Well, the skin is the body’s largest organ, so having that kind of monopoly, it sometimes flexes. On the one hand, that flex can include all kinds of bumps, discolourations or skin tags that one could think of. On the other hand, any change in the skin can be worrisome, since it is pretty visible.
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When it comes to skin tags, you are not alone, we have all been there (except people with unfairly perfect skin that do not have a single mole, yes I am talking about you, Julie). They are not so much worrying as they are just annoying.
What are skin tags?
According to NHS, skin tags are ‘small, soft, skin-coloured growths on your skin’ that can ‘vary in colour and size – from a few millimetres up to 5cm wide’. However, they are extremely common and both men and women typically have skin tags equally.
Some people might have skin tags that are not very noticeable and thus, do not bother them. In addition, as they appear on surfaces where there is usually friction between skin or clothes, they rub off or fall off painlessly. Nonetheless, sometimes these flesh-coloured or slightly brownish wart-like growths live on your body rent-free and are there to stay. Yes, skin tags are fairly common, but some people tend to get skin tags more than others.
Who is more prone to getting skin tags?
As it appears, National Library Medicine lists people who are more likely to develop skin tags:
- People who are overweight and obese
- People who have diabetes
- Pregnant women
- People with some types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
- People with hormonal imbalance, especially levels of estrogen and progesterone
Additionally, a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology and Clinical Research suggests that people who have high levels of cholesterol or high blood pressure are more prone to developing skin tags
On another hand, the US-basedCharleston Dermatologysuggests:
While the cause of skin tags is unknown, studies have shown that some people have a genetic predisposition to the development of skin tags. Chances are, if your mom or dad had skin tags, there is a higher probability that you may develop skin tags too.
Although they are annoying, all studies agree on one thing: do not attempt to remove skin tags at home. There are multiple procedures available to remove skin tags, but none recommend skin tags, as you will risk infection, and bleeding a lot, and besides, you might not be dealing with a skin tag at all.
That is why, it is (always) best to seek the help of a professional, not only to remove it but to be sure what it is and what underlying factors are causing it.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained, are strictly for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.
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