Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, can form in the genital area. These small, benign masses appear on the skin, often where skin folds or friction occurs. A skin tag is composed of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin tissue. While finding a growth in this sensitive region can be concerning, these growths are non-cancerous and typically harmless. They are common on the neck, eyelids, and armpits, but their presence on external genital skin, such as the labia, scrotum, or groin crease, is not unusual.
Differentiating Genital Skin Tags from Other Growths
A genital skin tag is a soft, fleshy growth attached to the skin by a narrow stalk (pedunculated). They are usually skin-colored or slightly darker, ranging from a few millimeters to potentially over a centimeter, and feel soft when pressed. Skin tags are typically smooth and do not cause pain or itching unless irritated by rubbing.
A new growth often causes concern about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), making accurate identification important. Genital warts (caused by the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV) are a common differential diagnosis, but they usually present with a firmer, rougher texture and often have a distinct cauliflower-like or clustered appearance. Warts are generally sessile, meaning they have a wide, flat base, unlike the thin stalk of a skin tag.
Molluscum contagiosum appears as small, dome-shaped bumps with a unique central indentation (umbilication). These bumps are typically firm and pearly in color, differing visually from the soft, fleshy texture of an acrochordon. Herpes simplex lesions are also easily distinguished, as they begin as painful, fluid-filled blisters that eventually rupture and crust over.
Any new or changing growth on the genitals requires evaluation because self-diagnosis is unreliable, and certain cancers can rarely mimic the appearance of a benign lesion. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and, if necessary, a biopsy to definitively confirm the nature of the growth. Consulting a medical professional ensures a correct diagnosis, ruling out conditions like genital warts or other infections that require specific treatment.
Primary Causes of Skin Tags in the Genital Area
The development of acrochordons is directly linked to the genital area’s susceptibility to repeated friction and chafing. Constant rubbing from clothing, such as tight underwear or restrictive pants, creates mechanical irritation that triggers the growth of these benign tissues. Skin-to-skin contact, particularly in the groin folds or inner thighs, also promotes skin tag formation.
Hormonal fluctuations can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags; pregnancy is a notable example where elevated hormone levels often lead to their sudden appearance. A family history of skin tags suggests a genetic predisposition, indicating that some individuals are simply more likely to form them. If a close relative has had many skin tags, the probability of developing them is higher due to inherited factors.
A primary cause is the connection between skin tags and metabolic health, particularly insulin resistance. Elevated insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) occur when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. This excess circulating insulin stimulates the proliferation of skin cells, which promotes the formation of skin tags. Therefore, a sudden increase in skin tags may indicate underlying conditions like obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Professional Removal and Medical Consultation
If a genital skin tag becomes irritated, bleeds, or causes discomfort, consulting a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, gynecologist, or urologist, is the recommended first step. A medical professional can confirm the diagnosis and discuss removal options, which are usually performed for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate irritation. Professional removal is generally a low-risk procedure done quickly in an office setting.
One common method is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after a few days. Surgical excision is another technique, where the provider uses sterile scissors or a scalpel to snip the tag off at its base, sometimes after a local anesthetic is applied. Electrosurgery, or cauterization, uses a carefully controlled electrical current to burn off the growth and seal the wound, minimizing bleeding.
It is important to avoid all forms of at-home removal for growths in the sensitive genital area. Attempts to remove a skin tag by cutting it with unsterilized tools, tying it off with string, or applying chemical agents carry significant risks. These actions can lead to excessive bleeding, severe infection, permanent scarring, and chemical burns on the delicate genital skin. Seeking a proper diagnosis and professional treatment is the safest and most effective approach.