Although Skin tags can be rmoved at a doctor's office, some people prefer to remove them at home to save time and money. There are kits you can buy, but be careful: some of them contain harsh chemicals, and if you apply too much, you may end up damaging the surrounding skin. There are some home remedies you can try. Some say that a tea tree oil-soaked cotton ball applied to the affected area three times a day will cause skin tags to fall off within a week. Others prefer to use cotton balls soaked with apple cider vinegar, applied to the skin tag from 15-30 minutes. Here, you may experience a slight tingling. In the following days, the tag may become irritated and swollen but, according to those who have tried this method, the skin tag will eventually shrink and fall off. Another tried method is blending castor oil with baking soda. Mix the two until they form a paste and then apply it to the affected area daily until the tag falls off. Others have said something as simple as refining your diet and cutting out starches will get rid of skin tags and prevent them from coming back.If these techniques don't work, consult a doctor for removal.
Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags (also known as acrochordon, pedunculated papilloma and fibroepithelial polyp) are small, benign growths that appear where the skin creases - normally the eyelids, under the breasts (sometimes caused by irritation from bra wearing), underarms and neck. They are perfectly harmless and generally do not cause any pain, but many people opt to have them removed for cosmetic purposes. Although skin tags are considered tumors, they are not cancerous, and will generally not cause harm or pain, even if left untreated.Unless repeatedly irritated by shaving, scratching, or by the use of creams that don't agree with the skin, skin tags will not cause pain or symptoms. If the tag has become irritated to the point of bleeding removal may become mandatory. Skin tags have been known, from time to time, to fall off and disappear on their own. This can occur when the tag is shifted or twisted during normal daily activities. When this happens, blood flow is cut off from the tag, causing it to die.
Other Methods to Remove a Skin Tag
The three most common ways doctors remove skin tags are through:
1. Cauterization (or burning) of the tag with an electrolysis instrument. This destroys the tissue with the use of electricity. In most cases, the tag will fall off instantly
2. Cryosurgery (or freezing): Normally performed with liquid nitrogen, this method is preferred as it causes minimal scarring and pain. Freezing stops blood supply to the tag, making it fall off a few days later.3. Ligation (cutting off blood supply). Performed with a small thread or string tied around the tag in a clamp. This can be somewhat painful.
3. Excision or, removal by cutting. Normally preformed with a scalpel.A newer method, which is gaining popularity, is removal via the use of a laser. This is an excellent technique because it reduces the risk of infection and speeds up healing time.The removal of a skin tag is considered minor day surgery. Because it is, in most cases, done for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered my health care or insurance.
|
|
