The Complete Guide to Skin Tags During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman's body, including the skin. One common skin change many women notice is an increase in skin tags. These small, harmless growths often pop up during pregnancy, likely due to shifting hormones and extra friction. Keep reading to learn all about skin tags during pregnancy.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small, soft, skin-colored growths that form on the surface of the skin. Also called acrochordons, these fleshy bumps attach themselves to the skin by a stalk or peduncle.
Skin tags are extremely common, harmless, and painless. They can vary in size from 1mm to over 1cm wide. Skin tags commonly occur in skin creases and folds such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, and under breasts.
Causes of Skin Tags During Pregnancy
Several factors are believed to contribute to the development of skin tags during pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes - Estrogen and progesterone rise dramatically during pregnancy which affects skin.
- Increased friction - Skin folds rub together more as the belly grows, irritating skin.
- Rapid growth - Pregnancy causes skin expansion which can trigger skin tags.
- Genetics - Some women are genetically prone to developing skin tags.
Fortunately, skin tags during pregnancy are harmless. They may simply be an annoyance or cosmetic concern for many women.
Signs and Symptoms
Skin tags don't cause any symptoms, but here are the typical features you may notice:
- Small, soft bumps on the skin
- Pedunculated growth pattern, attached by a thin stalk
- Near skin folds and creases
- Tan, brown or skin-colored
- Smooth surface texture
- Painless
- Single or in groups
- Increase in number during pregnancy
Skin tags can be tiny 1mm bumps or grow over 1cm wide. They may go away on their own or keep multiplying. Be sure to point out any new skin growths to your doctor at prenatal visits.
Treating Skin Tags During Pregnancy
Skin tags themselves pose no medical risk and usually don't require treatment during pregnancy. Removing them is considered a cosmetic procedure. options include:
- Leave alone - They often naturally fall off eventually.
- Improve hygiene - Keep skin folds clean and dry to prevent irritation.
- Medical procedures - Removal methods like freezing or excision can be done after birth.
- Home remedies - Some natural methods may remove small tags, but be cautious using unproven treatments while pregnant.
Check with your doctor before attempting to remove skin tags yourself during pregnancy. The best approach is typically just leaving them alone until after delivery.
When to See a Doctor
Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you notice:
- Sudden increase in number of skin tags
- Signs of infection like pain, itching, redness, bleeding
- Changes in size, color or shape
- Family history of skin conditions
- Skin tags that interfere with clothing, movement or hygiene
While usually harmless, it's important your doctor verify any new skin growths during pregnancy. Skin tags can sometimes resemble certain malignant growths.
Risk Factors for Skin Tags
Certain factors may increase a pregnant woman's risk of developing skin tags:
- Obesity - Excess weight leads to more skin friction.
- Family history - Genetic predisposition often plays a role.
- Older age - Skin tags become more common with age.
- Insulin resistance - Associated with conditions like diabetes and PCOS.
- Frequent skin irritation - From tight clothing, rubbing, etc.
Remember, skin tags themselves are harmless. But some associated conditions like obesity and insulin resistance can complicate pregnancy.
Are Skin Tags Contagious?
Skin tags are not contagious in any way. They cannot spread through touch, sexual activity, or from person to person. Skin tags occur when clusters of skin cells multiply rapidly due to friction, hormones, and unknown factors.
Can Skin Tags Fall Off During Pregnancy?
Yes, it's common for skin tags that appear during pregnancy to disappear on their own after giving birth. The hormonal and friction changes that triggered them often resolve postpartum.
Some skin tags may fall off on their own during pregnancy as well. Larger tags are more likely to persist than smaller ones.
Will Skin Tags Continue Growing During Pregnancy?
Skin tags can continue to slowly enlarge during the course of pregnancy, especially as the belly expands. More rapid growth or changes in appearance warrant an exam to confirm they are benign.
Most skin tags stop growing once they reach a certain size, around 5mm to 1cm across. Some may grow in clusters.
Can Skin Tags Be Prevented?
While skin tags can't always be prevented, these tips may help reduce your risk of developing them during pregnancy:
- Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy.
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes or PCOS.
- Practice good hygiene by washing skin folds daily.
- Avoid tight clothing and clothing that rubs on the skin.
- Use a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated.
Genetics play a major role though, so even with best practices, some pregnant women will still develop skin tags.
Treating Skin Tags After Pregnancy
While skin tags often resolve on their own postpartum, some women seek removal for persistent or unsightly growths. There are several effective options for getting rid of skin tags after pregnancy.
Cryotherapy
With cryotherapy, the skin tag is frozen off using extreme cold. Liquid nitrogen or compressed nitrous oxide gas is applied to the stalk of the tag. This causes the tag to die and fall off within a few days.
Excision
Surgical excision involves shaving the skin tag off flush with the surface of the skin. This is done under local anesthesia and uses a scalpel, scissors or razor blade. Excision may cause slight scarring.
Electrosurgery
Electrosurgery burns off the tag using a high-frequency electrical current. A small probe transmits alternating current to the skin tag, dehydrating the cells and causing the tag to fall off.
Ligation
With ligation, a thin wire or tied string loop cuts off circulation the base of the skin tag. This causes the tag to die and fall off within several days. The stalk may also be burned after ligation.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery focuses highly concentrated light on the skin tag. The intense heat damages the tissue, causing the tag to fall off. Lasers help control bleeding and may reduce scarring.
Medications
Medicated creams containing zinc chloride or silver nitrate can destroy small skin tags. These are applied daily and cause chemical burn of the growth over one to two weeks.
Discuss all treatment options thoroughly with your dermatologist to decide the best removal method for your individual case.
Home Remedies for Skin Tags
Natural home treatments for skin tags involve applying substances found in your kitchen to "burn" off tags. However, these unproven remedies can come with risks like infection or skin irritation.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil applied daily may help dry out and remove small skin tags. Dilute oil with a carrier oil and use a cotton swab to apply to the tag.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which can gradually damage skin tag tissue. Soak a cotton ball and apply to the tag up to twice daily.
Banana Peel
Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the skin tag may cause it to shrivel and fall off over time due to enzymes that eat away at the tissue.
Garlic
Garlic contains anti-inflammatory sulfur compounds. Rubbing crushed raw garlic directly on the tag may cause it to scab and fall off.
Castor Oil
Applying castor oil daily may help dehydrate and detach a skin tag after a few weeks. Place a bandage over it to allow it to penetrate.
Speak to your doctor before attempting any unproven home remedies, especially when nursing. While they show promise for some, these treatments can potentially do more harm than good.
When to See a Dermatologist
Consult a dermatologist promptly if you notice any of the following with a skin tag:
- Sudden change in size, color or shape
- Bleeding, oozing, or ulceration
- Tag is larger than 1cm wide
- Signs of infection like worsening pain, redness, heat
- New growth or mole within a tag
- Rapid increase in number
Dermatologists have special expertise in diagnosing and treating skin conditions. Though usually harmless, it's important to verify that any new or changing skin growths are benign.
The Takeaway
Skin tags during pregnancy are extremely common. The rising hormones, extra friction, and rapid skin growth spur harmless skin tags to pop up in creases and folds.
While a nuisance, skin tags pose no medical concern and often resolve on their own after delivery. Improve hygiene and moisture in the area for relief. Hold off on aggressive removal methods until after birth when possible.
With a balanced diet, skin care regimen, and prenatal care, most expectant mothers can feel confident handling pregnancy skin tags. Speak with your doctor about any new developments or tags causing distress.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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