subject: Skin Tag Removal: All You Need To Know [print this page] Acrochordons, or most commonly known as skin tags, are growths on the flesh that are almost the same in color. They typically appear in adults, and are not related to any other physical conditions. In fact, they often appear in healthy people. Their physical characteristics may differ on a case-to-case basis. Some are round and smooth-shaped while others are irregularly shaped and rough or wrinkled. Generally, they look like hanging pieces of flesh, making patients who suffer from them ashamed of the condition.
Most skin tags are typically small in size, but they are noticeable from a short distance. They start out as small as a pinpoint and subsequently gain size. In rare cases, they can grow up to the size of a grape. Skin tags can develop in any part of the body, including below the breasts among woman, in the underarms, the neck, the eyelids, and even the chests and the groin folds. According to some research, they usually grow in places that typically rub against other parts of the body or a person's clothing, but there isn't any conclusive medical evidence of what causes them. But statistics point to heredity, obesity and pregnancy as the most common risk factors.
According to statistics, there are people who genetically predisposed to developing skin tags. These usually develop in adult patients, but they may occur at any age-even during infancy-if the condition is hereditary. Obesity is also a risk factor and an indirect cause. The cases of these growths in obese people are usually in the eyelids, groins, underarms and the neck-parts where the tissue is in constant contact against other body parts or clothing. Finally, pregnancy has also been found as a risk factor. Most skin tag cases in pregnant women develop under the breasts, in the armpit or between the folds of the neck. Fortunately, skin tags among pregnant women often disappear after the pregnancy.
These growths are typically harmless. They are not indications of any serious outer tissue diseases or physical condition. Neither do they progress into a major disease, even if they are not treated. However, constant rubbing against other body parts or clothing can cause skin tags to redden.
This irritation, and the fact that they cause embarrassment, often compels patients to find out ways to remove skin tags. There are several medical procedures indicated for skin tag removal. These include freezing or cryotherapy, burning the kin tag or surgically cutting it off. Removal of these bothersome areas is performed using local anesthesia. There are other non-surgical ways to remove them, such as topical applications or herbal formulations. Most of these, however, have not been scientifically proven to be effective.
For best results, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or dermatologist for help. These professionals are in the best position to assess whether or not your flesh growth is a harmless skin tag or a symptom of something that is more serious. In addition, he can also prescribe the best procedure for treating the condition.
