Everything to Know About Skin Tag: Causes, Symptoms & Risk

Do you have skin tags on your neck or elsewhere on your body? Don’t worry—these benign growths are generally harmless and don’t pose any health risks. However, you’re not alone if you’re unhappy with their appearance. Skin tags can develop on your face, armpits, or even eyelids, and they might not look cosmetically pleasing. 

Skin Tags – Everything You Need to Know

If you’re curious about why skin tags form and how you can remove them. You’re in the right place. This blog will cover everything you need about skin tags, including their causes, risk factors, types , and whether removing them at home is safe.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are also known as acrochordons. These non-cancerous, small, and soft skin growths hang off your body. Sometimes, they look like a cluster of skin emerging from a little stem. They are usually flesh-coloured but can be darker, resembling a mole. Their size varies from 1-5 mm, but sometimes, they may be as large as 1 – 2 centimetres.

Where Do Skin Tags Commonly Form?

Skin tags can appear anywhere on your body. However, they are primarily formed where your skin is more prone to rubbing with skin, clothing, or any jewellery. They mainly occur on your:

• Eyelids
• Neck creases
• Armpits
• Breasts (beneath)
• Groin

Skin tags are prevalent. In fact, researchers believe that about half of all adults will have at least one skin tag at some point in their lives.

What Causes Skin Tags?

The causes of skin tag formation are not entirely known. But they often occur when small clusters of collagen and blood vessels get trapped inside thicker pieces of skin. They are more common in areas where the skin folds or rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.

Due to genetic factors, some people are more prone to developing skin tags. Skin tags can affect both men and women. However, they are especially common during pregnancy, in overweight people, and in those with diabetes. There is also a link between skin tags and high insulin levels in the blood.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Developing Skin Tags?

The following individuals are at risk of developing skin tags:

• Overweight or obese people
• Those with diabetes
• Women during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal changes
• Individuals with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
• People with imbalances in sex hormones significantly changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels
• Those with a family history of skin tag

Studies have found that skin tags are often associated with obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and inflammation. This suggests that skin tags might be an external sign of more serious conditions like metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and certain genetic disorders such as Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Related Conditions:

• Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD): A rare genetic condition that causes multiple skin tumours, including skin tags, and can lead to cancerous tumours in the kidneys and colon.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. It is characterised by ovaries that are increased in size and have small cysts on the edges.

Understanding the causes and risk factors for developing a skin tag can help you better manage and prevent them. Consult your doctor if you have concerns or notice new skin tags forming.

What Are Some Skin Tags Symptoms?

Here are some of the symptoms:

• Small, soft, flesh-coloured bumps.
• Commonly found on the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and eyelids.
• They can be smooth or slightly wrinkled.
• Usually, they are a few millimetres in size but can grow larger.
• Soft and hanging off the skin by a thin stalk.
• It can be slightly raised from the skin surface
• Typically painless.
• Can become tender or sore if rubbed by clothing or jewellery
• Usually the same colour as your skin but can be darker.
• Sometimes, they may turn red or black if irritated or twisted.

Is Skin Tag Removal a Must?

Are you wondering how to remove skin tags? Know that it is not necessary if your skin tag isn’t causing discomfort or affecting how you feel about your appearance. In that case, you might not need to do anything about it. Many skin tags don’t need any treatment; some might even fall off by themselves.

You may consider the removal  if:

• It gets irritated or starts bleeding.
• You’re unhappy with how it looks.

When To See A Doctor?

While skin tags are generally small and harmless, you should consult a doctor if you notice any of the following changes:

• The skin tag is growing larger.
• It becomes painful.
• It starts bleeding.
• You develop multiple skin tags.

How Will The Doctor Remove Skin Tag?

A skin doctor can quickly and safely remove skin tags during a visit, often without you needing to return. The method used depends on the size and location of the skin tag. Here’s how they might do it:

• Cryosurgery

The dermatologist uses very cold liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the skin tag. This may cause a small blister or scab that falls off along with the skin tag.

• Electrodesiccation

A tiny needle zaps the skin tag to destroy it. A scab will form in the area, healing in about one to three weeks.

• Snip Removal

The dermatologist numbs the area, uses special scissors or a blade to remove the skin tag, and applies a solution to stop the bleeding.

Now That You Know The Essentials About Skin Tags

you can better understand these common skin growths and how to handle them. Remember, skin tags are generally harmless and often don’t require treatment unless they become bothersome or painful. If you’re considering removal, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional rather than trying at-home methods, which can come with risks.

Understanding the causes and treatment options will help you manage your skin health confidently. If you notice any changes in your skin tags or if new ones appear, seeking advice from an expert practitioner for a skin tag or mole removal in Leeds can help ensure your skin stays healthy and that you receive appropriate care.

FAQs About Skin Tags

1. Why do people get skin tags?

Skin tags, or acrochordons, develop when extra skin cells grow in the top layers of your skin. They often appear in areas where skin rubs against itself, like the armpits and groin. People with multiple skin tags may have conditions like type 2 diabetes or high insulin levels.

2. How do skin tags go away?

Skin tags can be removed through medical procedures like cryosurgery, or they may fall off independently. Some over-the-counter treatments and home remedies can also help them dry out and disappear.

3. Is it ok to pick skin tags?

It’s not recommended to remove skin tags yourself. While they aren’t dangerous, trying to remove them on your own can lead to complications and may cause irritation or infection.

4. Do skin tags spread?

Skin tags are not contagious and do not spread to other body parts. However, you might develop more skin tags in the same area over time.

5. Is Vaseline suitable for skin tags?

After removing a skin tag, applying Vaseline and a non-stick bandage can help moisturise the area and promote healing.

6. Can skin tags grow again?

Once a skin tag is removed correctly, it does not grow back in the same spot. However, you may develop new skin tags in other areas if you are prone to them.