Delving Into This Common Skin Condition
Toweling off after a shower, you notice a slight bump along a portion of your body. Upon closer inspection, this small malformation appears to be a fleshy piece of skin protruding from an otherwise smooth surface. In most cases, this small skin outgrowth is known throughout the medical community as a skin tag. Also referred to as an acrochordon, this harmless accumulation of skin is typically found near skin folds. While it may be unsightly to some, there is very little reason to become concerned by its presence. While there are several effective treatment options, it's important to understand this quite normal skin condition before delving into how to get rid of skin tags.
Skin Tags: A Brief Overview of a Common Condition
Skin tags are known by many names: cutaneous papilloma, cutaneous tag, fibro molluscum, Templeton skin tags, and soft fibroma are only a few titles for this widespread condition. Although its name can vary, the physical characterization is strikingly similar among all genders, races, and age ranges. In the most fundamental sense, skin tags appear as small pieces of flesh hanging off the skin. These benign, non-cancerous malformations on the skin typically feature no painful or aggravating symptoms. Although they may be located in almost any area of your body, the majority of skin tags are located:
• Eyelids
• Groin
• Upper Chest
• Under the Breasts
• Around the Neck
• Under the Armpits
As stated earlier, the presence of a skin tag is typically unnoticed. However, if rubbed or scratched, such as with tightly fitting clothing or jewelry, they can emit a painful sting or potentially bleed, just as any other portion of your body that's scratched. However, there are occasions when a bleeding skin tag is a cause of concern, but we'll cover that in just a moment.
Skin tags are an accumulation of skin fibers, fat cells, and nerve cells. The reason why certain people are prone to skin tags is currently unknown to the scientific community. However, preliminary evidence outlined by Medical News Today suggests that those who are overweight or have diabetes are particularly prone to this condition. Researchers believe genetics plays a role in the likelihood of developing these harmless malformations. In the United States, roughly 46 percent of the population has one or more skin tags, making it one of America's most common skin conditions. Evidence suggests that the increase in obesity and diabetes and the proliferation of the human papillomavirus (HPV-6 and HPV-11) may contribute to the rise of skin tags.
When to Seek Medical Help—Signs of a More Serious Condition
For the majority of those with skin tags, there is no reason for alarm. The primary reason these skin accumulations are removed is for cosmetic purposes. However, there are several factors that, if they occur, demand a visit to your dermatologist. As with any other skin lesion, if a significant change in appearance, size, or color is noticed, it's important to visit your physician immediately. Although rare, skin cancer cells have been found living in skin tags. Another warning sign is a skin tag that begins bleeding without being physically damaged. This can be a sign of a more severe condition requiring a dermatologist's evaluation.
Do not become immediately alarmed should the skin tag become purple or black. An alteration to its color is generally a sign that its blood supply has been cut off, which means the skin tag is "dying." When this occurs, also known as a thrombosis skin tag, the tag will fall off on its own within 10 days. Of course, when it comes to alterations to your skin, it's always suggested that you receive confirmation from your physician or dermatologist.
The Bottom Line: Skin Tags are Natural and Non-Threatening
The biggest threat skin tags pose to humans is purely cosmetic. Although noticing a fleshy lump on your skin can be worrisome, in most cases, the formation of these benign tumors is nothing more than a sign of living human skin cells. Because removing skin tags is generally considered a non-essential medical procedure, most insurance companies do not cover these treatments. Therefore, your best option may be a natural remedy other than a standard medical procedure.
