More information about selected concern

Skin Tags

What are skin tags?

Most people have no idea what skin tags are, and even fewer know how to get rid of them. Skin tags are small pieces of skin that hang off the body. They can be a few millimeters or a few centimeters in size. Most often, they show up on the neck, underarms, or around the groin area. While skin tags are harmless and some people prefer to remove them for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. They generally affect both women and men equally and occur after midlife. In some cases, they fall off or rub off painlessly. The large skin tags are slightly brownish or flesh-colored and burst under pressure. 

Symptoms of skin tags

The majority of skin tags do not show any symptoms and they are painless. When they rub on jewelry or clothing, they get bleeding and sore. Skin tags are different from other skin lesions and warts due to the small stalk. Skin tags hang from the surface of the skin and are not embedded into it.

What are the causes of skin tags?

It is unclear what causes skin tags. It is more common among old people, individuals with type 2 diabetes, and who are obese with large folds of skin.

Developmental and hormonal changes are the main cause of skin tags. Pregnant women and obese people are more likely to have skin tags. Genetics can also play a role in the development of skin tags on the neck or other parts of the body. Trauma, insect bites, and friction from rubbing against clothes can also cause skin tags.

Irritation from rubbing and clothing against other regions of skin can cause genital skin tags. As genitals are often moist and warm, this creates a hospitable place for bacteria and fungi to grow, which can lead to skin tags. It is also believed that it is a sign of a metabolic syndrome like diabetes.

What are the treatment options for skin tags?

If you are wondering how to remove skin tags, you have a few different treatment options to choose from and they are as follows.