Many of us notice small, soft growths on our skin, which are often confused with moles or birthmarks. However, they are completely different from them and are known as skin tags, said Dr Prashant Katakul, a neurosurgeon with over 33 years of experience.
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Dr. Katakul explained, via his Instagram account on January 1, that the presence of skin marks on an individual does not mean that he actually suffers from a specific disease. However, it is definitely an early warning signal for the body to start paying attention to its health.
What disorder do skin tags indicate?
Skin tags, especially if they are located in the neck and underarm areas, can be an early sign of insulin resistance, says Dr. Katakul.
According to the Cleveland Clinic website, insulin resistance is a complex condition that occurs when cells in muscle, fat and liver do not respond to insulin as they should. Insulin is a hormone secreted in the pancreas that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
“Insulin resistance is associated with conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hormonal imbalances in the body,” Dr. Katakul noted. “What most people don’t realize is that insulin resistance begins years before blood reports become abnormal.”
On the plus side, Dr. Katakul said insulin sensitivity can be increased and the condition can be reversed with the right lifestyle changes.
Can skin tags be removed?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, most skin tags don’t need treatment, and some go away on their own. However, one can consult a dermatologist if he finds troublesome skin tags and wants to remove them.
Although over-the-counter skin tag removal products are available, they may not be safe and can cause scarring, excessive bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby healthy skin.
Dermatologists have a number of tools in their arsenal to safely remove skin tags. These may include:
- A sharp instrument, such as a scalpel, for shaving or cutting.
- Ultra-cold gas (liquid nitrogen) to freeze it.
- Heat (cautery) to burn it or stop bleeding.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified these claims and does not endorse them.
