Skin tags are benign growths that resemble hanging yet soft pieces of skin! These harmless tumors may develop due to a number of reasons including obesity, hereditary and a number of unknown causes, with male and females equally prone to acquiring them. Obesity or being moderately overweight dramatically increases your chances of skin tags and do tend to cause embarrassing moments having to explain their causes.
Growth of skin tags does not cause harm in both men and women and don’t necessarily need to be removed, but simply having to live with them is most disturbing, as their presence may instigate anxiety and frustration at times. Life would be easier without them and you may wish that these lesions would disappear overnight and there are many ways to eradicate at home or at the physicians!
Skin tags are unpredictable and may occur on any part of the body, but are commonly seen under the armpits and neck. Other areas include the upper chest or under the female breasts, eyelids, buttock and groin folds. Friction locations are more prone to skin tags and tend to develop in chunkier babies, where the skin rubs against each other, like the sides of the neck.
Statistics show that skin tag occurrences affect half if not more of the general population and are usually not present at birth, but do prosper in adulthood. These tags may prevail up to age 60 and may also be caused by hormone elevations, especially in pregnant women. Needless to say, removing skin tags doesn’t necessarily eradicate them completely and there is no evidence of seeding through the process. However, there are a few individuals that may develop skin tags periodically and may need attention at quarterly or annual intervals.
These tumors are not contagious and do not represent any form of cancer, but if the bumps bleed or change colors, it is a wise to consult your physician to eradicate any speculation of skin cancer! When analyzed under a microscope, a skin tag resembles a small hanging pearl and is embedded with a spherical tissue coupled with a small stalk.
Surgical methods are your best bet, considering the tags are removed manually, but may end up costing you an arm and a leg. You may choose a variety of procedures depending on your budget and the one you’re most comfortable with. Surgical methods are performed by dermatologists, who use technologically and advanced equipment such as lasers, instruments, etc depending on your condition and are considered to be safe and reliable. Non surgical methods like creams, pills, ointments may not work in your favor and do not guarantee that the lumps will disappear.
All in all, skin tags pose no threat to the human body, except tainting your cosmetic appearance and only call for removal, if irritation occurs!