Skin tags are small, benign growths of skin that typically appear as flesh-colored or slightly darker protrusions. They are generally soft and can hang off the skin by a thin stalk. These growths are common among adults, and their prevalence often increases during pregnancy, with many individuals finding new skin tags developing or existing ones growing larger during this period.
Why Skin Tags Appear During Pregnancy
The emergence of skin tags during pregnancy is primarily linked to physiological changes. Hormonal fluctuations play a substantial role, particularly elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can stimulate the growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of these small growths.
Another contributing factor is increased leptin production, a hormone secreted by both the pregnant individual and the fetus. Leptin promotes skin cell growth, encouraging skin tag development. Pregnancy-related weight gain can also lead to increased friction where skin rubs against itself or clothing, commonly in areas like the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and groin. While these growths may be bothersome, they are benign and pose no medical threat to the mother or baby.
Safety Considerations for Removal
Medical professionals generally advise against elective skin tag removal during pregnancy due to physiological changes. The body experiences a significant increase in blood volume and heightened vascularity throughout gestation. This augmented blood flow means that even minor procedures carry a greater risk of increased bleeding. This heightened bleeding potential is a primary reason for deferring non-essential removals.
Any procedure breaching the skin introduces infection risk, which is best avoided during pregnancy. The body’s immune system undergoes adaptive changes, potentially impacting the healing process and making it more susceptible to complications. Furthermore, cosmetic procedures during pregnancy might result in scarring or undesirable post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leading to less predictable cosmetic outcomes.
While local anesthesia is typically considered safe in limited quantities during pregnancy, minimizing unnecessary medical interventions is the overall objective. Healthcare providers consider potential discomfort, pain management, and procedural stress. Unless a skin tag causes significant discomfort, regular bleeding, severe irritation, or concerning changes, removal is typically postponed. This prioritizes the safety and well-being of both the pregnant individual and the developing baby.
Managing Skin Tags During and After Pregnancy
Patience is often the recommended approach when dealing with skin tags that appear during pregnancy. A significant number of these growths may naturally shrink or even disappear entirely following childbirth. This natural resolution often occurs as hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, gradually return to their pre-pregnancy state, alleviating the factors that contributed to their formation.
If skin tags persist or remain bothersome after delivery, several safe and effective removal options are available from a healthcare provider. These include cryotherapy (freezing), surgical excision (snipping), ligation (tying off blood supply), and cauterization (burning). These procedures should be performed by a qualified medical professional to minimize risks like infection, scarring, or incomplete removal.
Regardless of pregnancy status, consulting a doctor is advised if a skin tag changes, begins to bleed, becomes painful, or otherwise appears suspicious. Such changes could indicate an underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation and appropriate care, even though skin tags are typically harmless.