Skin tags are common at any age. If your child has one or more of these, it is not a cause for alarm. Knowing what they are, what causes them and how they are treated will help you to better understand them should they appear on your child's skin.
What are Skin Tags?
Nili N. Alai of MedicineNet.com explains that skin tags are common, acquired, benign skin growths that look like a small piece of soft, hanging skin. Skin tags appear equally on males and females and at any age. Sometimes these growths are singular, and other times they grow in clusters. While skin tags can be found anywhere on the body, the two most common places are the neck and armpits.
Causes
Skin tags are often caused by excess rubbing of skin or friction. While it is true that these growths can appear on different body sizes and shapes, they are often seen on children who are obese or overweight due to the extra skin that is present. Studies have suggested an inherited susceptibility to the development of skin tags as well. While the exact cause for your child's skin tags may be unknown, it is important to note that all skin tags are harmless regardless of their origin.
Types
Some common types of skin tags that can appear on a child's skin include cutaneous, genital and anal skin tags. Cutaneous skin tags are painless growths that can be seen anywhere on the body. Typically they are found where friction is caused by clothing rubbing or in skin folds.
Some young girls develop skin tags in the folds of the vagina as well. Anal skin tags can be found in both girls and boys. These tags can be found in the creases of the anus. Most skin tags are painless, but sometimes clothing or rubbing the area can cause irritation.
Treatment
While there is not much that can be done about skin tags, one method of treatment is removal. A dermatologist must assess your child's skin condition as well as the tags themselves to determine whether removal is appropriate. If the skin tags become bothersome to your child, speak to your health care provider about how to treat them and whether removal is an option.
Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions that must be considered when understanding skin tags in children. It is important to note that while these are growths on the skin, they are benign and harmless. Having a skin tag does not indicate future problems with different types of skin conditions. Knowing and understanding the facts surrounding the nature of skin tags can help you to be prepared should they appear on your child's skin.
