Will Skin Tags Grow Back After Being Removed?
Will Skin Tags Grow Back After Being Removed?
Skin tags do not grow back after removal. In rare cases, you can develop skin tags in the same place after removal. Several factors may contribute to skin tags in the same spot:
- You may be prone to having them in that area due to the underlying cause of the skin tags not being addressed, such as rubbing on clothes or skin.
- The recurrence rate can vary depending on the size, location, and number of skin tags removed.
- The risk of recurrence is higher if the underlying cause of the skin tags is not addressed, such as obesity.
What is a skin tag, and what do they look like?
Skin tags are small, benign growths of skin that typically appear on the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, and other areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. They are usually flesh-colored, brown or dark in color, small and round or oval in shape, and have a tiny stalk that attaches them to the skin. They are benign and usually harmless but may cause discomfort if irritated or caught on clothing or jewelry. Visit the skin tag image gallery for a visual guide.
Where do skin tags most frequently occur?
A skin tag is a small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin by a connecting stalk. They are benign growths that typically appear on the skin, usually found in the following places, and are not dangerous.
Skin tags are most likely to appear in women, especially when there is weight gain - and in older adults.
While harmless, skin tags can affect your quality of life. They may bleed or lead to skin irritation - or their appearance in certain places may mean you want them removed. Skin tags usually don't cause any pain but can be uncomfortable if caught in clothing or jewelry.
What causes skin tags?
While the actual cause of regular skin tags is unknown, there are risk factors that can influence the appearance of skin tags;
Gender - Women are more likely to develop skin tags compared to men.
Age - Skin tags are more often found in the middle-aged and the elderly.
Weight - Those who are overweight or obese have a higher chance of developing skin tags.
Lifestyle - Some studies noted that skin tags might indicate metabolic syndrome.
A word of warning! If you discover any unusual growths on your skin, don’t immediately assume they are skin tags - they could indicate a more severe condition. Consult your doctor before taking any further steps.
What can you do about skin tags?
If you want to remove skin tags, you can go to a dermatologist for help. They have several different medical removal methods:
- Manual surgical excision is a process where a scalpel or scissors are used to remove the skin tag.
- Cryosurgery, where the skin tag is frozen, helps facilitate easy removal.
- Electrosurgery using a device with an electric current will safely burn away the skin tag.
- Ligation involves tying off the skin tag's base with a small suture or thread.
- Radiofrequency removal is another non-invasive surgery where energy helps break up lesions by penetrating the skin with gentle radio waves.
The alternative is to use a home treatment:
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for removing skin tags. The process is to put a few drops of ACV on a cotton ball, bandage it to the skin tag, and repeat it three times a day. But it's important to note that limited scientific evidence supports its effectiveness and safety.
Natural, Cruelty-Free Solution
If you are interested in natural skin tag removal product, H-Skin Tags Formula is a blend of pure natural essential oils and ingredients designed to work quickly and effectively without pain or scarring.
The Formula is cruelty free and vegan and safe to use on skin tags wherever they are located on the body.
Sources
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Skin Tags. https://www.aocd.org/page/SkinTags
Maluki, A. H., & Abdullah, A. A. (2016, February). Metabolic associations with skin tags. International Journal of Dermatology and Clinical Research, 2(1), 003-011 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/296666477_Metabolic_Associations_with_Skin_Tags
Manchanda, Yashpal. "Removal of skin tags with Erbium:YAG Laser: A simple, safe, quick, and effective technique requiring no local anesthesia." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 79.3: Suppl 1 Sept. 2018: AB244.
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.