Why Do Skin Tags Occur?
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Skin tags, a.k.a. acrochordons, are soft tissues found in some people. They are either skin-colored or a little darker than your skin. Most skin tags are harmless and do not cause any pain. However, these skin tags can rarely become one of the symptoms of cancer in a few people. So, consulting a dermatologist is advised. Though the treatments for skin tags are many (cryotherapy, hyfrecation, excision, etc.), only a doctor can give you the best solution for your skin tag.
Before you get into what skin tags actually are, why they occur, etc., you must learn to differentiate between them and the most common warts in people.
Are skin tags and warts the same?
Definitely, it’s a big no! Warts are tiny formations that are rough and uneven. But skin tags are soft skin growths that are smooth. The former may cause pain, but the latter does not hurt. Sometimes, you may feel sour when your clothes or jewelry rub against them. Importantly, warts are contagious. But skin tags are not! Detailed differences are here!
What are skin tags made of?
Skin tags are made up of loose collagen proteins. They are surrounded by blood vessels and consist of a core formed by fibers. The whole structure is covered with an epidermal layer. They are usually small (measured in millimeters). Rarely, they form up to five centimeters (a large skin tag).
Where can you find the skin tags on your body?
They are found mostly on neck creases, underneath breasts, or skin folds. Some people have them in their groin, abdomen, back, eyelids, armpits, etc.
Top 5 Reasons: Why do skin tags occur?
You may find several articles on the internet explaining the various causes of skin tags. However, experts claim the generic cause for the formation of skin tags is when your skin rubs often against your skin, clothes, or jewelry.
In medical terms, we can specifically list the top five reasons why do skin tags occur.
- Excess weight or obesity
- Diabetes mellitus
- Metabolic syndromes
- Loose skin
- Pregnancy
Excess weight or obesity
People who are obese have a higher chance of developing skin tags. Irrespective of whether a male or a female, skin tags may appear on the skin of excessively weighed people. In young adults, if these tiny structures are bothering their aesthetic looks besides their obesity, they can get rid of skin tag with advanced cosmetic procedures.
Diabetes mellitus
People with diabetes or those who have developed insulin resistance are more susceptible to skin tags. Clinical research studies confirm that people with more skin tags are most likely diabetic. And skin tags have become one of the early symptoms of diabetes diagnosis these days.
Metabolic syndromes
Not all people have their metabolisms functioning properly. Some people may have increased or decreased blood sugar, cholesterol, and pressure levels. So, these people with metabolic syndromes may easily develop skin tags in areas where they’ve accumulated excess fat cells. Indeed, fat cells are a part of the structural framework of skin tags.
Loose skin
Those adults with loose skin or frequently rubbing the skin (e.g., skin tags on neck, groin, and beneath the breasts) quickly develop skin tags. For older people, loose or inelastic skin is very common, and hence they develop more skin tags over time.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women experience hormonal imbalances to a greater extent. At this time, the growth factors are also fluctuating. Thus, a few women end up in skin tag formation. When the formation is not readily visible or the structures are quite small, these skin tags may fade away after childbirth.
Conclusion
According to an NCBI article about skin tags, experts have clearly mentioned that at least one skin tag will develop in 60–70% of adults worldwide. And mostly, it will occur after 40 years of age. So, if you’re thinking that you’re alone in this journey, then you’re wrong.
Skin tag removal is not a big deal in today’s era of aesthetic healthcare. Reach out to us for a detailed teleconsultation now!
