Hello everyone, today we will discuss a common issue many people encounter—skin tags (also known as acrochordons) and polyps. These small fleshy growths often appear in the skin folds, such as under the arms, on the neck, and around the genital area. In many cases, these skin tags are benign and usually do not turn into malignant tumors, but many people have concerns about them, fearing they may be linked to health issues.
Patients frequently ask, “Is this cancer?” In fact, the characteristics of cancer do not resemble those of these skin tags; they are typically associated with bleeding, pain, and abnormal lump shapes. If you find such growths on your body, there is no need to panic; their structure will appear normal under microscopic examination.
When faced with these skin tags, many people will attempt to handle them on their own. For example, some individuals use the “ligation method,” which restricts blood flow to cause the tag to fall off naturally. However, this method is not very safe and can lead to infections or other skin problems.
Many people also seek home remedies, such as using sesame oil, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar. I must emphasize that these methods lack scientific backing and may cause contact dermatitis, especially with lemon juice; when exposed to sunlight, it can lead to more significant skin issues.
Of course, the most effective approach is seeking treatment from a professional medical institution. In a medical environment, we can safely and effectively remove skin tags using tools like scissors or lasers. For clusters of skin tags, we typically choose laser techniques. Such treatments generally do not cause pain, but there may be slight bleeding.
So, who is prone to developing these skin tags? Pregnant women may experience these skin issues due to hormonal changes. Additionally, individuals with diabetes and those who are overweight are also more likely to develop skin tags. Many patients inquire about prevention. I casually remind them that controlling weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are effective methods.
We have multiple options for treating skin tags. Small ones can be removed instantly with lasers, while larger ones may require surgical excision and possibly stitching. Although it is tempting to use scissors at home, it is much safer to seek treatment from a professional medical institution, as they will have appropriate sterile equipment and hemostatic measures.
Finally, proper care of the post-operative wound is also very important. For small wounds, you only need to apply antibiotic ointment daily; if there are stitches, you should also clean the wound with saline and apply ointment. In most cases, the wound will heal completely within a week.