Can skin tags be removed with cosmetics?

Skin tags are a type of dermal tumor known as soft fibromas. As they are benign tumors, they do not cause any problems other than appearing unsightly and being palpable. While most occur for unknown reasons, they tend to be more prevalent in individuals with diabetes, and multiple tags may suddenly appear during pregnancy. Most appear as small, skin-colored or brown papules about 1 to 2 mm in size, commonly found on the neck or armpits. Occasionally, they may appear as larger, elongated filamentous papules measuring 2 to 5 mm in length, or grow to a size exceeding 1 cm.

Skin tags are treated by removing them using electrocautery or lasers. In the past, chemical peels using AHA, BHA, or TCA were also used; however, removing skin tags this way requires using products with high peeling agent concentrations to achieve a deep peeling depth. Skin tags are typically small, measuring 1 to 2 mm, but because chemical peels can spread to surrounding skin and affect the normal skin nearby, it is advisable to receive treatment from a dermatologist specializing in chemical peels. However, with the recent advancement and widespread use of lasers, laser removal has become the standard treatment method.

Upon examining skin tag removal cosmetics, they appear to contain low concentrations of ingredients such as AHA and BHA, but dermal tumors cannot be removed by cosmetics. Furthermore, even if the ingredients are mild exfoliating, daily use can irritate normal skin, so caution is required.

Benign skin tumors, such as skin tags, are mostly cosmetic issues and do not cause health problems. However, even if they appear clinically benign, it is necessary to differentiate whether they are malignant. According to reports in the Journal of the Korean Dermatological Association, there have been cases where lesions resembling skin tags have been confirmed as malignant, such as polypoid basal cell carcinoma, and cases involving other diseases such as pedunculated fibroma and accessory breast tissue have also been reported. Therefore, even for lesions that appear benign like skin tags, a histological evaluation may be required after consultation with a dermatologist if necessary.

In addition, when selecting products advertised as being able to remove benign skin tumors, you should carefully examine the ingredients and verify whether they are officially approved. If it is difficult to make a judgment, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist before deciding whether to use the product.

source Can Skin Tags Be Removed with Cosmetics? - Your Health Guide Health Chosun (chosun.com)