What is a skin tag?

A skin tag is a benign (non-cancerous) soft area of skin that hangs off the body. Technically a tumor, skin tags are made up of collagen fibers, capillaries, lymphatic vessels, a core of ducts, fat cells, nerve cells and are covered by the epidermis.

They are usually flesh colored, about the size of a grain of rice or bigger, and look like a little flap of skin connected to the body by a small stalk of tissue called a peduncle. The most common areas where they occur are in the folds of your skin, such as the eyelids, neck, groin under arms and upper chest, but can also be found elsewhere on the body. While it can be alarming to see any kind of growth on your skin, these growths are typically harmless.

Skin tags cause no symptoms unless they are repeatedly scratched or rubbed. Large skin tags could burst under pressure and shaving and wearing certain types of jewelry and clothing could cause them to form or rupture.

Although tags are generally acquired (not present at birth) and may occur in anyone, more often they arise in adulthood. Both men and women tend to get more skin tags as they age, increasing in prevalence up to age 60. While they tend to affect middle-aged people more than younger individuals, they can happen to anyone. Skin tags are also more common in pregnant women caused by hormonal changes.

Children and toddlers may also develop skin tags, particularly in the underarm and neck areas. Since skin tags are thought to arise more in areas of skin friction or rubbing, skin tags are also more common in overweight individuals.

In reality, some people are more prone to developing skin tags and may have new growths periodically. This is why some individuals require periodic skin tag removal at annual intervals. Electrocautery is a very effective procedure that uses a light electrical current to burn off the skin tags in only one session.

What causes skin tags?

• Being overweight;
• Heredity;
• Friction of skin against skin;
• Too much sugar in the blood;
• High levels of cholesterol;

(i.e.  All those at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease).

How to get rid of skin tags?

A skin tag is removed by disconnecting the blood supply quickly and efficiently without anesthesia.

Larger growths may require local anesthesia.

How are skin tags removed?

Since skin tags are generally harmless are usually removed for aesthetic reasons. This condition can be removed by disconnecting the blood supply.

At Nell Laser Clinic we safely and effectively remove skin tags with Laser treatments and Electrocautery treatment.

How does laser treatment remove tag?

Laser is usually used for removing flat tags. This method may require about 3 treatment to make the tag remove completely. The laser beam is selectively absorbed by the pigment of the tags the flat tag is then destroyed and shed away.

How does electrocautery treatment work?

Electrocautery is a procedure that uses light electrical current to burn the skin tags off. Approximately 1-2 treatments may be needed. Local anesthetic may or may not be required. This method of skin tags removal is a safe and an effective method of skin tag removal.

Warts

What is a wart and what causes it?

A wart is a growth of skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus which enters the body usually in an area of broken skin.  The virus causes the layer of skin on top to grow quickly, thus forming a wart.  The dark spots seen in a wart are tiny blood vessels that supply the wart with blood.

Where do they grow?

Warts can grow on any part of the body.  Common warts often grow on the hands, but can grow virtually anywhere.  Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet and can be painful because it is a pressure point.

Is it contagious?

Yes.  HPV can spread to another part of your body by merely touching that area; or you can share personal items like towels, razors, etc. and infect someone else.  Although usually painless, it is an aggressive virus that takes months to appear after being infected and, if left untreated, months to disappear.

At Nell Clinic, warts are successfully removed using Nd:Yag Laser technology of the highest standard from Cutera company.

Warts Removal Toronto

Warts Removal North York

Laser Spider Veins Removal

Skin Tags Removal Toronto

Facial Skin Treatments Toronto