Skin Tags

Skin tags are small flesh-colored pieces of tissue that hang off the skin by a connecting stalk. The medical name for them is acrochordon, though sometimes called “skin tabs” or “barnacles”.  They are commonly found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under breasts, or in the groin area. They appear most often in women and in elderly people, especially with weight gain.  They normally don’t cause much pain, however, they become irritated when rubbed against things like clothing or jewelry.

More than half of the general population has reported having these tags at some time in their lives. Although they are acquired (not present at birth), skin tags may occur in anyone and more often arise in adulthood. They are more common in middle age individuals, and tend to increase in prevalence up to age 60.  Males and females are equally inclined to develop such tags. Obesity and moderate weight gain, even temporary, dramatically increase the chance of getting them.  Women with larger breasts are also more prone to developing them under their breasts.  Most tags do not fall off on their own and persist once formed.

Cancerous or Contagious?

They are medically considered to be tumors. The “tags” and are normally benign, meaning generally not cancerous.There are very rare instances where the tag may become precancerous or cancerous. Tag-like bumps that bleed, grow, or have multiple colors like pink, brown, red, or black might require a biopsy to exclude other causes like skin cancer.

Most typical skin tags can be removed without a biopsy being needed. However, there are some larger, irregular growths that may be sent to a pathologist for examination to make sure the tissue is really a tag and nothing more. Additionally, skin bumps that have bled or rapidly changed may also need pathologic examination.

There is no real evidence to suggesting that they are contagious. While warts are caused by a virus (HPV) and are known to be very contagious, skin tags are not thought to be caused by the same virus.

While these skin growths generally don’t cause any major pain, they can be repeatedly irritated by frequent contact and/or friction. Normally such tags are unsightly in appearance and is the most common reason they are removed. Occasionally, a tag may be removed because it has become irritated and red from bleeding (hemorrhage) or black from death of the skin tissue (necrosis). Sometimes, they become snagged by clothing, jewelry, pets, or seat belts, causing pain and discomfort.

Once in awhile, a skin tag may spontaneously fall off without any pain or discomfort. This may occur after the tag has twisted on itself at the stalk base, interrupting the blood flow to the tag.

What To Do

Most of them are harmless, but many people don’t know what to do for them. They may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or because they cause discomfort when they rub against other things. There is no evidence that removing skin tags causes more to grow, thus there is no expectation that the tags will “seed” or spread by removing them. Some people are more prone to developing them and may have new growths periodically requiring periodical removal.

Natural Treatments

They can be easily removed through natural and safe homeopathic remedies. More people nowadays are turning to natural treatments than ever.  No longer are the traditional harsh chemicals and over-prescribed medications necessary to treat our diseases and ailments.  Natural skincare products are healthier for you than synthetic formulas. Others are motivated by the fact they can treat their illness at home and not be charged the ever-rising medical costs.

Naturasil natural skincare products are made from all-natural ingredients.  Extensive research has been performed on the treatment ensuring the highest quality and effectiveness in it’s healing.  It is proven to safely and effectively remove all strains of skin tags, polypi, and skin tubercles without the pain, scarring, or harsh treatments found in many traditional methods.

Medical Procedures

There are several effective medical ways to get rid of these tags, including cutting, freezing (liquid nitrogen), and burning (medical electric cautery). Dermatologists, family physicians, and internal medicine physicians are the doctors who treat these tags. Occasionally, an ophthalmologist may be needed to remove such tags close to the eyelid. Doctors may remove them in one of the following ways:

  • Cutting

They may be cut off with a scalpel or surgical scissors. Sometimes they can be “shaved” off flush with the skin. The advantage of scissor removal is that the tag is immediately removed and there are instant results. A potential disadvantage to this minor surgical procedure is minor bleeding and possible infection.

  • Freezing

Your doctor will swab or spray super-cold liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery) on the skin tag. You might have a small blister where the tag was, but it will heal. Possible risks with freezing or burning include temporary skin discoloration, need for repeat treatment(s), and failure for the tag to fall off.

  • Burning

An electric current passes through a wire that becomes hot and is used to burn off the upper layers of the skin. The tags are removed by burning through the narrow stem that attaches them to the skin. The heat helps prevent bleeding.

These procedures may hurt a bit, but your doctor can numb the area with an anesthetic cream before removal. If the procedure causes bleeding, a medicine that helps stop the bleeding may be applied. The treated area will be covered with antibiotic cream or ointment and bandaged. These procedures normally leave no scars or marks.