What Is A Skin Tag?
Skin tags are soft, small, non-cancerous growths connected to the skin by a thin stalk called a peduncle. Most commonly seen in individuals after the age of 50, it is estimated that 50% to 60% of adults develop these skin tags once in their lifetime (1). Also known as acrochordons, these growths on your lips are either skin-colored or red in color. While skin tags can appear anywhere on your body, they commonly develop in places where your skin experiences friction. Places such as your armpits, eyelids, groin, and neck are where you will often see skin tags. Although not uncommon, skin tags may develop on your lips as well. While the exact cause of skin tags is unknown, let us delve deeper into possible factors that contribute to the growth of skin tags on your lips.
What Are The Causes Of Skin Tag On Lips?
The following are factors that may cause the development of skin tag on your lips.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Did you know that HPV may play a role in the development of skin tags? A study was conducted to check the association between HPV and skin tags in patients with skin tags. The results indicated the presence of the HPV DNA in 48% of the patients (2).
If what’s on your lips are not skin tags, it could be any one of these skin growths.
Other Growths On Lips Similar To Skin Tags
The following are types of growths you can confuse with skin tags:
Filiform Warts – Highly infectious, filiform warts are long, narrow growths that project directly from the skin. Caused by the HPV virus, these growths are commonly found on the eyelids, neck, and lips. While filiform warts go away on their own, there are surgical procedures to remove them.
Mollusca – Caused by the Mollusca contagiosum virus, mollusca are small, shiny growths often found on the lips. What separates them from skin tags is a dent or a dimple in the middle. Mollusca is transmitted either through skin-to-skin contact or contact with an infected surface. Mucous Cyst – If you have a growth inside your lip, chances are you have a mucous cyst. Also known as mucocele, these growths can develop due to constant biting or injury to your lip (6).
If you are unsure about the growth on your lip being a skin tag, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
When To See A Doctor
Skin tags are painless and may go away on their own. But if the skin tag keeps getting caught on your clothes or looking at it causes you distress, you can visit your doctor. Since skin tags rarely grow on the lips, it can be indicative of a mucous cyst or a filiform wart. After doing a physical examination and a biopsy, your doctor will prescribe the right treatment for you. Depending on their size, let’s explore the different ways you can get rid of the skin tags on your lips.
How To Get Rid Of Skin Tags On Lips
Doctors usually opt for the total removal of the skin tag as the best way to get rid of them. The skin tags on your lips can be removed using the following surgical procedures.
Cryosurgery – Cryosurgery is considered one of the most effective methods in removing skin tags (7). This is a procedure where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the skin growth and destroy it.
Cauterization – Cauterization is a medical technique in which chemicals or electrical currents are used to burn off the skin tag. Surgical Excision – Also known as shaving excision, this is a procedure that involves the complete surgical removal of skin growths. The surgeon applies a topical cream to numb the surgical area and proceeds with a sharp razor to cut off the growth. After the excision, your surgeon may cauterize the surgical site to close the wound and stop bleeding. Laser Therapy – In this procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the growth and a thin laser beam of carbon dioxide is used to remove the skin tag. Ligation – This is a procedure where the surgeon uses a surgical thread to cut off the blood circulation of the skin tag, allowing the skin tag to fall off.
It is strongly recommended that you do not remove the skin tags at home and instead consult a medical professional. In the next section, we will explore if you can prevent the development of skin tags.
How To Prevent Skin Tags On Lips
While complete prevention of skin tags is not possible, you can follow this simple tip to reduce the risk of developing them. Pat dry your lips after a shower and apply medicated lip balm to help reduce friction and the development of skin tags. How does tea tree oil remove skin tags on lips? Anecdotal evidence suggests that tea tree oil helps remove skin tags on lips by drying them out so that they fall off. However, there is no scientific evidence to back these claims. Does apple cider vinegar remove skin tags on lips? No, there is no evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar can help remove skin tags. On the contrary, frequent or overuse of improperly diluted ACV may damage skin due to its acidic nature. Can I cut off a skin tag on my lips with nail clippers? Surgical excision involves cutting off skin tags with sharp razors. However, cutting off a skin tag at home with nail clippers may damage the skin, cause bleeding and increase the risk of infection. If you must do it, ensure that you are applying the technique on a very small skin tag and the tools are properly sanitized. However, it is advisable to seek medical guidance to remove skin tags or consult them before applying such a technique on your own. . Can baking soda get rid of skin tags on lips? Anecdotal evidence suggests that regular application of baking soda may dry out skin tags and shrink them over time. However there is no scientific evidence to support the safety or efficacy of baking soda use as a remedy for skin tags. Is aloe vera good for skin tags on lips? Aloe vera is beneficial for skin health. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that aloe vera can help get rid of skin tags.
