Skin Tags ( fibroepithelial polyps)

Understanding Skin Tags: Expert Removal at Harley Street Medics, Glasgow

Dealing with annoying skin tags? These common skin growths, though usually harmless, can be a nuisance. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, our expert dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer safe, effective, and professional skin tag care services, helping you achieve smoother, clearer skin.

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about skin tags: what they are, why they appear, and the safest ways to manage and remove them.

Skin Tags
Skin Tags

Understanding Skin Tags: Expert Removal at Harley Street Medics, Glasgow

Dealing with annoying skin tags? These common skin growths, though usually harmless, can be a nuisance. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, our expert dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer safe, effective, and professional skin tag care services, helping you achieve smoother, clearer skin.

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about skin tags: what they are, why they appear, and the safest ways to manage and remove them.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, benign (non-cancerous) growths that hang off the skin. They are typically:

  • Small: Often just a few millimetres in size, though they can sometimes grow larger.
  • Flesh-coloured or slightly darker: They can vary in pigmentation.
  • Soft and flexible: They may be smooth or slightly wrinkled and are usually attached to the skin by a thin stalk called a peduncle.
  • Common in skin folds: Frequently found on the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts, where skin rubs against skin.

While skin tags are generally painless, they can become irritated or sore if they catch on clothing or jewellery.

What Causes Skin Tags? And Why Do You Get Skin Tags?

The exact cause of skin tags isn’t fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development:

  • Friction: Skin rubbing against skin is a major factor, which is why skin tags are common in body folds. This also explains what causes skin tags on neck for many individuals due to collars or jewellery.
  • Age: They are more common in middle-aged and older individuals.
  • Weight: People who are overweight or obese are more prone to developing skin tags.
  • Genetics: A predisposition to developing skin tags can run in families.
  • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to an increase in skin tags.
  • Insulin Resistance: Studies have shown a link between skin tags and insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Why Am I Getting Skin Tags All of a Sudden?

A sudden increase in the number of skin tags could be linked to several factors, including weight gain, hormonal changes (like pregnancy), or an underlying medical condition such as diabetes. If you notice a rapid or significant increase in skin tags appearing all of a sudden, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist like Dr. Vincent Kabeya at Harley Street Medics to rule out any underlying concerns and discuss your options.

Can Skin Tags Be Cancerous?

True skin tags are benign and do not become cancerous. However, it’s important not to self-diagnose. Occasionally, other skin growths that may appear similar to skin tags could be more serious. If a skin growth changes in colour, size, or shape, bleeds, or becomes painful, it’s essential to have it examined by a dermatologist to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The Pitfalls of “How to Remove Skin Tags at Home” – Including “In One Night” Myths

Many people search for how to remove skin tags at home, with queries like how to remove skin tags in one night naturally or even how to remove skin tags in one night with toothpaste.” While the idea of a quick, at-home fix is tempting, these methods are generally not recommended and can be risky:

  • Ineffectiveness: Home remedies like toothpaste, tea tree oil in unverified concentrations, or apple cider vinegar are not proven to work effectively and can irritate the skin. The idea of removing skin tags in one night is usually unrealistic and unsafe.
  • Infection: Attempting to cut or tie off skin tags yourself with unsterilized equipment can lead to skin infections.
  • Scarring: Improper removal techniques can cause unnecessary scarring, which may be more noticeable than the original skin tag.
  • Pain and Bleeding: You can cause unnecessary pain and bleeding.
  • Misdiagnosis: The growth you are trying to remove might not be a skin tag. Attempting to remove a mole or a cancerous growth yourself could delay proper diagnosis and treatment.

At Harley Street Medics, we strongly advise against DIY skin tag treatment methods. Professional assessment and removal ensure safety, effectiveness, and peace of mind.

Do Skin Tags Fall Off on Their Own?

Occasionally, a skin tag might twist on its stalk, cutting off its own blood supply, and eventually fall off. However, this is not a common or reliable occurrence. It’s not advisable to wait for this to happen, especially if the skin tag is bothersome, irritated, or in a visible location. Deliberately twisting or pulling at skin tags can cause pain, bleeding, and infection.

