Skin tags are a common concern that brings people to the dermatology office. While skin tags can be a nuisance, the good news is that they are not generally harmful to your health.

What are Skin Tags?

The medical diagnostic name for skin tags is acrochordons. Skin tags are extremely common, benign skin growths. Almost 50% of adults will develop at least one skin tag. These growths are most likely to develop between the ages of 20 and 70, but children and seniors can also develop skin tags. While skin tags can appear in your twenties, they are more likely to appear as you age. Unlike many skin conditions that have a tendency to impact one gender more often than the other, skin tags are just as common for men and women.

Skin tags are soft growths that frequently develop in skin folds. Common parts of the body where skin tags develop include under the arms, around the neck, on the eyelids, in the groin, and under the breasts. However, they can form on any area of the body. In most cases, skin tags are the same shade as your natural skin tone, or they may have flesh-toned stalks with darker coloring on the end. Most skin tags are very small between 2 and 5 millimeters’, but they can grow to between 1 and 3 centimeters over time. Typically, skin tags are not painful, but they can get caught or snag on clothes, jewelry, and other items, which can hurt. Additionally, skin tags with longer stalks can become twisted, leading to blood clots.

What Causes Skin Tags?

The cause of skin tags is not known. Many researchers and physicians believe that their development in folds of the skin suggests that they are produced by friction or repeated rubbing of skin against skin or external irritants (clothing, jewellery, etc.). While the exact cause of skin tags is not known, several risk factors increase the chances for skin tag development, including:

Friction – Rough clothing that rubs the skin, repetitive motion, irritation.

Weight – Individuals who are overweight are more likely to develop skin tags.

Systemic illnesses – While it’s not fully supported, some researchers believe insulin resistance in diabetics may play a role.

Skin health concerns – Some chronic skin conditions have been linked to the development of skin tags, specifically Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome.

Genes – Those who have family members with skin tags seem to be more likely to develop them

Aging – Loss of skin firmness and elasticity as collagen and elastin production decreases may play a role

Pregnancy – Expectant mothers and individuals experiencing dramatic hormonal fluctuation often develop skin tags.

Can You Prevent Skin Tag Development?

You can’t prevent skin tags from developing, but taking certain steps may reduce your chances of developing them. For example, you can wear soft fabrics and avoid repetitive movements. Stop wearing jewellery if you notice skin tags appearing in the area around the necklace or other item. You should also take care to maintain a healthy weight and keep diabetes and other systemic health conditions under control. These preventive measures can be especially important if you’re already genetically predisposed toward developing skin tags.

What Treatment Options are Available?

We may recommend removing skin tags in the following situations:

·         One or more skin tags in a specific area are snagging on clothing, jewellery, and other items presenting a risk for the skin tag to be torn off or damaged.

·         If skin tags are irritated causing discomfort, you may want to consider having them removed.

·         If the appearance or location of skin tags bothers you, a dermatologist can remove the growth for cosmetic reasons.

·         If you notice that your skin tag is firm, not the same colour as surrounding skin or has multiple colours, is bleeding, or that it grows or changes rapidly, it may be a more serious skin condition. In these situations, your dermatologist will remove the skin tag and perform a biopsy to ensure it’s not cancerous.

·         If you decide to have a skin tag removed, your dermatologist can surgically excise the growth. We can also use heat (electrocautery) or cold (cryosurgery) to remove the skin tags. We may utilize a combination of surgical excision with heat or cold to stop bleeding and minimizing scarring.

Schedule an Appointment at Elan Skin Care Clinic.

Elan Skin, Hair & Laser Clinic is the leading dermatology & cosmetology clinic located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Our team of doctors are highly trained with specialised qualifications. With extensive experience, our team can provide you with the most advanced and effective aesthetic procedures available today.

We take time to listen to our patients needs and really get to know them so that we can design a highly customized and effective treatment plans.