Introduction to Skin Tags: What They Are and What Causes Them
Skin tags are small, soft, skin-colored growths that hang from the surface of the skin on a thin stalk. Medically known as acrochordons, these harmless growths typically occur on the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, or under the breasts. Skin tags affect up to half of the population and can develop at any age.
While not dangerous, skin tags can become irritated or infected. People often seek removal for cosmetic reasons or if tags become symptomatic. This article will cover everything you need to know about these annoying ones getting under your skin.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are outpouchings of skin that are connected to the surface by a narrow stalk. They are soft, movable, and painless. Skin tags can occur singly but often form in folds of skin or where skin rubs together.
Skin tags range in size, usually from 2-5 mm. They can be pedunculated (on a stalk) or sessile (broad-based). The surface may be smooth or irregular. Though skin-colored, tags can also be darker depending on pigmentation.
Signs and Symptoms
Skin tags have the following identifying characteristics:
- Small, soft growths on the skin
- Color similar to surrounding skin
- Smooth or irregular surface texture
- Attached to the skin by a narrow stalk
- Easily movable and painless
- Often appear in folds of skin like neck, armpits, and groin
- Range in size from 2-5 mm
- Can be single or in groups
Skin tags are not normally symptomatic. Occasionally, tags may become irritated from friction against clothing or during shaving. Infected tags can be painful.
Are Skin Tags Contagious?
No, skin tags are not contagious. They cannot spread from person to person through touch, sexual contact, or other means of transmission.
Are Skin Tags Cancerous?
Skin tags are benign growths that have no potential to become cancerous. They are usually caused by normal skin cell overgrowth rather than abnormal cell changes.
Very rarely, tags can develop precancerous cells if repeatedly injured. See your dermatologist promptly if a tag bleeds, changes color, or becomes hard.
What Causes Skin Tags to Develop?
Doctors aren't entirely sure why skin tags form. However, research has uncovered several contributing factors and associations:
Friction and Skin Irritation
Skin tags often occur in areas prone to friction and skin rubbing. The constant irritation is thought to trigger overgrowth of skin cells that leads to tag formation. This explains their common location in skin folds.
Insulin Resistance
Studies show a correlation between skin tags and insulin resistance, which underlies conditions like obesity and diabetes. Insulin is thought to overstimulate growth factors that cause excess skin cell proliferation.
Hormones
Hormonal shifts related to pregnancy may increase susceptibility to skin tags. Tags frequently form during pregnancy and fade after giving birth. Puberty, menopause, and hormonal treatments like estrogen can also influence skin tag development.
Obesity
Obese individuals have an increased tendency to form skin tags. Excess skin friction in areas like the neck is the suspected cause. Obesity is also tied to insulin resistance, which affects cell growth factors.
Genetics
Skin tags sometimes run in families, suggesting a possible genetic component. Certain genetic disorders like Birt-Hogg-Dub syndrome also predispose people to developing numerous skin tags.
Aging
Skin tags become more common with age. Older skin has had longer exposure to irritants and hormonal changes that may trigger skin cell overgrowth.
Risk Factors for Developing Skin Tags
Factors that increase your risk of developing bothersome skin tags include:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Older age
- Family history of skin tags
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
- Skin folds rubbing together
- Use of estrogen therapy
- Pregnancy
- Genetic disorders like Birt-Hogg-Dub syndrome
Skin tags can occur in anyone. But pay attention to changes if you have any of the above risk factors. Prompt removal and further evaluation may be warranted.
When to See a Doctor About Skin Tags
In most cases, skin tags don't require medical treatment. But see your doctor or dermatologist if:
- The tag bleeds, oozes, crusts, or becomes painful
- The tag has changed appearance or texture
- New tags develop rapidly over a short period
- Tags frequently become irritated or inflamed
- You have a genetic disorder associated with numerous skin tags
These signs could indicate infection, trauma, or an underlying condition needing evaluation. Preventative removal may also be warranted before tags become problematic.
Can Skin Tags Be Removed at Home?
