Skin tags are harmless growths that hang onto your skin like unwelcome guests, and whilst they can often disappear on their own, some will hang around and make themselves right at home. Skin tags can be annoying, as they tend to develop in areas of higher friction and in skin folds, causing discomfort. They can also be quite unsightly, and people often choose to have them removed. In this blog, family doctor, Dr. Basedow from Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center, discusses what skin tags are and the best way to remove them.

What are Skin Tags?

One meaning of the word “tag” is to hang around or to follow a person or a group in an unwelcome or annoying manner.
Skin tags are no exception, as they are those unwanted guests that cling to the skin and settle in for the long haul. They can be unpleasant and are definitely not easy on the eye.

Here are a few points about skin tags:

• A skin tag, also known as acrochordon, is a small, harmless, and usually painless growth of skin that appears on various parts of the body.
• Skin tags are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker and have a soft and slightly wrinkled texture.
• They can range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter in diameter and are often attached to the skin by a thin stalk, making them look like tiny hanging balloons or flaps.
• Skin tags can affect anyone, and these harmless growths have the habit of appearing anywhere on the body but are mostly found in areas where there is friction, such as the:
  • Groin
  • Eyelids
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Underarms
  • Under the breasts
  • Thighs
  • Face

What Causes Skin Tags?

• No one knows the exact cause of skin tags, but some theories point to it being a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.
• Diabetes type 2, can be a cause of skin tags too. Some studies suggest that skin tags may be related to insulin resistance, as they are more common in people with type 2 diabetes and those who are overweight.
• Skin rubbing against skin, such as in skin folds, may also contribute to the development of skin tags.
• Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, may also play a role in the formation of skin tags.
• Genetics can also play a role. Some people may be more prone to developing skin tags due to their genetics, as skin tags tend to run in families.
• As you age, your skin slows down the production of collagen and elastin, two vital proteins that help keep your skin healthy, youthful, and supple. This decrease in protein production can increase the possibility of developing skin tags.

Are Skin Tags Dangerous?

• Skin tags are generally not considered to be harmful. They are benign growths of the skin and are not cancerous.
• Skin tags do not usually cause any pain, discomfort, or health problems. However, they can sometimes get irritated or caught in clothing or jewelry, which can cause minor bleeding.
• If you notice changes in the appearance, color, or size of a skin tag, or if it becomes painful, you should consult a healthcare professional to rule out any potential health concerns.
• Overall, skin tags are harmless, and many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or for comfort.

Can I Remove The Skin Tags Myself?

Skin tags can be very annoying and some people may be tempted to cut them off with nail clippers or scissors. Some will follow home remedies they see on social media and even use vinegar and dental floss. However, as tempting as that may be, you should not remove skin tags yourself. Here are a few reasons why cutting them off at home is not recommended:

• In some rare cases, the growth that looks like a skin tag, could in fact be something entirely different. It is important to have your skin doctor first examine the growth to rule out skin cancer, such as melanoma. The last thing you want to do is to be snipping off skin cancer with your kitchen scissors or any other sharp instrument at home. It can end up causing cancer cells to multiply and spread.
• Sometimes a skin tag can be a sign that there are underlying medical conditions, such as insulin disorders, hormonal issues, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high cholesterol, or even an unhealthy endocrine system. If your doctor suspects that there is an underlying cause for your skin tags, he will be able to send the removed tag to the laboratory for further examination.
• Removing your skin tag yourself can result in bleeding and infection, if not done correctly. It is surprising how much a small tag can bleed, and you may just end up having to take a trip to the ER because that botched home job went awry.
• Those home remedies are not always successful and are a bit like shooting into the dark and don’t always do what they promise to do. You really don’t want to cut, burn or freeze skin tags off yourself, especially if they are on your face or genitals.

How Are Skin Tags Removed Professionally?

If your skin tags are bothering you, then the best thing is to have your doctor remove them. Tags are relatively easy to remove, and small tags may not even require any local anesthetic. Once your doctor has examined your skin tags, he will remove them in one of the following ways, depending on the size and where they are located on the body:

• Excision: Doctors can remove small skin tags with a stalk or stem, called pedunculated skin tags, by using very sharp and sterile surgical blade scissors. These scissors are much sharper than the ones you have at home. Before removing the skin tag, the doctor may apply a chemical to lessen bleeding.
• Cryotherapy (freezing): Cryotherapy is a treatment for skin tags where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze them. This causes the skin tag to fall off after about 10 days. However, during the process, there may be a brief burning sensation caused by the liquid nitrogen.
• Cauterization: Also known as electrocautery, cauterization involves using an electric current to burn off a skin tag at its base. This process not only eliminates the skin tag but also seals the wound to inhibit bleeding and lower the risk of infection.

Parting Thoughts

No one likes to have a skin tag. Not only can they be unsightly, but they can be irritating and uncomfortable, especially given the fact that they are often found in high-friction areas of the body. Skin tags can also be an indication of an underlying medical condition, especially if they keep appearing. The good news is that you really don’t have to tell people to accept you “warts and all”, and these tags can be easily and effectively removed with little or no scarring at all.
If you have one or more skin tags that are troubling you, then do not hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Basedow at Azalea Skin and Health Center, where he will evaluate your tags and find the best way to remove them.

Your Health is Important to Us

If you’re looking for a trusted Family Doctor to help you with your wellness needs, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Basedow at Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center. He and his team are dedicated to providing personalized care that helps you achieve optimal health.
Located at 1000 Ashland Drive, Suite 303, Ashland, KY 41101, Dr. Basedow at Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center offers services to patients residing in and around Greenup, Worthington, Hamilton, Russell, Raceland, Wurtland, Bellefonte, Ironville, Flatwoods, Ironton, Coal Grove, Westwood, Perry, Catlettsburg, South Point, Ceredo, Fayette, Cannonsburg, Union, Huntington, Westmoreland, Proctorville, East Pea Ridge, and Barboursville.