Skin tags—medically known as acrochordons or soft fibromas—are small, benign growths that typically form in areas where skin folds or rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts.
While harmless and usually painless, skin tags can be bothersome or cosmetically undesirable for some people. If you’re wondering why they develop and how to safely remove them, here’s a comprehensive guide based on expert insight.
Why Do Skin Tags Appear?
Skin tags are made up of collagen fibers and blood vessels enclosed in skin. They can form due to various factors, including:
1. Friction and Chafing
Constant rubbing from skin-to-skin contact or clothing—especially in high-friction areas like the neck and underarms—can stimulate the skin to produce these growths.
2. Genetics
A family history of skin tags increases your likelihood of developing them. If your parents or siblings have them, you may too.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts, particularly during pregnancy or in individuals with insulin resistance, can stimulate abnormal skin cell growth, leading to skin tags.
4. Age
Skin tags are more common after the age of 40, as skin loses elasticity and becomes more prone to small growths.
5. Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Excess weight can lead to more skin folds and increased friction, both of which raise the risk of developing skin tags.
6. Type 2 Diabetes
There is a known association between insulin resistance and the formation of skin tags. Elevated insulin levels may promote their growth.
How to Remove Skin Tags
Although skin tags are benign and don’t require treatment, removal is often desired for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated. It’s essential to have them removed by a qualified healthcare provider to avoid complications such as infection or scarring.
Common Removal Methods:
- Cauterization
Uses a controlled electric current to burn off the skin tag. It’s a quick and effective method, usually leaving minimal scarring. - Cryotherapy
Freezes the skin tag using liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after a few days. This method is fast and relatively painless, though temporary skin discoloration may occur. - Surgical Excision
Involves cutting out the skin tag with a scalpel under local anesthesia. This method is often used for larger growths or when diagnosis is uncertain, as it removes the entire tag from the root. - Laser Removal
A focused laser beam is used to remove the skin tag with high precision, making it ideal for delicate areas like the eyelids or neck. - Ligation (Banding)
A surgical thread is tied around the base of the tag to cut off its blood supply, causing it to dry up and fall off naturally.
Aftercare Tips
After skin tag removal, follow your doctor’s care instructions closely:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Apply any prescribed antibiotic ointments.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the area.
- Protect the skin from sun exposure, as new skin may be more sensitive to UV rays and prone to pigmentation.
When to See a Dermatologist
While skin tags are typically benign, you should consult a dermatologist if you notice:
- Rapid changes in size or shape
- Bleeding
- Pain or tenderness
- Unusual coloration
These could indicate a different type of skin growth that requires medical evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Skin tags are common, especially in areas like the neck and underarms, and are usually harmless. If you choose to remove them, professional treatment is the safest and most effective route. Always seek advice from a dermatologist before trying any at-home remedies.
