Having a skin tag on the face can be bothersome, while it can also be displeasing to look at. Skin tags are usually light brownish growths that can appear on the face or other parts of the body. They might stick out from the skin or have a stalk. While skin tags can bother an individual for aesthetic reasons, they are usually not cancerous.
Appearance and Location
Skin tags are very small, however they can grow up to a half an inch. They are a different color than the skin, and can be unusually shaped; therefore, unless they are too small, they are noticeable. Skin tags can vary in color depending on the person's skin tone, however, for the most part they are light brown in appearance. They usually have a stalk that connects it to the skin. Skin tags can be found on the face, but other common areas are the armpits, trunk or body folds.
Origin
Persons with other family members that have skin tags are more prone to getting them. They start to appear in the middle age years. Skin tags usually appear on women, and sometimes they are found to appear with weight gain.
Diagnosis
A doctor or dermatologist can assess by viewing a person's skin whether skin tags are present. If a person has an abnormal lesion or area on the skin where it is inconclusive whether it is a skin tag, a biopsy may be performed to rule out cancer.
Complications
Usually, there are no complications from having skin tags. However, they can be irritating for several reasons. They may not be aesthetically pleasing; they can rub against clothing and cause some irritation to the skin. Persons with skin tags that bother them can discuss removal options with their doctor or dermatologist.
Removal
Removal of skin tags can be surgical or through a procedure called cryotherapy. A doctor may use a surgical instrument such as scissors to remove them. Another option is to freeze the skin tag with a special instrument. A doctor may decide to remove a skin tag through burning it off with a special instrument. Skin tag removal should never be attempted at home, because it can lead to infection, or cause scarring.
Contact a Doctor
Persons who think they have skin tags should have their doctor or dermatologist assess them regularly to make sure that it is not a lesion that could possibly be cancerous. If a skin tag gets scratched or the area becomes infected, show a doctor, so that it can be treated.
