The medical name for them is acrochordon. They are more commonly known as skin tabs, or skin barnacles, or simply skin tags. They are the small bumps of loose and hanging skin which you can sometimes find on your face, your neck, at the back, under the breasts, and on your underarms.
Both children and adults will experience having skin tags at one point in their lives. Yes, they’re that common. However, they surely can get unsightly and uncomfortable for something so small and ordinary-looking. It’s not exactly the best feeling in the world to shave your underarms and have the razor get tangled with your skin tags!
Some people are more prone to having skin tags, especially those who are overweight, diabetic, or pregnant. Skin tags can also be hereditary. They can occur anywhere in the body, but among the favorite spots are the underarms and the neck.
Why do you get skin tags?
They are mostly caused by hormone elevations, so pregnant women are more prone to have them. They are also caused by friction. If you’re fond of wearing tight clothes and jewelry, you can develop them as well.
But there’s no need to be concerned. Skin tags are harmless, and treatment is not required for most cases. However, if you do have a lot of them in the most bothersome places, you can choose to have them removed by a doctor, or you can do it yourself right at home. Once removed, they usually don’t grow back.
Are skin tags considered tumors?
They are, although the harmless and non-cancerous kind. There are some rare instances when a skin tag-like growth will start to bleed, or change in colour, or grow in size. They will need to be checked by a doctor and may have to be biopsied.
Are skin tags contagious?
Skin tags are not contagious and you can’t get them from other people just by being in contact with them. Skin tags are not caused by the human papilloma virus.
How are skin tags on underarms treated?
If you wish to remove skin tags on your underarms, getting a professional to do it is still the easiest and quickest way. A doctor can safely and quickly snip it away, minus the pain and discomfort if you will just get a friend to do it for you. Healing is also quick and painless.
You can save a trip to the doctor’s and a couple of dollars if you do the tying method. All you’ll need for this is a piece of strong string or thread, even dental floss. Just tie it around the skin tag securely. Make sure that it’s tight enough to cut the blood circulation, but not too tight to cut through to your skin. When the blood is cut off, the skin tag will start to discolour and eventually dry up. Unlike snipping it, tying it with piece of string will take a few days before you can see the results.
What are other ways to safely treat skin tags on underarms?
Some of the most effective treatments for skin tags can be found right inside your own home! Did you know that apple cider vinegar is an excellent natural treatment for skin tags? The acidic properties of the vinegar can destroy skin tag tissues. In fact, apple cider vinegar is so effective that it’s also used to treat warts, moles, and acne. Check out our overview article on home remedies for skin tags, plus our detailed article on using apple cider vinegar specifically.
It’s pretty simple. Just take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and dip a cotton ball in it. Apply the vinegar-soaked cotton ball on your skin tag three times a day.
Tea tree oil is also used to treat skin tags. Two to three drops of tea tree oil on a wet cotton ball is all you need. Apply it on the affected area thrice a day. After a few days, you will notice that the skin tag is hardening and changing in color. When it’s completely dried up, it will just fall off on its own. Check this article out for more detail.
Another natural home treatment that you can try is lemon juice. It’s a powerful antiseptic which contains citric acid that effectively dries out skin tags. Just soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it directly on your skin tag. Don’t wash it off. Do it three times a day until the skin tag dries up and falls off.