How’s it done? Skin tag removal – what you need to know
Unsightly, liable to hook on jewellery and clothing and often looked on as a sign of ageing, skin tags may be entirely harmless but they’re pretty much always unpopular and something many would like removed from their bodies.
It’s true to say that the procedures to remove some skin tags are more straightforward than others but, all the same, thanks to the comprehensive range of services offered by the likes of a highly recommended skin clinic Manchester, there are very few occasions when, if you want one removed from your skin, it won’t be possible.
Exactly why skin tags form on the body – or, indeed, on the face – is a bit of a matter of debate. Technically speaking, they’re very small tumours that form on the outside of the skin but, to reiterate, are entirely harmless; just far from aesthetically pleasing. That being said, yes, it is true they can become irritated and reddened, on occasions, and lead to bleeding thanks to being nipped during shaving or snagging on jewellery or on clothing as it’s taken on or off.
Why do skin tags form?
Commonly, they occur in and around skin creases – especially in armpits, on the neck, in the shoulder area, on eyelids, in the groin area, under breasts and even on the face. Many believe they form because of the friction of skin rubbing against itself, yet others don’t rule out genetics and maybe viral infections playing a role.
However, others claim the most common cause for a skin tag developing is weight gain. In those suffering from increased weight and, potentially, diabetes, there’s a strong likelihood skin tags may form under weight gain-generated skin folds. To prevent this happening, the advice is to keep skin dry and sweat- and moisture-free as much as possible. There’s a chance, too, that jewellery made of a specific metal your skin’s allergic to could cause skin tags – something else to bear in mind.
Preventing and removing skin tags
Assuming that weight gain can play a large role in skin tags forming, preventing them from popping up on your skin, then, may well come down to staying healthy and looking after your body. That means getting good, regular exercise and paying attention to your diet and ensuring you’re getting enough good food and trying to limit saturate fat-filled stuff.
If it’s too late for prevention and you’re in the market for a skin tag removal procedure, there are several options available – everything from surgical removal via freezing, burning or a focused laser light on the skin tag to simply and quickly (but efficiently) cutting the thing away with a scalpel.
Alternatively, if you’re talking a small skin tag, you may be able to remove it yourself. How? Well, as an alternative to going to the sort of specialist you might visit for skin care treatments like freckle or mole removal Manchester, you might try tightening string or floss around a skin tag (so long as it’s a narrow, small one), thereby cutting off blood circulation. A word to the wise, though; before attempting anything like this, you should definitely consult an expert, preferably a doctor or your GP.
Once removed, can a skin tag grow back?
While it’s pretty rare for a skin tag to grow on exactly the same spot from where one was previously removed, it’s quite possible another will emerge in the same general area (remember, skin tags commonly appear in natural skin creases and folds). So, all the more reason, surely, to consider your skin tag removal options?
