What Are Skin Tags?
October 26, 2018
Delving Into This Common Skin Condition
Toweling off after a shower, you notice a small bump along a portion of your body. Upon closer inspection, this small malformation appears to be a fleshy piece of skin protruding out from an otherwise smooth surface. In the majority of cases, this small outgrowth of skin 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 and 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, before delving into how to get rid of skin tags, it's important to hold a solid understanding of this very common skin condition.
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 given to 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 they are 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, which makes it one of the most common skin conditions in America. Evidence suggests the increase in obesity, diabetes and the proliferation of the human papillomavirus (HPV-6 and HPV-11) may be a contributing factor in 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, which 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 immediately visit your physician. 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 serious condition, which requires evaluation by a dermatologist.
Do not become immediately alarmed should the skin tag become purple or black. An alteration to its color is generally a sign 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 to receive a 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 the majority of cases, the formation of these benign tumors is nothing more than a sign of living human skin cells. Because the removal of skin tags is generally considered a non-essential medical procedure, most insurance companies do not cover these treatments. Therefore, your best option may not be a standard medical procedure, but rather a natural remedy.
Naturasil features a wide array of homeopathic remedies designed to effectively – and safely – eliminate skin tags. Take a look at the various products, found here, Naturasil Skin Tag Removal, and see for yourself how nature can heal even the most severe case of skin tags.
