Do Skin Tags Grow Back

Do skin tags grow back?  In short, no. This is a very common misconception. Many people see a skin tag growing in the same place they just had one removed and believe that it is the skin tag growing back. Not removing a skin tag properly can make it easier for a new skin tag to grow in the same place, but a skin tag that’s removed correctly does not grow back. That’s not to say that new skin tags don’t consistently form in the same place because of that area’s susceptibility to skin tags, but it is not the same skin tag re-growing.

Do skin tags have roots

Skin tags don’t have roots. If it feels like your growth has roots under the skin, you may have incorrectly diagnosed it and it is best to consult with your doctor as to what your growth could be. Skin tags are formed when blood cells and collagen are pushed up into the skin, forming a small pouch. They do not grow from roots under the skin.  

Are skin tags caused by HPV

There have been correlations made between skin tags and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) although skin tags are not caused by skin tags. Warts are caused by HPV and therefore easily spread. HPV was found in less than half the skin tags studied, indicating it does play a role in skin tag but does not solely cause skin tags. The types of HPV found in these skin tags were a very low skin type of HPV.

How to prevent skin tags

Neck Skin Tags

There is no surefire way to prevent skin tags. They appear for so many reasons, one of which is genetics, which makes them difficult to prevent. By taking steps to make some small lifestyle changes, you can give yourself the best chance of preventing skin tags.  

Skin tags have an easier time forming when the skin is soft and less elastic. This is why they mostly start to appear around middle age. When the skin is softer, the friction on the skin causes skin tags to readily form. Because there are some areas of your skin that are softer and gets rubbed more often, it makes some areas more susceptible to skin tags. You may see more skin tags forming in that area and it can make you feel like skin tags are growing back if you’ve removed them before. Here are some tips to help counter this and do the best you can you help avoid skin tags from appearing in the first place.

  • Lose Weight – If you found you have put on a few extra kilos and skin tags have started to form, try losing the extra weight to prevent more skin tags from growing.
  • Eat Healthily – Keeping your skin healthy and elastic can go a long way to preventing skin tags. Ensuring your diet has lots of fruit and vegetable and staying hydrated can keep your skin as strong and healthy as possible.
  • Reduce Friction – Using baby powder or special friction reducing powder helps keep the friction on your skin to a minimum.
  • Check Your Diabetes – Diabetes is a possible cause of skin tags. Finding multiple skin tags appear can be a sign of prediabetes. Check your blood sugar levels to rule this out as the cause of your skin tags.
  • Wear Loose Clothing – Tight clothes can rub constantly against your skin. Wearing looser fits allows your skin to breath and cuts down on the friction the leads to skin tags.

How to remove skin tags properly

Surgical Skin Tag Removal

When removing a skin tag, you want to make sure it is removed from the base of the stalk. Once the skin tag is gone your skin should be smooth. Most removal methods will do this if executed properly. One of the reasons you should not try pull off your skin tag is because you don’t want to leave part of the stalk. This may make it easier for a new skin tag to grow. Aside from that, you also open yourself up to bleeding, scarring, and infection.

Some of the options to remove a skin tag properly include:

  • Cryotherapy – Freezing off the skin tag using liquid nitrogen
  • Cauterization – Using a heat tipped instrument to burn it off
  • Ligation – Choking the skin tag from its blood supply using dental floss or TagBands
  • Over-the-Counter Products. – There is a range of products designed to remove skin tags that you can purchase over-the-counter. Many wart removers also have the ability to remove skin tags.
  • Surgical – Using a sterile knife or scissors, a doctor may remove your skin tag surgically by snipping it right off.
  • Natural – There are a number of natural options that you can find at home to remove your skin tag. These options usually take a bit longer to see results but some people choose to opt for this natural approach.

Some of the methods your doctor can handle for you and some can be done from the comfort of your home. Which option you choose depends on the size and location of your skin tag, your budget and your level of comfort performing these procedures on yourself.

 

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