Skin tags or moles
A mole is a cluster of skin cells usually brown, black, or skin tone that can appear anywhere on your body. They usually show up before age 20. Most are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous.
if a mole appears in old age, or if it begins to change the size, colour, or shape, it is advised to visit your doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will remove that mole if it is dangerous or harmful if kept untreated for prolonged periods. One should keep an eye on that area in case of chances of any complications that might arise after the procedure is done.
Mole can be kept as it is or even removed as per the preferences of the individual. If it hinders or causes any discomfort especially during wearing dresses or any daily activities, one can remove them.
Why are skin tags formed?
It is unknown precisely what causes skin tags. Since they typically appear in skin folds, tension may be a factor. We all are well aware that they are composed of blood vessels, collagen, and an external layer of skin. There is a significant relationship between the papillomavirus (HPV) and skin tags, according to studies.
Insulin resistance, which can ultimately lead to type 2 diabetes as well as prediabetes, may also contribute to the formation of skin tags. People with glucose intolerance do not effectively absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Multiple skin tags were linked to insulin resistance, a body mass index ( BMI,) and elevated triglycerides, as per a 2010 study.
Skin tags are a common pregnancy-related side effect. Possible causes include pregnancy hormones and excess weight.
Rarely, multiple skin tags may indicate a disorder in hormonal levels or endocrine disorder. There may also be a genetic connection. It is not uncommon for multiple members of a family to have them. However, skin tags really aren’t infectious.
How Can I Determine Whether a Mole Is Cancerous or harmful?
Initially, your doctor will examine the mole closely. If they believe it is abnormal, they will either take a sample of tissue and biopsy or completely remove it. They may correspond you to a dermatologist, a skin specialist, to perform the procedure. Your physician will send the sample to a laboratory for further examination. This is known as a biopsy. If the test is positive, indicating that the mole is infectious, the whole mole and surrounding area must be excised to eliminate the cancerous cells.
How Does It Work?
Mole removal is a simple surgical procedure. Typically, your physician will perform the procedure in their office, clinic, or hospital’s outpatient centre.
They will likely select one of two options:
1. Surgical excision
The doctor will anaesthetize the area. They will use a pair of scissors or a sharp circular blade to remove the mole and some surrounding healthy skin.They will sew the skin shut.
2. Razor-sharp shave
This is typically performed on smaller moles. After desensitising the area, your physician would use a small blade to clean off the mole and underlying tissue. Generally, stitches are not needed.
Exist Possible Risks?
It will result in a scar. The greatest risk following surgery is an infection at the surgical site. Follow the wound care instructions precisely until the wound has healed.It must be cleaned regularly, moist, and protected. Occasionally, the area will bleed or rupture slightly after you return home, particularly if you are taking medications which are anti-clotting in nature and thins your blood.
Start by applying gentle pressure for 20 minutes with a sterile dressing or gauze. If that does not work, consult a physician.
After being completely removed, a common mole will not return. A mole containing cancerous cells may. If the cells are not treated immediately, they can spread.
Keep an eye on this area and notify your doctor if you observe any changes.
Are skin tags associated with other medical conditions?
In some cases, skin tags may be related to undiagnosed diseases. they can be as:
- Acromegaly
- Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome
- Colonic polyps
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Lipid disorders
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
Though in these conditions, moles or skin tags appear, which might not mean that there is a hidden health issue.
Small skin tags are generally considered only cosmetic concerns. Skin tags might develop and cause irritation as time goes on. these can cause discomfort and even bleeding by involved in daily activities when coming into contact with the clothing and accessories.
Attempting to remove a Skin Tag
This is a small, flesh-coloured flap of tissue that is attached to your skin by a fine stalk. You are most likely to notice one where the skin rubbing results in chafing due to friction or in folds, such as in your underarms, neck, eyelids, groin, or under your breasts.
Those who are obese, diabetic, or pregnant are more likely to develop skin tags. They can suddenly appear regardless of your gender. However, children do not typically receive them.
Typically, skin tags are harmless and painless. If it is blocking your path, you may wish to have it removed. Something that rubs against it can cause irritation. It may catch on jewellery or clothing.
Skin tags removal using some home remedies
Typically, skin tags do not require medical attention or a trip to the doctor.
