oleh admin | Jan 20, 2025 | beauty products and cosmetics, beauty tips, dermatology, self care, skin care
It wasn’t until recently that I became convinced about skincare—probably around the time I hit 40. It’s then that those pesky crow’s-feet began showing up prominently beside my eyes, along with several other bodily transformations I’d rather not discuss publicly. Adhering to a regimen consisting of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing felt completely foreign to me initially. Just so we’re clear, when attaching a numeral to a compound modifier, such as “three-step,” only ‘step’ gets hyphenated; the whole phrase functions together as an adjective.
Fast forward a few years, and nothing holds greater importance for me except perhaps attending Sunday mass: diligently following my nighttime skincare ritual has become second nature, and this isn’t something I plan on changing anytime soon. Given my delicate complexion, items that work well include the Neutrogena Acne Clear Cleanser, a Japanese-made Vitamin-C Toner often purchased at Don Quijote, alongside the Oxecure Anti-Acne Moisturizer. So tell me, what does your daily skincare look like? Drop me a message over Instagram—we can swap tips!
oleh admin | Mei 31, 2024 | dermatologists, dermatology, health, medical conditions and diseases, skin care
Moles,
pimples
,
freckles
– The blemishes that may appear on our skin come in various forms. Some are irritating, while others are relatively harmless — they aren’t major inconveniences, but we notice them nonetheless. Skin tags fit this description well. They’re extremely prevalent—almost everybody encounters at least one during their lifetime—but despite being so common, they can still be quite bothersome.
Occasionally mistaken for moles, skin tags appear as tiny, flesh-toned growths.
noncancerous growths
Attached to the skin’s surface via a thin stalk, these growths typically develop in areas where the skin creases, such as the neck, chest, armpits, groin, and eyelids. The downside? You likely won’t escape developing skin tags altogether. However, the silver lining is that they can be readily removed through a visit to your dermatologist.
Up ahead, dermatologists shed light on everything from the removal of skin tags to their underlying causes.
Experts Highlighted in This Article
Neal Schultz
, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, hosts DermTV.com, and is also the founder of BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz.
Kavita Mariwalla
, MD, is a dual-board certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.
What Exactly Is a Skin Tag?
In the field of medicine, skin tags are referred to as acrochordons or fibroepithelial polyps. Essentially, these occur when additional skin cells develop on the surface of the skin. As explained by dermatologist Neal Schultz, MD, speaking to SANGGRALOKA, “These protrusions extend outward from your body yet remain vertical.” He further clarifies that typically, their length significantly exceeds their breadth; sometimes appearing almost suspended by a slender stalk. Fortunately, such growths generally pose little threat and tend to be more bothersome rather than harmful. According to Dr. Schultz, “While they aren’t dangerous, they can certainly be irritating and troublesome.” Moreover, removing them often requires some form of intervention since they probably will not disappear naturally.
What Causes Skin Tags?
What we understand: roughly half of all U.S. adults experience skin tags. What remains unclear: the exact cause of these growths.
“Partly, these growths are genetic and often appear in areas with skin-on-skin contact, such as folds of skin,” explains Dr. Schultz. These conditions tend to affect people who are middle-aged, overweight, or diabetic. The irritation from skin rubbing against itself or clothing might lead to skin tags. Therefore, reducing this friction—by wearing loose clothes, taking off necklaces, and using anti-chafing products—could improve the condition.
Ways to Get Rid of Skin Tags
Although skin tags pose no harm, it’s perfectly understandable to consider having them removed. Just like for any other skin issue, consulting a dermatologist regarding potential treatments is advisable. While learning self-removal methods can be helpful, getting this procedure done professionally remains ideal. “It may not require eight years of schooling to get rid of a skin tag,” explains Dr. Schultz, “but some fundamental guidelines must still be followed.” Additionally, Dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD, points out: “Given their attachment via a tiny piece of skin, visiting a clinic where professionals handle removal safely would be the simplest approach.”
Understand that various techniques can be used for removing these growths. A method favored by many dermatologists includes applying a local anesthetic to numb the area followed by excising the lesion using sharp, sterile scissors. “You remain fully conscious during this process; you only feel a slight prick from a tiny needle,” explains Dr. Mariwalla. She adds that the procedure leaves behind a minor incision which typically heals within a few days.
Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the skin tag, is one alternative method, along with cauterization, where heat is used instead. However, this approach does not top Dr. Schultz’s preference list. He explains, “The process of freezing can be quite imprecise and often ends up affecting the surrounding skin area.”
Is It Possible to Remove Skin Tags at Home?
Indeed, it can be done, but it’s strongly advised against. As Dr. Mariwalla points out, “Attempting to remove them yourself might lead to incorrect execution, causing the skin tag to get inflamed and possibly infected.”
If you can’t consult a dermatologist or an expert, and you believe it’s absolutely necessary
must
Dr. Schultz recommends removing a skin tag yourself by first cleaning the string, the tag, and the nearby area with alcohol. Then, tie a snug length of thread around the base of the skin tag to restrict blood flow. Afterward, sterilize small scissors and use them to snip off the tag above where the thread is tied. Once done, apply alcohol to clean the site again, then cover it with an ointment followed by a bandage. Keep it covered as it heals to prevent scarring.
However, once more, removing them at home doesn’t have a doctor’s approval. “Just be cautious with those.”
DIY
As Dr. Mariwalla explains, “The solutions you often see advertised on television or online operate by inducing a significant irritative contact dermatitis. The skin tags drop off as the area becomes extremely inflamed.”
– Additional contributions from Emily Orofino, Holly Carter, and Jessica Harrington
Jessica Harrington
The senior beauty editor at SANGGRALOKA, where she pens articles on hair, skincare, cosmetics, piercings, tattoos, and much more, is based in New York City. With a background in journalism and over eight years of professional experience, her interests include interviewing specialists from the field, staying current with emerging trends, and evaluating novel items.
Danielle Jackson
was previously an assistant beauty editor at SANGGRALOKA.
Emily Orofino
was previously a beauty editor at SANGGRALOKA.
