Skin tags on eyelids: Causes and how to remove them

You wake up one morning and suddenly notice a bump on your eyelids. No it does not look like a pimple or some blister, it’s not even painful but then what is this? Well chances are you have just spotted a SkinTag.

If you don’t know Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons. These are small, soft, flesh-colored growths that hang off the skin’s surface while harmless, skin tags on the eyelids can be irritating, affect your confidence, or even make blinking and makeup application uncomfortable.

Now if you’ve been wondering why they appear and how to get rid of them safely, here’s everything you need to know from causes and risk factors to professional removal options.

Why Do Skin Tags Appear on Eyelids?

Your eyelids  though delicate are no exception. A few common causes and risk factors include:

Friction: Constantly blinking, rubbing or even wearing glasses can irritate the skin leading to small growths over time.

Genetics: If your parents have it, it’s very usual for you to have it too.

Age: They become more common as we get older, mostly when you are over 40years of age.

Hormones: Pregnancy or hormonal shifts can also cause it.

Health & Lifestyle: Having conditions like diabetes, obesity or insulin resistance can make you more prone to them.

No matter the cause it’s not your fault. Skin tags are incredibly common and don’t mean anything’s “wrong.”

Are Skin Tags Dangerous?

Nope! Skin tags are benign which is the medical way of saying “harmless.” It is non-cancerous and usually painless. However, they can become irritated or inflamed if frequently rubbed, scratched or caught on makeup applicators or jewelry.

If a skin tag suddenly changes color, size, or shape  or starts bleeding  it’s important to get it checked by a dermatologist to rule out other conditions like moles or warts that may look similar.

How to Remove Skin Tags on Eyelids Safely?

Step 1: Never try to remove an eyelid skin tag at home. I know it can be tempting especially with all those “easy home hack” videos available online but your eyes are precious and the skin around them is super delicate. So DIY may seem easy and harmless but removal without any professional supervision and assistance can lead to infection, scarring or even damage your eyes permanently.

So it’s better to let a professional handle it. Here’s how they do it:

1. Cryotherapy : A dermatologist applies a small amount of liquid nitrogen to freeze off the skin tag. Then the tag usually falls off within a few days.

2. Cauterization : This procedure involves the gentle burning of the tag with the use of controlled heat or electric current. This is done under local anesthesia and usually heals up in about a week.

3. Surgical Excision : For larger skin tags, your dermatologist may take sterile scissors or a scalpel and carefully snip them off after numbing the area.

4. Laser Removal : Here a targeted laser beam neatly removes the skin tag with minimal discomfort. It’s very useful for small, multiple tags on the eyelids.

But what about Home Remedies?

Home Remedies might feel appealing if you think of time and cost involved. There are some online sources that recommend using apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil or dental floss methods but remember these ingredients are not safe for use near the eyes. The skin around your eyelid is thin and sensitive and exposure to such acids or oils can cause burns, irritation or even leave behind permanent damage to your vision. And none of our eyesight and appearance are worth such risks. So always consult a dermatologist or ophthalmologist before trying anything at home.

Can You Prevent Skin Tags?

While you can’t always prevent them completely, you can lower your risk with a few simple steps:

• Try not to rub your eyes too much.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Manage health conditions like diabetes with your doctor’s support.
• Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet. 

When to See a Doctor

Book a visit with your dermatologist if:

• The tag is large or affects your vision.
• Gets red, sore or bleeds.
• You notice sudden changes in its appearance.
• You’re considering removal and want to avoid scarring or complications.

In conclusion it’s very common to get a Skin Tag and there’s nothing to worry about because of its harmless nature and if you are concerned about your appearance Skin tag removal is not a scary process at all. The key is to avoid DIY methods and trust a professional who can remove them safely without risking irritation or eye injury.