Skin tags are incredibly common, yet many people aren't sure exactly what they are or whether they should be concerned. While they're usually harmless, they can become irritating if they rub on clothing, jewellery or shaving, and many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
If you're wondering what are skin tags, what causes skin tags, or how to remove skin tags safely, here's everything you need to know.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small, soft growths that hang from the skin on a thin stalk. They usually match your skin colour, although they can sometimes appear slightly darker.
Most skin tags measure just a few millimetres, but some can grow larger over time. They're commonly found in areas where skin naturally rubs together, including:
- Neck
- Armpits
- Eyelids
- Under the breasts
- Groin
- Inner thighs
Although they can be annoying, skin tags are usually harmless and don't cause pain unless they're regularly irritated.
Skip straight to treatment? At Feeling Smooth we offer Skin Tag Removal in Melbourne.
What Causes Skin Tags?
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but skin tags often develop in areas where skin experiences repeated friction.
You're also more likely to develop them if you:
- Have a family history of skin tags
- Are pregnant
- Have gained weight
- Have diabetes or insulin resistance
- Are getting older
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes trigger new skin tags. Some disappear after pregnancy, while others remain.
Can Skin Tags Be Cancerous?
The good news is that skin tags are almost always benign, meaning they aren't cancerous.
However, not every skin growth is a skin tag. If you've noticed a spot that's changing colour, growing quickly, bleeding without being knocked or simply looks different from your other skin tags, it's worth having it checked.
A professional assessment helps confirm exactly what the lesion is before removal is considered.
If you're unsure, booking a skin consultation is the safest place to start.
Do Skin Tags Go Away on Their Own?
People often ask whether skin tags go away naturally.
Occasionally, they can lose their blood supply, dry out and eventually fall off by themselves. However, this isn't common and many remain unchanged for years.
Some may even become larger or new ones may appear over time.
If a skin tag isn't bothering you, there's no medical need to remove it. But if it's catching on clothing, becoming irritated or affecting your confidence, removal is usually quick and straightforward.
How to Remove Skin Tags Safely
If you're searching for how to get rid of skin tags, professional treatment is the safest option.
Online DIY methods like cutting skin tags off, tying them with thread or applying harsh chemicals can increase the risk of:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Treating the wrong type of skin lesion
At Feeling Smooth, we offer professional skin lesion removal using the CryoPen.
CryoPen technology uses precise cryotherapy to freeze the unwanted tissue while minimising damage to the surrounding skin. Treatment is quick, targeted and suitable for many benign skin lesions.
Can You Remove Skin Tags Naturally?
There are plenty of home remedies online claiming to remove skin tags naturally. Apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and skin tag removal kits are among the most common suggestions.
While some people report success, there's very little evidence these methods work consistently. More importantly, they can irritate healthy skin, cause burns or leave unnecessary scarring.
If you're considering how to get rid of skin tags naturally, it's always worth having the lesion assessed first. What looks like a skin tag isn't always a skin tag.
What Happens During Professional Skin Tag Removal?
Professional skin tag removal is usually much simpler than people expect.
Your appointment begins with an assessment to confirm the lesion is suitable for treatment.
At Feeling Smooth, the CryoPen delivers a precise freezing treatment directly to the skin tag while leaving the surrounding skin largely unaffected.
Most appointments take only a few minutes.
After treatment, the area may appear slightly red before forming a small scab. This naturally falls away as the skin heals, with most people returning to their normal routine immediately.
You can learn more about the treatment on our Cryotherapy Melbourne page.
When Should You Get a Skin Tag Checked?
Although skin tags are usually harmless, it's important to seek professional advice if you notice a lesion that:
- Changes colour
- Grows rapidly
- Bleeds without being touched
- Becomes painful
- Looks different from your other skin tags
Having any new or changing skin lesion assessed first provides peace of mind and helps ensure the most appropriate treatment is recommended.
Skin Tag Removal at Feeling Smooth
At Feeling Smooth, we make skin tag removal simple, safe and comfortable.
Using advanced CryoPen technology, we can treat many common benign skin lesions with precision while minimising disruption to the surrounding skin. Every appointment begins with an assessment, allowing us to tailor treatment to your individual needs and answer any questions before we begin.
If you're ready to remove an unwanted skin tag, our experienced team in Moonee Ponds and Port Melbourne is here to help you achieve clearer, healthier-looking skin.
