What are skin tags?
Skin tags are common skin growths. Estimates suggest that nearly half of adults have at least one of these harmless growths. Skin tags, which are known formally as acrochordons, aren’t cancerous.
Skin tags look like oval growths on a fleshy stalk and are the color of your own skin or a bit darker. The tags are typically small, between 2-5 mm. Some, however, can grow to be several centimeters.
Skin tags typically grow in areas where your skin folds, including:
- Neck
- Underarms
- Eyelids
- Groin (between your stomach and upper thighs)
Skin tags usually form sometime after age 20. New ones tend to stop appearing after age 70. Although skin tags generally aren’t painful, it can be annoying when the growths get caught on your jewelry or an item of clothing. When a skin tag becomes twisted or torn, it may bleed and hurt quite a bit.
Are certain people at risk for skin tags?
Skin tags tend to occur in men and women with equal frequency. You may have a greater likelihood of getting the skin growths if you’re obese, diabetic, or if family members have skin tags.
What causes skin tags?
Although the precise cause of skin tags is unknown, doctors suggest the growths may be related to the friction of your skin rubbing on body folds.
One small study found the individuals with the growths had high rates of the human papillomavirus (HPV), suggesting a possible link to the virus. In addition, people with the genetic disorder, Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome, tend to form a lot of skin tags, suggesting a genetic link. Another theory is the tags form as part of the normal aging process as skin loses elasticity.
How are skin tags treated?
Skin tags are simple to remove. Depending on the size and location of your growth, your doctor at Wandisan and Rosete Medical Group may eliminate the skin tag by:
- Surgically cutting it off
- Freezing it off with liquid nitrogen
- Burning it with an electric needle
Skin tag removal is a quick process that’s offered in the convenience of Wandisan and Rosete Medical Group’s office. If skin tags have been bothering you, find out about your options today by calling Wandisan and Rosete Medical Group or booking a consultation online.
