Skin tags form on the dermis due to friction. Whenever skin rubs against itself, a small growth can form due to the irritation of the skin’s cells. This is something that can occur in men, women, and children. These can appear on eyelids, under arms, neck, waistline, and under breasts. Some individuals may see tags form near the pubic region, and can even see them pop up on genitals. In nearly all cases, they are benign, and mostly cosmetic in nature. However, they are unsightly, and some may want to remove them out right. In some instances, they can smell as well, and that can be problematic. There are a few root causes that you should know about when considering tags, including underlying medical concerns that could need a professional’s opinion.
What Causes Skin Tags?
The first thing that you should know about skin tags is that they do not bleed, they do not hurt, and will not cause much harm. You will not have to deal with bleeding or discharge. If you see these things start to secrete anything, then you are not dealing with tags, you’re dealing with warts or lesions. Those need a helping hand in removing. In relationship to tags, however, you’ll find that the root causes involve friction most often. Skin that rubs against itself. But the underlying medical concerns that come with these include obesity, diabetes, HPV infection, pregnancy, precious metals, and even allergic reactions in general.
What If There’s A Smell?
If your skin tag smells, or you find that an odor is near the tag that has come up on your skin, you may have an infection. This is rare. Infections do occur from time to time, and that requires a helping hand. You can start with removing the tags with topical solutions. Some solutions include simple options like apple cider vinegar. You can put this on a cotton ball and apply it to the tags 3 times a day. For several weeks, you will need to do this, and will see the tag fall away with relative ease.
Another topical solution you can use to help with the smell and to remove tags is that of tea tree oil. This has an anti-septic solution, and anti-inflammatory solution, and will help with the smell as well. This can help with the infection and help remove the skin issue overall.
Should I See A Doctor?
The next thing that you should know is that you may need to see a doctor. Professionals can help diagnose the issue outright. They can look to see if you have a bigger issue than just tags. In some instances, the medical concerns that underline these issues will need a helping hand overall. There are treatments that can help the skin issue, but you’ll need more than that to cover diabetes, HPV infection and other issues. If there’s a smell, that may be a sign of infection. With that in mind, try topical solutions first, then visit a doctor if they do not change or the smell doesn’t go away.