Skin tags are small, soft growths that can pop up on almost any part of your skin. You might find them on your neck, eyelids, or underarms. They can vary in color, sometimes matching your skin tone, or appearing darker, pink, or even red if irritated. Some skin tags dangle from a stalk, while others are more firmly attached. Despite their varied appearances, one thing is almost universal: many people want them gone.
While skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are generally harmless, removal becomes a consideration when they become irritated, cause discomfort, or interfere with your vision. If you’re dealing with a bothersome skin tag, consulting a board-certified dermatologist is the best step. Dermatologists are skin experts who can provide the right guidance and treatment.
This article will delve into why skin tags develop, when removal is advisable, and the safe, effective methods dermatologists use for skin tag removal. We’ll also address common questions and concerns people have about these common skin growths.
What are Skin Tags and Why Do They Appear?
Skin tags are benign, noncancerous growths that are quite common. They are made of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. These growths typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin, or skin rubs against clothing or jewelry. This friction is the primary reason why skin tags are often found in specific locations on the body, including:
- Under the breasts: Where the skin of the breast folds and rubs against the chest.
- Eyelids: Where the skin is thin and can fold.
- Groin: In the folds of the groin area.
- Neck creases: Especially in areas where collars or jewelry might rub.
- Underarms: In the armpit area where the arm rubs against the body.
- Sides, abdomen, or back: Less common but still possible, particularly in areas of skin folds or friction.
The development of skin tags is strongly linked to friction. This explains why certain groups of people are more prone to getting them. Individuals who are overweight or obese, pregnant women, and those with loose skin are at a higher risk due to increased skin folds and friction.
Furthermore, certain medical conditions can increase your likelihood of developing skin tags. These include:
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop skin tags, although the exact connection is still being researched.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Conditions like high blood pressure, unhealthy blood sugar levels, excess abdominal fat, and unhealthy cholesterol levels, which are components of metabolic syndrome, are associated with a higher risk of skin tags.
- Family History: Genetics play a role. If skin tags run in your family, you are more likely to develop them.
It’s crucial to remember that despite their sometimes bothersome appearance, skin tags are harmless. Understanding why they appear can help you manage potential risk factors and know when professional removal is the best course of action.
When Should You Consider Skin Tag Removal?
Since skin tags are benign and pose no health risk, removal is not always necessary. However, there are several situations where skin tag removal becomes a reasonable consideration. You should think about removing a skin tag if it:
- Becomes Irritated or Bleeds: Friction from clothing, jewelry, or even shaving can irritate a skin tag, causing it to become red, sore, or bleed.
- Affects Eyesight: Skin tags on the eyelids can grow large enough to obstruct vision, making removal necessary for practical reasons.
- Causes Pain or Discomfort: Although usually painless, a skin tag can occasionally become painful, especially if it gets twisted or caught on something. Sudden pain in a skin tag warrants attention.
- Is Cosmetically Undesirable: Many people choose to remove skin tags simply because they dislike their appearance, particularly if they are in visible locations.
It’s worth noting that a sudden appearance of numerous skin tags, while not common, can sometimes be a sign of underlying health changes. In such cases, consulting a dermatologist is advisable to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other potential issues. Your dermatologist might recommend a check-up with your primary care physician to investigate further.
If you are considering skin tag removal for cosmetic reasons, it’s important to be aware that insurance companies typically categorize cosmetic procedures as elective and may not cover the costs. Always check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
How Dermatologists Remove Skin Tags: Safe and Effective Methods
Dermatologists are experts in skin health and can safely and efficiently remove skin tags in a clinic setting. Often, removal can be done in a single office visit without the need for follow-up appointments. The specific method used by your dermatologist will depend on factors like the size and location of the skin tag, as well as your individual needs. Common dermatologist-performed skin tag removal methods include:
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Cryosurgery: This technique involves freezing the skin tag using an extremely cold substance, typically liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold destroys the skin tag tissue. Cryosurgery may cause a blister or scab to form, which will eventually fall off, taking the skin tag with it. In some cases, the dermatologist might freeze the base of the skin tag and then surgically snip it off.
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Electrodesiccation: In this procedure, a dermatologist uses a tiny needle-like electrode to deliver an electrical current to the skin tag. This current dries up and destroys the skin tag tissue. Following electrodesiccation, a scab will form, and the treated area usually heals within one to three weeks.
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Snip (Surgical Excision): For this method, the dermatologist will first numb the area around the skin tag with a local anesthetic. Then, using sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel, they will carefully cut off the skin tag. A solution may be applied to stop any bleeding. This is a quick and effective method, especially for larger skin tags.
After any of these treatments, your dermatologist will provide you with aftercare instructions. These instructions are crucial for proper healing and to minimize the risk of infection. Typically, aftercare involves keeping the area clean and bandaged as directed. Always follow your dermatologist’s aftercare advice meticulously.
Why DIY Skin Tag Removal is Not Recommended
While the internet may offer numerous DIY methods for skin tag removal, it is generally not recommended to attempt to remove skin tags at home. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any over-the-counter products for skin tag removal, and using such products can be harmful.
One common misconception is that wart removers can be used to remove skin tags. This is not advisable. Wart removers contain strong medications designed to treat warts, which are hard and viral skin growths. Skin tags, on the other hand, are soft, benign growths. Applying wart remover to a skin tag can damage the surrounding skin, leading to:
- Skin Irritation: The harsh chemicals in wart removers can irritate the delicate skin around a skin tag.
- Scarring: Improper removal techniques or harsh chemicals can cause scarring.
- Infection: DIY removal methods, especially those involving cutting or tying off skin tags, increase the risk of infection if not done under sterile conditions.
For safe and effective skin tag removal, seeking professional help from a dermatologist is always the best approach. Dermatologists are trained to accurately diagnose skin growths and remove them safely, minimizing risks and complications.
Peace of Mind with a Dermatologist
Skin tags can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions, such as warts or even moles that could be cancerous. Board-certified dermatologists have the expertise to accurately differentiate between skin tags and more serious skin conditions. Consulting a dermatologist ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Seeing a dermatologist can provide peace of mind, knowing that you are taking the best care of your skin health.
Related Resources
Images
Image 1: Getty Images
Image 2: Used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81:1037-57.)
References
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Farshchian M, Kimyai-Asadi A et al. “Cryosnip for skin tag removal.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 May 30:S0190-9622(21)01032-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.05.039. Epub ahead of print.
Hirt PA, Castillo DE, et al. “Skin changes in the obese patient.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Nov;81(5):1037-57.
Kutzner HH, Kamino H, et al. “Fibrous and fibrohistiocytic proliferations of the skin and tendons.” In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. (fourth edition). Mosby Elsevier, China, 2018: 2068-9.
Schwartz, RA. “Acrochordon.” In:Medscape(Elston DM., Ed.) Last updated 10/26/2022. Last accessed 3/28/2023.
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Products marketed for removing moles and other skin lesions can cause injuries, scarring.” Last updated 8/10/22. Last visited 3/30/23.
Written by: Paula Ludmann, MS
**Reviewed by:Elisa Gallo, MD, FAAD Laurel Geraghty, MD, FAAD Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD
Last updated: 5/1/23
