Skin tags are small, benign growths that commonly appear on the skin, often around the delicate eye area. These soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker protrusions are generally harmless.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft pieces of skin that often appear to hang by a thin stalk. Their size can vary, typically from 1 millimeter to several centimeters, and they are usually the same color as the surrounding skin or slightly darker. Composed of a core of fibers, blood vessels, and nerve cells covered by an outer layer of skin, these growths are common in areas where skin folds or frequent rubbing occurs, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. The eyelids are a notable location for skin tag development due to constant movement and the delicate nature of the skin.
Key Factors Contributing to Their Appearance Around the Eyes
The development of skin tags, particularly around the eyes, is linked to several factors.
Friction and Genetics
Friction plays a significant role, as constant rubbing from blinking, wearing glasses, or touching can irritate the area. Genetics also influences susceptibility, indicating an inherited predisposition.
Age and Hormonal Changes
As individuals age, the likelihood of developing skin tags increases, often after midlife. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can stimulate growth.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions are also associated with a higher incidence of skin tags. These include obesity, which increases skin folds and friction, and insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Research suggests a connection between elevated insulin levels, which can stimulate growth factors. While skin tags do not definitively diagnose these conditions, their presence, especially in large numbers, can sometimes indicate an underlying metabolic issue.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While skin tags are typically harmless, medical advice is recommended in specific situations. Consult a healthcare professional if a skin tag changes in appearance (e.g., growing larger, changing color, altering shape), becomes painful, bleeds, or shows signs of infection like redness or swelling. A consultation is also important if the skin tag causes persistent irritation or discomfort, especially if it interferes with vision or is frequently snagged. Uncertainty about a new skin growth warrants professional assessment to ensure it is a benign skin tag and not another skin condition like a mole or wart. A dermatologist can accurately identify the growth and rule out more serious concerns, including rare instances where a growth resembling a skin tag might be cancerous.
Professional Removal and Self-Care
For those considering removal, professional methods are the safest and most effective options. Dermatologists and other qualified healthcare professionals can perform various procedures:
Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen.
Surgical excision: Carefully cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors.
Cauterization: Using heat or an electric current to burn off the growth.
Ligation: Tying off the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply.
These procedures are performed in a sterile environment, minimizing risks like infection, scarring, or excessive bleeding.
Attempting to remove skin tags at home, especially around the sensitive eye area, carries significant risks. Self-removal can lead to complications such as infection from non-sterile tools, profuse bleeding, or permanent scarring. There is also a risk of misdiagnosing the growth, potentially delaying treatment for a more serious skin condition. If a skin tag causes mild irritation but removal is not immediately sought, gentle cleaning of the area and avoiding further friction can help manage discomfort.