning it with electrical current. Cryotherapy is painless and quick. Cauterizing or cutting away the skin tag may be done under local anesthesia and involve some post-operative pain. Any of these medical treatments for removing skin tags is costly. As elective procedures, don't expect your medical insurance to pay. If you insist on trying to remove the skin tag at home, first make certain its actually a skin tag and not another skin condition. One method is to tie off the skin tag at the base of the stalk with dental floss or fishing line. After tying the stalk, clip the skin tag with sharp scissors or nail clippers that have been sterilized with alcohol. Clean the area with hydrogen peroxide. When the bleeding stops, cover with an antibacterial ointment and cover with a bandage. Continue to apply antibacterial ointment twice daily for several days. Any signs of infection, swelling, inflammation or pain at the site of the skin tag is a concern which must be seen immediately by a physician. Infection is a serious problem that must be contained to avoid problems in the body far more serious than a skin tag. Removing one skin tag is no guarantee that another will not surface nearby. Skin tags are more common in middle to older ages. They are not related to any disease and not likely to become cancerous. Skin tags are just irritating, not dangerous. |
