Often the source of the complex, these skin growths are called acrochordon or also “mollusc pendulums” and are usually located in the armpits and neck. They can also appear on other parts of the body, especially areas of skin fold. Painless and soft, these spots of skin tone or slightly darker than skin tone are harmless to the human body. Do you have skin tags? Learn how to get rid of it and find all our explanations for its causes and risk factors.
What are skin tags?
Where they are commonly called “skin papillae,” dermatologists refer to them as “pedunculated warts,” which means hanging outward. While they’re not dangerous, it’s advisable to show your skin growth to a dermatologist to confirm if they’re actually labels.
Acrochordon or Warts: How Not To Confuse Them?
Carefully differentiate them to suit treatment and prevent possible risk of infection. Skin tags are characterized by a soft, smooth, and fairly rounded surface. Warts are usually harder, rougher and can spread by touch.
Causes and Risk Factors
The reason why skin tags appear is still unknown, but experts have observed that this physiological phenomenon is partly genetic. Other factors doctors emphasize include:
overweight and obesity;
Age: People over 40 are more prone to skin tags;
diabetes ;
Pregnant;
disorders of the sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum to limit dryness of the skin;
hypertension.
Why should skin tags be removed?
Removing skin tags is often done out of a complex, as they are considered unsightly, even though they are perfectly benign.
Dermatologists recommend removing these “bulks” when:
They are located in friction zones: bra straps, necklaces, belts;
their sensitivity bothers you;
You hold on to them so often that they bleed.
Treatments to Remove Skin Tags
over-the-counter treatment
Products such as Excilor or Dr. Scholl’s, available without a prescription, remove these “skin papillae” from the epidermis with the topical application of liquid nitrogen. This product is not as effective as a professional health care practitioner, so repeated treatments are often required, which can cause irritation and even discoloration of the skin. Always seek the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional before using these medications.
professional therapy
More effective and faster, specialized treatments by dermatologists vary according to the characteristics of the acrochordon and the area it is located in:
Cryotherapy: application of liquid nitrogen to cold burn skin tags;
Coagulation: an electric current from a needle heats the area where the meat is located so that it burns;
Cautery: Heat and burn the acrochordon under local anesthesia using electrocautery. A hard crust will form and fall off naturally after a few days;
Surgical excision: The area is surgically removed under local anesthesia.
Beware of Alternatives Touted on the Internet
Several websites and Internet users offer dangerous or at best useless homemade methods to remove skin tags yourself. Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, castor oil, and even cut the meat yourself with scissors.
Deprecated remedies can damage the skin or cause irreparable scars.
