Bleeding from a skin tag can be alarming, but it is rarely a sign of significant danger or a life-threatening condition. These common skin growths typically involve only small blood vessels, so any bleeding is usually minor and superficial.
Nature of Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, benign skin growths that appear as small, soft pieces of hanging skin. They typically range in size from one millimeter to one centimeter, though some can grow larger. These growths are generally flesh-colored or slightly brownish, resembling a small balloon on a slender stalk.
A skin tag’s structure includes a core of collagen fibers and small blood vessels, encased within an outer layer of skin. Skin tags frequently develop where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and on the eyelids. They are non-cancerous and usually pose no harm.
Why Skin Tags Bleed
Skin tags can bleed due to various forms of irritation or injury, largely because they contain a network of small blood vessels. Common causes include friction from clothing, jewelry, or even seatbelts rubbing against the tag. Accidental scratching or picking at a skin tag can also lead to bleeding.
Shaving is another frequent cause of minor bleeding if a razor catches a skin tag. When a skin tag is injured, the small blood vessels within it are disrupted, resulting in typically minimal and superficial bleeding.
Addressing Bleeding and When to Consult a Doctor
It is highly unlikely for someone to bleed to death from a skin tag, as the blood vessels involved are small and the bleeding is generally not substantial. If a skin tag begins to bleed, applying direct, gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth for 10 to 15 minutes can often stop the flow. Keeping the area clean after the bleeding subsides is also important to prevent infection.
Consult a healthcare professional if the bleeding is persistent, heavy, or does not stop with direct pressure. Signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or pus around the skin tag, also require evaluation. Additionally, if a skin tag changes in size, shape, or color, or causes significant discomfort, a doctor should examine it. Attempting to remove skin tags at home is not recommended due to the risks of excessive bleeding, infection, and scarring.