Skin tags are tiny, soft, and skin-colored growths on the surface layer of the skin. They can range in color and size from a few millimeters to five centimeters. Skin tags are prevalent on the neck, under the breasts, in the groin area, or the armpits. They may also develop on the eyelids or beneath the buttock creases. Many people find skin tags unattractive and look for ways to get rid of them. If you search ‘how to get rid of skin tags?’ on the internet, you will be inundated with products claiming that they can make skin tags disappear within a week. All of this might lead you to think that skin tag removal is a DIY project. However, it is not.
Irrespective of the size or type of skin tag, you should never trust unverifiable products being sold on the internet as ‘skin tag removal miracles’. Instead of removing the skin tag, they can cause allergies and many other skin problems.
It is better to always consult a doctor for skin tag removal, and here are some reasons why.
Identifying the skin tag
Skin tags are benign, but some malignant conditions can mimic them. A red or white spot on the skin that you thought was a skin tag can also be skin cancer. While you try different skin tag removal products, cancer may keep spreading.
Skin cancer can resemble a growing mole, a scar, or a new mole. While a skin tag does not always mean you have skin cancer, you must nullify all the possibilities by consulting a skin tag removal doctor.
If left untreated, skin cancer can quickly spread to another part of the body, and the only way to treat cancer is to diagnose it at an early stage. So, always consult a doctor instead of trying to remove skin tags yourself.
Minimize the risk of infection
During the skin tag removal process, the doctor might have to make incisions to ensure the skin tag is removed permanently. These are usually small incisions, and such processes do not require any downtime.
Skin tag removal doctors follow standard guidelines and utilize specialized tools. Hence, the chance of infection is minimal. Any skin tag removal DIY attempt without proper knowledge might trigger an infection that can lead you to the emergency room.
Prevent scarring and loss of movement
A scar that completely covers a joint, such as one on the elbow, can confine joint movement. Trying to remove a skin tag yourself using unsafe products can increase the risk of scarring.
Consulting a skin tag removal doctor who is well aware of such risks can be helpful. Such specialists use their experience along with tried and tested processes to avoid scarring and any loss of movement due to the skin tag removal process.
Avoid heavy blood loss
Another reason to approach a skin tag removal doctor is to avoid heavy and uncontrollable blood loss that might occur if you attempt to self-treat.
All dermatologists dealing in skin tag removal have the in-depth medical expertise necessary to remove skin growth with minimal injury and incision. Without proper knowledge, it is easy to accidentally injure a blood vessel or vein.
Get expected results
Regardless of the type of skin tag you are dealing with, or how long it has been there, you do not need to worry about its removal when you visit a doctor. Getting treated by a doctor specializing in skin tag removal should give you a predictable and favorable outcome.
It is advisable to refrain from attempting skin tag removal yourself using products available in the market that claim safe and easy skin tag removal. Instead, visit your nearest dermatologist and get the skin tag removed safely.
