Skin tags are harmless and are also called benign skin growths. skin tag and fibroepithelial polyp. It is commonly found in the neck and armpits.
Skin tags are usually not a medical problem, but they can be painful due to irritation or twisting of the stems. Some people choose to have them removed for these reasons or for cosmetic reasons.
This article explains the causes, diagnosis, and removal of skin tags. It also covers skin tag prevention techniques.
I have skin tags on my armpits.
DermNet/CC BY-NC-ND
What do skin tags look like?
Skin tags are small, painless pieces of skin that stick out of the body. They are either attached directly to the skin or attached to a stem and hang from the skin.
Skin tags can be anywhere on the body, but are usually located on areas of the body that experience friction (when skin rubs against skin, clothing, or objects). Common spots for skin tags include:
- neck
- armpit
- under the chest
- inner thigh
- eyelid
Skin tags may be the same color as the surrounding skin, may be darker than the surrounding skin, or may be pink. They tend to be very small but can reach up to 1 centimeter (less than half an inch).
What Causes Skin Tags?
The main cause of skin tags is friction with the skin. This can happen on clothing, jewelry, or other areas of the skin. It's unclear why, but skin tags form when you rub your skin.
Risk Factors for Skin Tags
Some risk factors for developing skin tags include:
Anyone can develop skin tags, but they are more common in older people.
How are skin tags diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can diagnose skin tags based on their appearance. If in doubt, a skin biopsy may be done. A sample is taken through a skin biopsy and analyzed in a laboratory.
Skin tags are generally harmless, but if they rub against your skin, jewelry, or clothing, they can cause complications, including irritation, pain, and bleeding. Skin tags can also twist at the stem, preventing bleeding and leading to tissue death. This can result in painful, swollen lesions.
A word from Berrywell
Removing skin tags at home is not recommended for several reasons. Chief among them is the potential for inadvertent removal of tumors other than skin tags, such as skin cancer, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.
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How to Remove Skin Tags: Medical Treatment
There are several ways to safely and effectively remove skin tags. Your best bet is to see a dermatologist (a specialist in skin conditions) who can evaluate your skin tags and remove them appropriately. Below is a description of the various treatment options.
Over-the-counter solutions
A variety of over-the-counter (OTC) skin tag options are available in stores and online. However, there is little research supporting these treatments.
OTC products include products that freeze skin tags and ligation bands that cut off the blood supply to the skin tag. Talk to your health care provider before trying at-home treatment.
surgery
A health care provider who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist) may remove skin tags using one of several procedures. They will evaluate your skin tags and determine the best options, which include:
- cryosurgery: Apply cryogenic liquid nitrogen to the skin tag and freeze it.
- Electric drying: Use a needle to send an electric current to destroy skin tags.
- sniffing: Your skin will be numb before the healthcare provider cuts the skin tag with surgical scissors.
Can skin tags be prevented?
It may not be possible to prevent all skin tags, but the following strategies can help reduce your chances of developing skin tags:
- Maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid wearing jewelry around your neck to prevent friction.
- Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing.
If you have a skin tag, avoid further irritating it.
summary
Skin tags are small, harmless growths that can appear anywhere on the skin. It commonly appears in areas where skin friction occurs, such as the armpits, neck, and under the breasts. These skin growths are soft and usually the same color as the surrounding skin.
No treatment is required, but some people choose to have their skin tags removed by a health care provider for aesthetic reasons or because the skin tags become irritated. If you develop new skin growths, always contact your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.