The average adult has between 10 and 40 moles. Not only that, but approximately one in every two adults will develop a skin tag in their lifetime. Despite how common they are, these lesions can be a real nuisance and often damage the confidence of those they affect. That’s why, as a leading private GP in Milton Keynes, we’ve helped so many people achieve clear skin by removing their skin tags and moles. So, if you want to understand how to remove skin tags, this guide covers safe methods, professional options, and risks of DIY removal. Keep reading for smooth, healthy skin.
Understanding How To Remove Skin Tags
When you begin to notice a skin tag or mole developing, it can be tempting to take action with homemade remedies right away. However, these at-home solutions often cause more harm than good. So, in this article, we’ll walk you through the safe, professional methods for removing these benign growths.
- What Is A Skin Tag?
- What Causes Skin Tags?
- Can Skin Tags Be Prevented?
- Identifying When Medical Attention Is Needed
- Risks Of At-Home Removal
- How Is A Skin Tag Removed?
- Skin Tag Removal Methods To Avoid
- Aftercare Instructions
What Is A Skin Tag?
Skin tags, sometimes referred to as acrochordons, are non-cancerous protrusions that commonly occur in skin folds. They are small nodules of flesh-coloured tissue that typically develop in areas prone to skin-on-skin friction, like the neck, armpits, and underneath the breasts. Skin tags can be quite varied in size, ranging from 1 mm up to 5 cm. Most skin tags are harmless and do not cause discomfort unless aggravated by clothing or friction. However, those with skin tags often become frustrated by their presence — whether due to aesthetic concerns or because of chafing — and choose to get them removed.
What Causes Skin Tags?
What causes skin tags is not fully understood, although a number of contributing factors have been identified. Skin tags are more prevalent among various demographics, including those who are:
The rubbing together of skin in areas with folds is thought to be one of the main reasons behind their formation, which explains why they often appear in body parts such as the neck, underarms, and groin.
Inherited genetic traits could influence susceptibility too. Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is one such rare inherited condition where multiple benign tumours form — including skin tags. Recognising these contributors can assist people in addressing and possibly diminishing new occurrences of skin tags.
Can Skin Tags Be Prevented?
While complete prevention of skin tags is not possible, adopting certain practices may help decrease their occurrence. By following a nutritious diet and engaging in consistent physical activity, you can maintain an optimal weight, which reduces the chances of skin tags forming. This preventative strategy holds particular relevance for those who are overweight or obese since they have a higher tendency for skin tag emergence due to more extensive areas of overlapping skin.
Additionally, opting for loose-fitting clothing could also reduce the abrasion between layers of skin or against fabric — a contributing factor in generating new growths.
Despite implementing these strategies, it’s important to bear in mind that completely preventing the development of skin tags is impossible. Routinely examining yourself and seeking prompt medical advice when identifying any lesions will help manage and resolve issues associated with skin tags.
Identifying When Medical Attention Is Needed
Even though the majority of skin tags are benign and don’t need any intervention, there are occasions when it’s important to seek medical advice. If you notice a skin tag beginning to bleed, changes in colour or expanding in size, arrange a private GP appointment in Milton Keynes as soon as possible. These could be signs of more serious health problems. Our doctors will evaluate the growth to exclude the possibility of cancerous changes and suggest an appropriate course of action for any diagnosed skin tags.
Risks Of At-Home Removal
Attempting to remove a skin tag at home may seem like an easy solution, but it carries considerable dangers. Methods like using apple cider vinegar or excising the tag yourself can result in adverse and harmful effects, including irritation of the skin, infection risks, and permanent scarring. Because the area around a skin tag contains nerves, attempting to remove it without proper technique will likely worsen the situation.
It’s highly recommended that individuals use professional services, like ours at Private Doctors MK, for the safe and effective removal of unwanted lesions.
How Is A Skin Tag Removed?
Methods for professional skin tag removal are both safe and effective, offering immediate improvements in appearance and enhancing the condition of the skin. At Private Doctors MK, we offer both surgical and non-surgical removal for skin tags, moles and sebaceous cysts. There will be a consultation before the procedure to assess your needs and the best course of action.
We Use Non-Surgical Methods
We use Plexr (Plasma Exeresis) to remove moles, skin tags and other benign lesions without surgery. Here’s how it works:
- Plasma energy creation: The Plexr device ionises gases in the air to create a small, controlled plasma arc (like a tiny lightning bolt).
- Targeted skin vaporisation: The plasma arc heats the skin surface, causing the water in the tissue to evaporate. This removes the mole or skin tag without cutting or stitches.
- Minimal damage to surrounding tissue: The energy is very precise, meaning it only affects the targeted area, reducing the risk of scarring.
- Healing process: A small scab forms where the lesion was, which typically falls off within a week or so, revealing fresh skin underneath.
- No stitches: Since the procedure doesn’t involve cutting, it’s less invasive than surgical removal.
When Might Surgical Removal Be Used?
For lesions like a sebaceous cyst, surgical removal may be advised. Here’s what a typical surgical removal might look like:
- Preparation and anaesthesia: We’ll clean the area around the growth with an antiseptic and inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
- Incision: A small incision is made over the growth.
- Cyst removal: We’ll dissect the cyst from the surrounding tissue and remove it to minimise the chances of reoccurrence.
- Closure: We’ll flush the area with a sterile solution to reduce the risk of infection and close it with stitches if necessary.
- Aftercare: Stitches are usually removed after one or two weeks, depending on location. You’ll be advised to keep the area clean and monitor signs of infection.
Skin Tag Removal Methods To Avoid
While there are many effective professional methods for removing skin tags, there are some methods that you should avoid. These include:
- Cutting off the skin tag with nail clippers or scissors: This can lead to bleeding, infection, and scarring.
- Using over-the-counter skin tag removal products: These products can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and scarring.
- Trying to remove the skin tag yourself: This can lead to infection, scarring, and other complications.
It’s essential to consult a doctor or dermatologist for skin tag removal. They can recommend the best removal method for your skin type and the location of the skin tag. By seeking professional advice, you can ensure that the removal process is safe and effective, minimising the risk of complications and achieving the best possible results for your skin.
Aftercare Instructions
Appropriate post-removal care is essential for effective recovery and to minimise the chance of scarring. Vitamin E oil helps keep the skin hydrated, promotes healing, and helps nourish the skin, which may help lighten any residual marks.
Using cold compresses can lessen swelling and soothe discomfort during the initial days after removal. It’s important to refrain from engaging in vigorous activities for 24 to 48 hours to avoid irritating the treated region. Following complete healing, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently, as it guards against changes in pigmentation and shields the skin from damage. Non-surgical methods have a much quicker recovery time than surgical alternatives, often as short as 1-2 days.
Remove Skin Tags At Private Doctors MK
In conclusion, skin tags are common benign growths that can be a source of discomfort and cosmetic concern. Understanding what causes them and how to remove them safely is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
While removing your skin tags may not be as straightforward as just cutting it off at home, it’s still a very easy process when you book an appointment at Private Doctors MK. Our expert healthcare professionals will assess your needs and carry out the removal using the best technique for your circumstances. During your consultation, we’ll provide tailored recommendations and detailed advice so you know exactly what to expect from your treatment. For smooth, clear skin, book an appointment at our private GP in Milton Keynes today.