SkinTags

How to Get Rid of Skin Tags: Professional Removal Options

While skin tags are usually harmless, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, we offer several safe and effective professional methods for skin tag treatment:

  • Cryotherapy: The skin tag is frozen off using liquid nitrogen.
  • Surgical Excision: The skin tag is cut away using a scalpel. This is often used for larger skin tags.
  • Hyfrecation/Electrocautery: The skin tag is burned off using electrical energy.

Our highly skilled Dermatologist, Dr. Vincent Kabeya, and our experienced Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Khalil Al Nakib, will assess your skin tags and recommend the most suitable removal method for your specific case, ensuring minimal discomfort and optimal cosmetic results.

Discover more about our professional Skin Tag Removal services in Glasgow.

Your Journey to Smoother Skin in Glasgow

We understand that skin tags can be a cosmetic concern and sometimes cause discomfort. At Harley Street Medics, we are dedicated to providing a welcoming and professional environment where you can discuss your concerns openly.

Learn about the patient experience and what to expect when you visit Harley Street Medics.

Our experts, Dr. Vincent Kabeya (Dermatologist) and Dr. Khalil (Plastic Surgeon), are renowned for their expertise in dermatological conditions and cosmetic procedures, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.

Hear From Our Patients

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Tags

Let’s address some more common queries:

What exactly are skin tags?

Skin tags (acrochordons) are small, soft, benign (non-cancerous) growths of skin that are typically attached to the underlying skin by a thin stalk. They are very common and usually harmless.

The precise cause isn’t always known, but friction (skin rubbing against skin or clothing) is a major factor, which is why they often appear on the neck, armpits, and groin. Other contributing factors include genetics, age, weight gain, and hormonal changes. What causes skin tags on neck specifically is often due to necklaces or collars rubbing the skin.

A sudden increase in skin tags can be due to factors like recent weight gain or pregnancy. While skin tags themselves are harmless, if you’re concerned about a rapid increase, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying issues like insulin resistance.

True skin tags are not cancerous and do not have the potential to become cancerous. However, it’s crucial not to self-diagnose. If a skin growth changes rapidly, bleeds, or looks different from other skin tags, it should be professionally evaluated

The safest and most effective way to get rid of skin tags is through professional removal by a dermatologist or skilled medical practitioner. At Harley Street Medics, we offer methods like cryotherapy (freezing), surgical excision (cutting), or hyfrecation (burning).  Learn more here

Claims about how to remove skin tags in one night naturally or with products like toothpaste are generally myths and are not recommended. These methods are unproven, can irritate your skin, lead to infection or scarring, and won’t provide the safe, effective results of professional treatment.

No, attempting to remove skin tags at home using DIY methods like cutting, tying, or unverified creams is not advised. There’s a risk of infection, bleeding, scarring, and incomplete removal. Plus, you might misdiagnose the growth.

While a skin tag might occasionally fall off if its blood supply is cut off (e.g., by twisting on its stalk), this isn’t common or reliable. It’s better to seek professional removal if they are bothering you.

Your appointment will start with a consultation with Dr. Vincent Kabeya or Dr. Khalil Al Nakib. They will examine your skin tags and recommend the best removal method. The procedure is usually quick, performed under local anaesthetic (if needed) to minimise discomfort, and you’ll receive full aftercare instructions.  See what to expect.

Our specialists aim to minimise any scarring. For most small skin tags, any mark left is usually very tiny and fades over time. The likelihood and appearance of a scar depend on the size of the skin tag and the removal method used. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Skin tag removal is performed by our highly qualified Dermatologist, Dr. Vincent Kabeya, or our expert Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Khalil, ensuring you are in safe and experienced hands. 

You can easily book a consultation by contacting Harley Street Medics directly via phone or our website. We’re here to help you achieve smoother skin.

Find Us in Glasgow

Address: 154 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4EX
Phone: 0141 488 8985
Email: hello@harleystreetmedics.clinic

Book Your Skin Tag Consultation Today

If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to get rid of skin tags, look no further than Harley Street Medics in Glasgow. Our specialists are here to provide expert advice and tailored treatment options.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable skin.