Why Did I Get Skin Tags While Pregnant?

Small skin growths, known as skin tags or acrochordons, are a common experience during pregnancy. They often appear unexpectedly as the body undergoes numerous changes. This article explains their formation, characteristics, and management strategies.

Why Skin Tags Appear During Pregnancy

Skin tags during pregnancy are primarily influenced by significant hormonal shifts. Elevated levels of female sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, are thought to stimulate skin cell growth. Additionally, the hormone leptin, which regulates appetite and fat storage, increases during pregnancy. This rise encourages the production of skin’s epithelial cells, contributing to new skin tags.

Another contributing factor is the weight gain that naturally occurs throughout pregnancy. As body mass increases, areas of skin may rub against each other more frequently. This increased friction can occur in various skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and beneath the breasts. The consistent rubbing and irritation in these warm, moist environments can promote the development of these small growths.

The combination of hormonal changes and increased friction creates an environment conducive to skin tag formation. While common in pregnancy, skin tags can appear at any point, often noticed more in the second and third trimesters.

Are Pregnancy Skin Tags Normal and What to Expect

Skin tags that develop during pregnancy are generally considered harmless and non-cancerous growths. They typically appear as small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker protrusions, often ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters in size. These growths are very common, affecting a significant number of pregnant individuals.

Common areas for skin tags to emerge include sites where skin folds occur or where clothing causes friction. This includes the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts. While their appearance can be unexpected, they typically do not cause pain unless irritated by rubbing against clothing or jewelry.

A reassuring aspect of pregnancy-related skin tags is their tendency to resolve naturally after childbirth. Many skin tags will shrink or disappear completely in the weeks or months following delivery. This resolution is attributed to the return of hormone levels to their pre-pregnancy state and any postpartum weight changes.

Addressing Skin Tags

When skin tags develop during pregnancy, it is generally advisable to monitor them. If a skin tag becomes bothersome, such as bleeding, becoming painful, or showing signs of irritation, consulting a healthcare professional is appropriate. A doctor can confirm the nature of the growth and rule out other conditions. It is also wise to seek medical advice if new growths appear rapidly, change color, or have an unusual appearance.

Should removal be considered, it is best performed by a healthcare professional. Common methods include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, or excision, where the tag is snipped off using sterile instruments. Other options include cauterization, which uses heat or electrical current, or ligation, which involves tying off the blood supply. These procedures are typically quick and can be done in a medical office.

Attempting to remove skin tags at home is not recommended due to several risks. Self-removal methods can lead to infection, excessive bleeding, or scarring. There is also a risk of misidentifying a growth that may not be a benign skin tag.

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