For many people, tags can be worrying. You might find them uncomfortable, unsightly, or even concerning and worrying. So, what are they? Skin tags are small flesh-colored growths on the body that resemble a small piece of soft, hanging skin. They can develop anywhere on the body and can be as big as an inch or as small as a pinhead. They are attached to a stalk by a narrow base and sometimes come off easily. Most tags appear on areas of the body that get friction or rubbing and have hair follicles present.
What Causes Tags?
As for the cause of tags, this can vary depending on your specific case. However, here are a few things to keep in mind about their formation: tags are sometimes genetic — meaning you may be more likely to develop them if other family members developed them. The exact definitive cause of tags is unknown. Tags are thought to arise from a mixture of events, including gene mutations and physical trauma like repeated friction or skin irritation, which may eventually cause your body to produce too much keratin.
Are Tags Dangerous?
The most common worry that surrounds tags is a misconception or concern that they might actually be cancerous or a sign of cancer. Take a breath; the truth is that tags are benign growths and not dangerous. The biggest concern with tags is that they have the potential to get caught on clothing and occasionally tear, which causes further pain, irritation, and bleeding. They are created from the surrounding body tissue, so they can be surgically removed (with relatively little risk once done professionally) when they create irritation, embarrassment, or obstruction in your life.
What Options Exist For Getting Rid of Tags?
Tags aren’t particularly harmful. They’re irritating to an extent and many find them unsightly. However, you shouldn’t try to remove them yourself. Despite there being some self remedies on the market, doctors warn the doing so could cause bleeding, infection, skin irritation, and even ulcers. Professional services do exist that allow you to get rid of tags in the most painless way that leaves the least amount of marking or scarring behind. If you’re interested in figuring out what can be done about your tags, we encourage you to reach out to us at PMN Health and Wellness. Two of the most common professional procedures are employing the use of a ligator to aid in the removal of the tag or a cryosurgical operation. The litigator is a clean surgical cut, with the tag gone by the time the patient leaves the office. On the other hand, the cryotherapy treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the tag, causing it to fall offafter 10 to 14 days. Also important to note is that professional treatments are non-invasive. Which service you choose ultimately depends on your preference as well as the location and size of the tag.