Dermatologists don't recommend trying to remove skin tags on your own. Home remedies carry risks of infection, scarring, and lack results. Over-the-counter tag removal products also tend to be ineffective.
Instead, see a skin specialist who can remove tags safely and effectively in a clinical setting.
Medical Treatment for Skin Tags
Several methods can be used to remove bothersome skin tags. The best option depends on factors like the size, location, and number of tags.
Cryotherapy
For cryotherapy, the tag is frozen off using liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold causes the tag to die and slough off. This is a common method for small, accessible skin tags.
Excision
Surgical excision involves numbing the area and cutting the tag off flush with the skin. This method allows examination of the tissue and reduces recurrence. It may leave a small scar.
Electrosurgery
Electrosurgery uses radiofrequency electrical currents to burn and destroy the tag. Local anesthesia is administered first. This technique is fast and effective for eliminating multiple small tags.
Laser Removal
Lasers provide precise, vaporizing energy that destroys the tag with little contact. Laser removal is more costly but involves very little pain and heals quickly.
Ligation
Ligation ties off the blood supply to the tag, causing it to die and fall off. The base can then be cauterized. This method works well for pedunculated skin tags on a stalk.
After tag removal, the area may be sore, swollen, or blistered for a few days. Follow your dermatologist's wound care instructions to prevent infection as it heals.
Do Skin Tags Return After Removal?
Skin tags can recur after removal, but the recurrence rate is low. One study found a regrowth rate of just 3.3% over a five-year period after surgical excision.
Recurrences are more common with:
- Tags in friction-prone areas
- Hormonal factors like pregnancy or menopause
- Obesity and diabetes
- Older age
- Improper initial removal
Removing the entire tag and cauterizing the base helps prevent regrowth. Getting underlying conditions like diabetes under control also helps.
Can Skin Tags Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent getting skin tags. However, the following measures may help reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Control blood sugar levels if diabetic
- Avoid skin irritants like harsh soaps
- Wear loose clothing in friction-prone areas
- Treat conditions causing insulin resistance
Catching tags early and having them removed before they proliferate or become irritated is also recommended.
Living with Skin Tags
Most skin tags dont require removal. Here are some tips for living with benign skin tags:
- Leave tags alone unless irritated, bleeding or changing
- Gently clean tags daily with warm water and mild soap
- Avoid picking, scratching, or touching tags excessively
- Wear loose breathable clothing to prevent friction
- Use moisture creams on tags if dryness becomes bothersome
- Visit your dermatologist annually to monitor for changes
While skin tags may be unsightly, try to remind yourself they are harmless. Remove ones causing symptoms, but otherwise leaving them be is perfectly safe.
The Outlook for Skin Tags
Skin tags are extremely common, affecting up to half of adults. These harmless growths can be frustrating when they become irritated or numerous.
While not dangerous on their own, new or changing skin tags should be evaluated. Tag removal is also an option for cosmetic reasons.
Work with your dermatologist to determine the best treatment approach based on your individual case. Catching problematic tags early provides symptom relief and prevents future complications.
With appropriate treatment when warranted, bothersome skin tags can be effectively banished.
FAQs
Can skin tags be a sign of cancer?
Skin tags are benign and not associated with skin cancer. However, any new or changing skin growth should be examined. Skin cancer can rarely occur in a longstanding tag that becomes abnormal.
Do skin tags go away on their own?
Some small skin tags may disappear without treatment, but most persist once formed. Large, irritated, or symptomatic tags are unlikely to resolve without removal. See a dermatologist if a skin tag becomes problematic.
Are skin tags more common in females or males?
Skin tags affect both genders equally. Hormonal factors like pregnancy may increase tags temporarily in women. Overall, skin tags occur just as often in both females and males.
Can you safely remove a skin tag at home?
Dermatologists do not recommend removing skin tags yourself at home. This can lead to infection, scarring, or incomplete removal. See a doctor to have tags taken off safely and effectively.
How can you hide or conceal skin tags?
Skin-colored bandages or cosmetic silicone patches can temporarily cover visible skin tags. Makeup applied carefully may also help conceal tags. Remove makeup before bed to avoid irritation.
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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