What do skin tags look like?
Skin tags are painless, non cancerous growth on the skin. It is a small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin through a thin stalk called a peduncle.
There are small skin tags with a diameter of 2 mm to 1 cm and bigger ones with a diameter of up to 5 cm. Skin tags can be either pink or black, depending on the skin type.
How does skin tag form?
Skin tags are common among both men and women especially after the age of 50. Although not painful, skin tags can often become irritated from constant rubbing with clothes or jewelleries.
The definite cause of skin tag is not well documented but many speculations indicate that it may form when collagen and blood vessels are entrapped inside thick skin.
Skin tags are also linked to certain medical conditions and risk factors. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Hyperinsulinemia – A condition where excess insulin circulates in the blood
- Diabetes
- Overweight issues
- Skin disorders
- Pregnancy – Due to ongoing hormonal changes
- Heredity issues
Can you remove a skin tag yourself at home?
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) solutions in skincare are popular due to their convenience and competitive pricing. However, home remedies may irritate your skin and lead to sensations of burning, redness, along with ulcers. There are also other risks associated with DIY treatments such as:
Risk of Bleeding
Home removal methods may cause bleeding, especially if the skin tag is large or located in a sensitive area.
Risk of Infection
Any break in the skin can potentially lead to infection. It’s a risk that’s minimised by having your skin tag removed in a sterile environment by a healthcare professional.
Risk of Irritation
Removing a skin tag can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially if the skin tag is in a sensitive area.
Risk of Damage to Surrounding Area
Attempting to remove a skin tag can potentially damage the surrounding healthy skin.
Incomplete Removal of Skin Tag
Home removal methods may not entirely eliminate the skin tag, leading to regrowth.
Skin Tags Removal Options at Curamed Aesthetics
Skin tag removal options in Singapore depend on the skin tag’s size, cost and personal preference. The treatments include cauterisation (removing unwanted tissues with heat), surgical removal (using a scalpel), electrodessication (using a small metal probe to superheat the skin tag to destroy it) and cryosurgery (applying a small amount of a freezing substance to freeze the skin tag, allowing it to be safely removed). Consult with us now to find which skin tags removal option is suitable for your condition.
