Skin tags are small, benign growths that project from the skin’s surface. These growths are extremely common, affecting nearly half of all adults, and consist of a core of collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by epidermis. Skin tags are non-cancerous and medically harmless, though they can cause cosmetic concern or become irritated. They are generally painless unless repeatedly rubbed by clothing or jewelry.
Visual Identification and Common Locations
Skin tags present as soft, fleshy growths that often hang from the skin by a narrow stalk, giving them a distinct, pendulous appearance. Their surface can be smooth or slightly wrinkled, and they are typically pliable to the touch. Most skin tags are either flesh-colored or slightly hyperpigmented, appearing darker than the surrounding skin.
The size of these growths varies significantly, ranging from 1 millimeter up to a centimeter in diameter, though some can reach up to 5 centimeters. They are most frequently found in areas where skin creases or rubs together, which contributes to their formation. Common locations include the neck, armpits, groin folds, under the breasts, and on the eyelids.
Understanding Why Skin Tags Form
The primary factor driving the formation of skin tags is friction, which occurs when skin rubs against skin, clothing, or jewelry. This mechanical stress is thought to cause a cluster of collagen and blood vessels to become trapped within a thicker piece of skin, leading to the growth. This explains their prevalence in skin folds and areas of high movement.
Several risk factors increase an individual’s likelihood of developing these benign growths. Aging is a contributor, with skin tags becoming more common after middle age. There is also a strong association with increased body weight, as obesity leads to more skin folds and greater friction.
Metabolic factors, such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes, are linked to an increased incidence of skin tags, suggesting elevated insulin levels may promote skin cell growth. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy are another recognized risk factor. A genetic predisposition also plays a role, making development more likely if close family members have them.
When to Consult a Dermatologist
While skin tags are typically harmless, a professional evaluation is necessary if a growth exhibits atypical characteristics. This ensures the growth is benign and not a more concerning condition, such as a wart, mole, or skin cancer. A dermatologist can differentiate between these various skin lesions.
Specific warning signs that warrant a doctor’s visit include rapid changes in the growth’s color, size, or shape. Bleeding, persistent pain, or signs of infection, such as increased tenderness and swelling, also signal the need for professional care. Growths in sensitive areas, like the eyelids, that interfere with vision or daily activities should always be managed by a medical professional.
Options for Removal
Removal of a skin tag is generally not medically necessary but is often sought for cosmetic reasons or if the tag becomes consistently irritated. Professional removal is the safest and most effective approach, preventing complications like infection or scarring that can occur with at-home methods. Dermatologists have several sterile, in-office procedures available for safe removal.
Common professional methods include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after several days. Excision uses sterile scissors or a scalpel to snip the tag at its base, often used for larger lesions. Electrocautery uses an electrical current to burn the tag off and simultaneously seal blood vessels, which is effective for immediate removal and bleeding control.
Over-the-counter and home remedies, such as tying off the tag with string or using cutting tools, are strongly discouraged due to the significant risks. These methods can lead to excessive bleeding, painful infection, incomplete removal, and poor cosmetic outcomes, including scarring. Consulting a professional ensures a correct diagnosis and a quick, sterile procedure.