You notice some small bumps on your neck which weren’t there in the past, and you start wondering where they came from and how long they have been there. They look harmless enough and don’t feel painful when you touch them, but they’re definitely an aesthetic problem.
One or two is fine, but what if you have a lot of them? What if you’re really fond of wearing tank or off-the-shoulder tops and those small bumps put a damper on your self-confidence? What if they start feeling uncomfortable every time they snag on your necklace or your clothing? Is there an easy and safe way to remove them?
What You Need to Know About Skin Tags on the Neck
They look like moles, but more often than not, they are mistaken for warts, which is a source of a whole different level of embarrassment and comfort. They’re called skin tags, medically known as acrochordons.
They are usually benign skin growths that mostly develop in parts of the body where there is a lot of friction. You may not notice it but shaving, or even scratching caused by clothing or jewellery, can cause skin tags.
They are usually benign skin growths that mostly develop in parts of the body where there is a lot of friction. You may not notice it but shaving, or even scratching caused by clothing or jewellery, can cause skin tags.
Other Causes of Skin Tags on the Neck
Skin tags can also be caused by obesity and diabetes. Pregnant women are also prone to developing them because of hormonal changes. Other times, they can be caused by illegal use of steroids. They can also be simply due to heredity.
How to Remove Skin Tags on the Neck
You can always have your skin tags surgically removed. It’s quick and safe, and pain is almost nonexistent. The doctor will sanitize the skin tags and use a pair of surgical scissor to snip them away. If you have a lot of skin tags on your neck, a local anesthetic or some numbing cream may be required. Healing is quick and there will not be any marks left behind, either.
You can also have the skin tags on your neck cauterized. Skin tags are burned off, causing them to turn black and fall off immediately.
Cryotherapy is another method of removing skin tags on your neck. Instead of burning them off, they are frozen off. It’s quick and easy, and skin tags are gone just like that.
Skin tags on your neck can also be removed by tying them off with a strong piece of string to cut off the blood circulation. This method may take a few days to take effect, but it’s just as effective and a lot cheaper.
How to Prevent Skin Tags on the Neck
Eat a balanced diet
If you want to prevent skin tags from ever developing again, you must know what causes them to grow in the first place. People who are overweight are more prone to getting skin tags because they naturally have more folds of skin. Hence, more skin-against-skin rubbing and perspiring, which is one of the main causes of skin tag growth. If you want to avoid having skin tags, then a change in your diet is highly recommended.
Weight reduction means that your hormonal changes will be lesser as well. You’re not only helping your body get fit and healthy, you’re also reducing your intake of sugar and saturated fats. Also, when your muscles are toned, there won’t be a lot of loose or hanging skin, which are conducive for skin tag growth.
Yes, it’s easier said than done, but you must cut down on sweets and consume less sugar. You should also lessen your intake of fat derived from animal oils. Instead, eat a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables.
Use powder
Skin tags are usually formed by frequent rubbing. If you apply powder on your body, it can help reduce the friction of skin against skin, and skin against clothing. You can use medicated powder, or regular talcum powder. Both can do the job.
Wear relaxed clothing
Wearing tight clothes means more rubbing against your skin. Consider wearing loose clothes made of light material to allow your skin to breathe. It also prevents your skin from being irritated by sweat and dirt.