What Are The Symptoms Of Skin Tags?
Skin tags if left alone aren’t bothersome, but, if you twist or pick them, they may bleed or infect the surrounding skin tissues. Some of the symptoms of skin tags are as follows.
They look like a tiny bump on the skin that is soft to touch. Over time, they turn into a flesh-colored piece of skin attached to the surface of the skin by a stalk. You can develop blood clots if you twist the stalk of the skin tag and it may become painful (2).
What Are The Causes For Skin Tags?
There is no clear-cut reason for skin tags to appear. Some researchers suggest that they appear due to clusters of collagen and blood getting trapped inside a piece of skin. It is common to see them form in areas where your skin folds, like your armpits, under your neck, and genital areas (2). Friction caused by clothes or pieces of jewelry rubbing against your skin may cause skin tags to appear. Some studies suggest that obesity and genetic disorders may also be a cause for skin tags (3),(4). Skin tags are generally harmless, however, some people may want to remove them for personal reasons. Skin tags near the genital areas may at times interfere during sexual intercourse. However, if they bleed, change color and size, or if you notice any irregularity, it could potentially be cancerous. Consult a doctor immediately. In the next section let us discuss some of the safety concerns of using nail polish to remove skin tags.
Safety And Effectiveness of Using Nail Polish On Skin Tags
Nail polish is a toxic substance that is not safe for your skin. Studies suggest that nail polish contains harmful chemicals like toluene sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin and methacrylates that may cause dermatitis. The study also suggests that these compounds can become airborne and may cause asthma and neurocognitive changes (5). Some people claim that using nail polish to remove skin tags is an effective technique for them. However, dermatologists do not recommend this process. If you still want to try this process for yourself and see if it bears results, you have to be cautious.
Cautions To Be Followed When Removing Skin Tags With Nail Polish
Do not try using nail polish to remove skin tags if you have a pre-existing skin condition. Do not try this process to remove skin tags on your genitals and genital areas such as the groin and anus. Don’t try this if you are diabetic. Do not try this if your skin tag is bleeding or is oozing pus. Do not try this if the skin tag is near a mucous membrane, like on the eyelids or the corner of the eyes, and around the nose. Do not try this if the growth has changed appearance.
Using home remedies such as this may not always give you successful results, and you may instead end up causing harm and aggravating the issue. It is always better to consult a doctor for things like this. The most effective way to remove skin tags is through a simple cosmetic procedure. Apart from cosmetic procedures, there are a few other home remedies that people use to remove skin tags. The next section discusses these options.
What Are The Other Ways To Remove Skin Tags?
There are cosmetic procedures that give you good results and there are home remedies that have mixed results. However, you must have a sterile environment and past experience in removing skin tags. There are 4 main cosmetic procedures that can remove skin tags.
1. Cryotherapy
In this procedure, the dermatologist uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag. Within a week or so you can expect the skin tag to fall off.
2. Cauterization
The dermatologist burns the skin tag and it falls off after the doctor repeats the treatment a couple of times.
3. Ligation
The skin tag is tied with the surgical thread to cut off the blood supply, causing it to gradually fall off.
4. Excision
The doctor applies a local anesthetic to the skin tag and then it is removed with a surgical knife, scalpel, or shaving blade. If cosmetic procedures are your choice, you may want to try these home remedies. However, these have not been studied to prove their efficacy.
Banana Peel
Anecdotal evidence suggests that a banana peel may be effective in removing warts, a condition similar to skin tags (7). Wrapping a banana peel around the skin tag and leaving it overnight to dry the skin tag. Repeat this process till the tag falls off.
Garlic
Studies suggest the topical application of garlic on corns and other skin lesions may help alleviate them (8). However further research is required to determine its efficacy. Rub crushed garlic on the skin tag and wrap it with a bandage and leave it overnight. Wash the area in the morning and repeat till the tag falls off. Are skin tags a form of fungus? No, skin tags are not a form of fungus. They are benign tumors of the skin and can be removed with cosmetic procedures. Does baking soda remove skin tags? Baking soda may help in removing skin tags. However, the exact mechanism is unknown and more quality research is warranted. Do skin tags bleed when pulled off? Yes, skin tags bleed when pulled off. This may also cause irritation and infection. Hence, seek professional help. Do skin tags have roots? No skin tags do not have roots and are only superficial growths. Does apple cider vinegar help get rid of skin tags? No, apple cider vinegar may not help in getting rid of skin tags. It instead may aggravate skin irritation. Its use in this regard is not recommended.
