The medical term for skin tags is acrochordon or fibroepithelial polyp. Skin tags are small benign tumor or growth. Skin tags mainly form on parts of the body like the armpit, groin and neck, where the skin forms creases and there is friction. They also occur on the eyelid and the face. Skin tags are more common among pregnant women and those who are either diabetic or overweight.
Skin tags are harmless and usually painless. Once formed, they do not either grow or change over time. Even though skin tags are benign, there are dangers and risks of removing skin tags yourself. A dermatologist should be consulted if skin tags need to be removed.
Bleeding and infection is one of the dangers and risks of removing skin tags yourself. It is tempting to cut off the skin tag with a pair of scissors. If the scissor is not properly sterilized, it could lead to infection and further complications. When skin tags are cut, there is bleeding. A DIY approach to skin tag removal may cause excessive bleeding.
Sometimes acid and chemicals are used to remove skin tags. The dangers and risks of removing skin tags yourself by using acid is that it could spread to the surrounding skin and could cause damage leading to permanent discoloration.
One of the dangers and risks of removing skin tags yourself, by whichever means you choose, is the possibility of permanent scarring of the skin. If done incorrectly the skin tag will be replaced with a permanent scar not just where the skin tag was, but also around it.
One of the key dangers and risks of removing skin tags yourself is that there is a possibility that the skin tag is actually a malignant skin cancer tumor and not a benign tumor. A doctor or a dermatologist may be able to recognize skin cancer which a layperson may not. If you are not sure about the nature of the skin tag, it is always safer to get in touch with a doctor. In addition to skin cancer, that skin tag may also have been caused by hormonal or endocrine disorder. You may miss the signs of these problems if you remove skin tags yourself.