If you opt to completely eliminate a label, you may be able to do this with items already present in your cupboard or kitchen. The majority of at-home treatments involve drying the skin tag till it gets smaller and falls off.
1. Tea tree essential oil
When diluted with a carrier oil, tea tree oil, which seems to have antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties, is safe for topical application. Wash the target area first. Then, using a cotton swab or Q-tip, massage the oil into the skin tag. Apply a bandage to the wound overnight. Repeat this process nightly until the tag gets dry out and drops off.
2. Banana peel
Do not discard old banana peels, particularly if you have got a skin tag. Banana peel can also assist in removing skin tags. This may be due to their antioxidant properties and reliable source. Bandage and banana peel pieces should be placed over the tag. Perform this every night until the tag breaks off.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Dip a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar before applying it to the skin tag. Wash the skin after 15 to 30 minutes of bandaging the affected area. Daily repetition for a month or two and the acid content of apple cider vinegar causes the skin tag to fall off by dissolving the surrounding tissue.
4. Vitamin E
The ageing process may play a role in skin tags. Since vitamin E is the antioxidant that prevents wrinkles and promotes healthy skin, applies the liquid. vitamin E to a skin tag may result in its disappearance within a few days. Simply, gently apply the oil to the skin tag and its surrounding area until it starts to fall off.
5. Garlic
By reducing inflammation, garlic enhances the appearance of the skin. To eliminate a skin tag naturally, apply crushed garlic to the tag and then bandage the area overnight. The area should be cleaned in the morning. Repeat until the mole shrinks and vanishes.
Although removal creams and cryotherapy could induce irritation and contact dermatitis, they are still effective for short-term use.
Occasionally people insist on having one extracted because they dislike its appearance. During an office visit, your doctor will select one of several removal methods:
1. Snipping
The doctor will anaesthetize the area. They will remove the tag using specialised scissors. This eliminates the skin tag instantly.
2. Freezing
This is called “cryotherapy” by doctors. Liquid nitrogen is widely used to eliminate the skin tag. It will come off approximately 10-14 days following treatment. This method may cause irritation to the skin surrounding the tag.
3. Burning
A skin growth receives an electric current from an electrode. It dehydrates the tissue, causing the tag to fall off. Typically, if something is removed, it will not return. However, another can appear elsewhere.
Some other Surgical techniques for skin tag removal can be as: Removal of skin tags via surgery is a common emergency procedure.
Depending on the size and placement of the skin tag, your doctor may conduct one of the following processes after desensitising the area with a local anaesthetic:
4. Cauterization
Your doctor removes the skin tag using heat.
5. Cryosurgery
Your doctor applies a small volume of liquid nitrogen to the skin tag, causing it to freeze and fall off.
6. Electrocautery
Your doctor could also use a specialised electric current to remove the skin tag.
7. Ligation
Occasionally, skin tags can be removed by severing the blood supply with surgical thread.
8. Surgery
Your doctor will simply use surgical scissors to cut off the base of the skin tag.
The necessity for wound dressings or stitches will be determined by the size and placement of the skin tag on the body.
Can I Get Rid of It Myself?
Occasionally, people attempt to remove skin tags by cutting them off or tying them off with pieces of string. Avoid doing this. It may result in bleeding and infection.
Make an appointment with your physician if you decide to have yours removed or if you notice any changes.
Removal aftercare tips
Infections and complications are not typically associated with the removal of skin tags. Some individuals develop a scar following removal, which may fade over time. Upon the removal of the skin tag through a home remedy, treat the affected area with antibiotic ointment and bandage it as you would a cut. This reduces the likelihood of infection.
Consult a physician if the affected area has become painful or bleeds. If you’ve had a surgical procedure to eliminate a skin tag, your doctor may instruct you to keep the wound dry for at least 48 hours, followed by a gentle soap-and-water wash. Additionally, your physician may schedule a follow-up appointment to examine the wound and remove any sutures (if they were needed).
Prevention of skin tags
There still isn’t a way to prevent the formation of skin tags, but your doctor can offer advice on how to manage health conditions that increase your risk for them.
Strategies consist of:
- If necessary, lose weight by following a healthy diet that emphasises: more whole foods and fewer added sugars.
- Keep yourself hydrated by focusing on fitness and exercise.
- getting quality sleep routinely
Sirisha B