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Have you ever spotted moles on your face and skin tags on your neck and wondered about their removal? Most body moles and skin tags exist without causing harm, but they may become troublesome and visible. The main requirement behind getting skin tag removal either stems from wanting a better appearance or wearing clothes and jewellery that cause skin tag irritation. This blog discusses the causes of skin tags and moles, their potential risks, and various removal methods—both natural and medical treatment, guided by dermatology professionals.
Synopsis
What Are Moles and Skin Tags?
Moles, together with skin tags, are common skin growths that may appear on different parts of the body. Evaluating their underlying causes will help determine whether a treatment removal requirement exists.
Moles
Skin moles are groups of pigmented cells (melanocytes) that appear dark brown to black. These growths may exist at any skin level throughout the human body. They can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later. While most body moles remain harmless or benign, a minority of them have the potential to turn cancerous (melanoma).
There are different types of moles, including junctional, compound, intradermal, and dysplastic (atypical) moles, each with varying characteristics and risks.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, flesh-coloured growths that form in areas where skin touches the skin, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and breasts. They are generally considered harmless.
Causes of Moles and Skin Tags
The origins of skin tags and moles help you evaluate their potential dangers or the need for removal. These ordinary skin growths are caused by genetic inheritance, combined with skin rubbing, hormonal imbalances, and sun exposure.
Why Do Skin Tags Appear?
Skin tags are more common in people with obesity and diabetes. Some common reasons for skin tags include:
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Friction: The natural friction or skin-on-skin rubbing between certain skin areas can produce new skin tags.
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Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and hormonal imbalance create conditions for skin tag development.
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Family history: The development of skin tags in your family history translates to a higher risk of you acquiring them.
Why Do Moles Form?
Body moles form because melanocytes (skin pigment cells) multiply excessively. Moles can be present at birth (congenital moles) or develop later in life due to the following factors:
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Sun exposure: The amount of time you spend in sunlight stimulates new mole development due to UV radiation exposure.
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Genetics: The human body creates moles naturally in different quantities among individuals due to genetic variations.
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Hormonal changes: Estrogen fluctuations during puberty and pregnancy may impact mole characteristics by making them darker and more prominent.
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When to See a Dermatologist?
Consulting a dermatologist becomes necessary when there are noticeable changes in a mole or skin tag. To observe these changes, let us learn about the ABCDEs of melanoma detection:
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Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other half
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Border: Irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges
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Color: Uneven color, like shades of black, brown, and tan or areas of white, red, or blue
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Diameter: Increase in size
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Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color of the moles
Removing harmless moles and skin tags when they show any of the above signs is advisable, as these can be signs of moles and skin cancer, requiring immediate removal and a medical evaluation. Additionally, irritation or infection of skin tags and bleeding incidents can become a concern.
Visit our top dermatologist in Jayanagar for mole and skin tag removal.
Skin Tag and Mole Removal Options
Both home remedies and professional treatments are available for moles and skin tags removal.
1. Natural Way to Get Rid of Skin Tags
Several natural home remedies exist for skin tags removal, however, they should be only considered after consulting a doctor.
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Place apple cider vinegar on the tag daily until it dries up to drop off.
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Tea Tree Oil is an effective natural solution because it can be applied directly to the skin tag multiple times daily to help reduce its size.
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A mixture of baking soda and castor oil is an efficient skin tag treatment through regular application.
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A crushed garlic clove kept on the tag throughout the night may help to decrease its dimensions.
Please note that home remedies are slow and may be ineffective in treating skin tags. There can be risks of infection, burns or irritation, scarring, and misdiagnosis when you resort to home remedies without professional advice. Thus, always consult with a dermatologist when a skin tag shows changes or starts to cause pain.
2. Professional Skin Tag and Mole Removal
A dermatologist can perform various medical procedures for the removal of moles and skin tags treatment.
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze skin tags and extract them from the body. This procedure is quick and effective for skin tag removal and moles in the face and body.
Electrocautery (Burning)
The electrocautery procedure involves the use of an electrical current to perform the burning process to remove skin tags. It is effective for removing multiple growths. There can be slight discomfort but electrocautery promotes fast healing.
Excision (Cutting)
In this procedure, the mole or skin tag is surgically removed with a scalpel. Larger moles may require stitches along with excision. Your doctor may recommend a biopsy if there are suspicious moles and skin cancer concerns.
Laser Removal
Laser removal involves the use of a laser beam to target and destroy the affected tissues. It is ideal for moles in the face because of minimal scarring risk.
Aftercare Tips
Proper aftercare is essential for smooth healing and preventing infection after skin tag or mole removal. Follow these tips to protect your skin and ensure a quick recovery.
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Keep the area clean and dry.
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Direct sun exposure during recovery time is dangerous because it leads to poor healing results.
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Apply antibiotic ointment if prescribed.
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Proper healing occurs when you refrain from breaking open the scab.
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You should track any signs of infection, including redness, swelling, and pus formation.
Seek immediate medical assistance if you suffer from substantial bleeding or severe pain after the removal procedure.
Conclusion
Various risk-free remedies exist to eliminate facial moles, skin tags on the neck, and skin tag removal services. The efficacy and permanence of professional skin treatments outlast the potential benefits offered by home remedies when dealing with minor skin tags.
Do you want to learn about available skin tag treatments? Consulting a dermatologist can help you choose the right skin tag treatment.
FAQ's
No, skin tags are not contagious. They result from skin friction, genetics, and hormonal factors.
Certain types of moles exist in connection with skin cancer. Any abnormal changes to the shape or increased size, together with bleeding from a mole, should lead you to visit a dermatologist because these could signal the presence of melanoma.
Most mole and skin tag removal procedures take just a short time. Depending on the chosen treatment approach, healing takes one to two weeks to complete.
Yes, dermatologists are trained professionals who can safely and effectively remove moles and skin tags using various medical treatments, such as cryotherapy, excision, or laser removal. Consulting a dermatologist ensures proper care and reduces the risk of complications.
While mole and skin tag removal is generally safe, there can be risks like infection, scarring, or changes in pigmentation. It's important to consult a dermatologist to choose the best removal method and minimise potential complications.
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