What are skin tags? Medically referred to as “acrochordons”, skin tags are fleshy growths on your skin that appear as raised bumps or flaps. They’re not quite moles, as they generally take on the same colour as the rest of your skin. They appear as little extra bits of skin that protrude from the body. Skin tags are considered totally harmless. However, those who have skin tags generally consider them to be undesirable.
What causes skin tags?
Skin tags are often caused by friction of the skin, although it is believed that genetics can play a role. “You can probably blame them on your parents–skin tags are usually genetic,” explains Grace Gold in Women’s Health Magazine, “Obese people have a higher instance of them since there is more flesh likely to rub against itself to provoke more tags. You may have just one or a couple skin tags, or they can sprout up as a small, isolated group of bumps.”
Where do skin tags appear on the body?
They can appear at just about any location on your body, especially where there may be instances of friction taking place. Generally, skin tags are found on the neck, underarms or groin area. They can also be found on the face, chin, eyelids or around the eyes, back, chest, belly button, breasts and even genital areas.
How common are skin tags?
They’re actually quite common. “They’re so common that 50%+ of people will get one or more at some point in their lifetime,” explains Gold, “This will result in just one or two, which won’t normally be a problem. The exception is when they are visible and don’t look nice, or if they become irritated and infected. Both can potentially apply.”
Are there ways to safely remove skin tags at home?
There is a wide variety of home remedies. They range from removal creams to devices that band the skin tags in order to cut off the blood flow to them. This inevitably causes the skin tags to die and fall off. Other solutions include the use of lemon juice, vinegar and garlic. Most of the solutions offer immediate results while others may take a bit longer.
On TipsBulletin.com, Joan Clark explains that natural remedies like oregano oil contain antibacterial properties that can help remove skin tags within a month. “Create a mixture of four to six drops of coconut oil and two to three drops of oregano oil and apply this directly to your skin tag three times a day,” she advises, “This should dry out the skin tag so that it falls off on its own. Make sure to always use a carrier oil to dilute the oregano oil or else you risk redness and irritation. This oil also must never be used near your eyes.”
Remove your skin tags at Aurora Skin & Vein!
Enjoy smooth, unblemished skin by removing unsightly or concerning moles, cysts, and skin tags. Our physicians can determine if removing your skin lesion is medically necessary or simply cosmetically desirable. We can then develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your concerns. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call Aurora Skin & Vein at 403-358-5818. You may also fill out the form on our Contact Us page!