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Skin Tags

Skin tags

In the vacuous, celebrity-obsessed society we live in – where designer labels and the hullabaloo surrounding the latest fad is everything – you might think that skin tags sound like the ultimate ‘must-have’ bodily accessory. But you’d be wrong. In fact, when you consider their medical names – fibro-epithelial polyps or achondrochordons – they sound positively unappealing! Skin tags are soft lumps attached to the skin by a stalk. They are usually the same colour as your skin, under 0.5 cm in size, and often develop in the armpits, neck and groin. Around 50–60% of people over the age of 50 have them (although, younger people can develop them as well) and they sometimes run in families. They may look unsightly and can be a nuisance (catching on clothing or jewellery), but they are harmless and do not become cancerous. Furthermore, they can be easily removed by your GP.

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The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

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i have what I think is a skin tag on the very edge of my nipple. I'm very embarrassed by it as it looks unsightly. It has grown larger over the last 12 months and is over the 0.5cm that you mention. I've been thinking about tying cotton around it but havent had the courage as yet. Can you advise please?





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Hi, re skin tags, I have seen advertised on the net various creams/oils that can be applied that dry out these tags. Has anybody tried them and do they work? The ones I have seen all seem to be based in America, is there something available in this country?





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I have a few skin tags on the outside of my anus, there really uncomfortable and sore when i wipe. I would like to get them removed as they make me feel self concious how do i go about doing this myself?? Ive heard you can freeze them or tie a thread around them, please help its so embarrassing.





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I have a skintag in the inside of the top of my arm and its rubbing on clothing and actually hurts, i have heard about tying thread round them to stop the blood getting to it and it will come off, is this ok to do?





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I have had skin tags in the past. The best way to remove is to tie with some thread cutting off the blood supply. They will usually drop off in a few days. This is totally painless. If you can't reach to do this yourself get some one to do it for you. I have once cut one off and it did bleed. The thread method avoids this.

Does anyone know what the spray is called that would "Freeze" my skin tags that are in my grion area and are becoming quite embarrasing, that I think is availible from the chemist?





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I think you should go to your doctor to have this done, it's safer and can be done very easily and quickly.

I think you should go to your doctor to have this done, it's safer and can be done very easily and quickly.

I think you should go to your doctor to have this done, it's safer and can be done very easily and quickly.

im 17 and i have recently found skin tags around my vagina, they are getting bigger aswell, is this normal and how can i get rid of them? there so embarrassing and are really gettin me down! help!





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I get them in the same place. What i have found effective (WITHOUT the embarrassment of going to your GP) is tying cotton tightly around it. Leave it for a day & tie another bit of cotton even tighter. & so on, until you can lightly pull it off. Its not the most pleasant of experiences, but it works.

Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/

Hi I'm 17 years old and I've had a lump in my armpit which I think is a skin tag for a while now and it never bothered me before, but recently it's starting to become more painful and has gotten slightly bigger. It still looks to be under the usual 0.5cm and has a stalk which suggests it is actually one of these. Is it normal for them to become sore? And if it not should I make an appointment to my GP? Thank you





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hi im 19 and iv been having the same problem iv had this skin tag for as long as i can remember and its never bothered me before until yesterday when i wore a new t-shirt its not really very sore and abit inflamed i cant move my arm very much its actually that bad so im going to my gp to have it removed (dont like the thought of doing it myself...just incease)

I have 15-20 skin tags between my vagina outer lip and my thigh they only cover a small space but are ugly and embarrassing, how could I get rid of them without paying for treatment?





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Your GP should remove these tags as they are obviously giving you concern and making you feel self conscious. Perhaps you might want to talk to a female doctor or nurse if it makes it easier for you.

Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/

I'm 14 and just outside the opening of my anus it looks like it is very slighty swollen in one place, and it looks like a skin tag. Can anyone help?





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I noticed something just on the inside of my vagina. After confronting my long term partner and accusing him of all sorts I got him to take a look. He said it looked like a skin tag. He checked himself and even got me to take a look just to prove that he didn't have and sexually transmitted diseases i.e warts. Im too embarrassed to go to my GP but my partner wants me to have it checked. If for no other reason other than to prove he isn't cheating on me!!! Is it possible for a skin tag to just appear down below??





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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