Have you started noticing small, tiny skin coloured bumps on your skin folds? Do you think they’re ruining your appearance but have no clue how to get rid of them? Need not fret, because we will discuss everything about skin tags, whether they’re harmful or not, and if they are occurring due to any underlying skin condition.
So here goes everything you need to know about skin tags and their prevention!
1.What are skin tags really?:
Skin tags are small, soft and tiny growths that occur on parts where skin folds rub against each other. They are made from fat, fibres and blood cells covered by skin. While they might be odd to look at, they typically don’t cause any harm unless disturbed by friction due to clothing or jewellery.
Skin tags are often confused with moles & warts, however the main way to figure out which is what is to see their colour, texture and shape. Warts often tend to be dark, grainy & contagious. Moles can be flat or raised, can be dark brown or black in colour. They are most likely to change shape and colour with time and can also be cancerous in some cases.
Skin tags are skin coloured, often hanging off the skin and painless. They don’t tend to change overtime.
2.Reasons for why skin tags show up?:
- Friction with jewellery: When you wear jewellery and accessories such as necklaces, they constantly move against the skin triggering excessive skin growth. Heavy jewellery can cause buildup of sweat, dirt and excessive moisture which can lead to fungal overgrowth. Many jewellery sets are made with nickel or other toxic metals which can be a reason for a sensitivity or allergic reactions. Jewellery that is too tight can cause irritation and pressure, leading to skin tag formation.
- Friction with clothes: Tight or ill fitting clothing, especially tight innerwear, can create tag formation within the creases of the groin, under the breasts and belt/waist area. This is due to unnecessary pressure caused by rubbing and moving against the skin. Collared shirts and tight fitting clothes can cause these conditions on the neck and under the armpits as well.
- Weight: Being overweight means more fat accumulation on the body. It suggests more rolls of fat, which tend to fold and crease and certain parts of your body tend to rub against each other, for example- your thighs, underarms, neck and belly. Having excess body fat can increase insulin resistance which can stimulate skin cell growth and lead to formation of these tags.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy is a common phase in a woman’s life where skin tags develop. The body goes into a variety of hormonal changes, especially in estrogen and progesterone, which promotes growth of skin cells. Also, due to weight gain, skin tags start forming between folds.
3. Natural & at home removal methods?
TeaTree Oil- This essential oil is believed to dry out the skin tags, causing it to fall out over time. It has antifungal and anti-viral properties, however it should always be used with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut, as applying it directly might cause irritation and itching.
4. Skin tag prevention:
- Wear loose, breathable clothes- Avoid wearing clothes made out of synthetic materials which stick close to the skin & increase body heat. Choose to wear more breathable fabrics like cotton, which helps cool your body.
- Fibrous Diet- Reducing sugar intake and increasing the consumption of fibrous fruits and veggies can help lower blood sugar levels. Generally, eating a low calorie diet consisting of nutrient rich foods will help with weight loss and overall health. Prevention of skin tag formation is an added benefit.
- Cleansing & exfoliating- Frequently cleansing and exfoliating can get rid of bacterial buildup & fungal overgrowth which can contribute to the formation of skin infections, including skin tags.
Use natural ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree, turmeric, etc to prevent inflammation. Use light, non-comedogenic moisturisers to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores.
Embrace your skin imperfections:
Your skin is not meant to look like an airbrushed, poreless , filtered instagram model’s post. You’re human and normal human skin changes with seasons, genetics, stress levels and many other factors. Pores, skin tags, acne marks, pigmentation are the most normal phenomenon. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it does a lot to protect us apart from giving us our appearance. Beauty is never skin deep and the flaws you consider ugly are just signs that your body sends you as a reminder that you are still alive and breathing! Love yourself!