Skin tags, formally referred to as acrochordons, papillomas, fibroepithelial polyps, soft fibromas or cutaneous tags, are small noncancerous, lightly-colored skin growths. They occur in roughly half of the population, beginning in middle age. Although generally not harmful, skin tags are unsightly, often causing those affected by them to seek their removal.
Causes
Skin tags typically appear beginning in midlife. They are more prevalent in people with excess weight or have diabetes, according to MedlinePlus. Other reasons that skin tags develop include chafing from skin rubbing together, insulin resistance and human papilloma virus. Skin tags may occur during pregnancy because of the higher levels of growth hormones.
Features
Skin tags can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found in areas where the skin folds or where skin rubs against skin such as armpits, under the breasts, upper chest, groin, neck and eyelids. Skin tags are generally skin-colored, but they may be dark colored. The size of skin tags range from 1 mm to 5 cm, notes DermNet NZ. Technically, skin tags are comprised of collagen fibers and blood vessels, which are trapped by a either thickened or thinned skin. Skin tags usually have a smooth surface, but may have a rough appearance on occasion. They often have a short, narrow stalk-like structure at the base.
Tests
Because a skin tag may resemble other disorders, such as moles, warts, seborrheic keratosis skin growths and malignant skin cancers, it is important that a patient shows her skin tag to her doctor. A medical professional, usually a dermatologist, family physician or internal medicine physician, can typically spot a skin tag upon physical inspection. If the physician determines that the skin tag looks suspicious, he will send it for a biopsy to rule out a malignancy.
Treatment
Medical procedures to remove a benign skin tag include cutting with surgical scissors, freezing with liquid nitrogen, burning with electrical cautery or tying a suture around the skin tag's neck. Your doctor will determine the appropriate removal method depending on the size and shape of the skin tag.
Prevention
According to MedlinePlus, there are higher incidents of skin tags in people who are obese or have diabetes. Maintaining proper weight and managing diabetes are ways to prevent skin tags from developing.
Warnings
To avoid health complications, people with unsightly skin tags should not attempt to remove them themselves, says Mayo Clinic dermatologist Katherine Lim. Instead, the patient should see a health-care provider for proper skin tag removal. The existence of multiple skin tags may indicate hormonal or endocrine issues, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Inform your doctor if you have multiple skin tags.
