CONCERN

SKIN TAG

WHAT IS A SKIN TAG?

A skin tag is a small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin by a thin stalk. These skin tags often appear in areas where the skin rubs against itself. These areas are usually folds in the skin, armpits, neck, eyelids, under the breast, or in the groin. Skin tag removal can be required in certain scenarios.

While a skin tag is normally harmless and painless, it can become irritated with continued rubbing or friction. It may also snag or get caught on something like clothing or jewelry.

WHO IS LIKELY TO GET SKIN TAGS?

Skin tags appear mostly on adult males and females and on people who may be overweight, have diabetes, or are currently pregnant. Skin Tags are not often found on children but they can occur occasionally.

HOW ARE SKIN TAGS REMOVED?

While skin tags are generally harmless, skin tag removal is purely for cosmetic reasons.

There are multiple ways to have a skin tag removed:

– Snipping: The doctor will numb the area around the skin tag, and remove it with specialized scissors that remove the tag immediately.
– Freezing: Also known as “cryotherapy” uses super-cold liquid nitrogen to remove the skin tag. The tag will fall off 10 – 14 days post-treatment, but this method can possibly cause irritation to the treated area.
– Burning: An electric current is sent into the skin growth that dries out the tissue so the tags fall off.

It’s important to note that attempted removal not done by a doctor can result in bleeding and possible infection.

Occasionally, what may look like a skin tag could be a different type of skin growth.

If you notice a growth that has features that are uncommon in skin tags, such as discoloration, sudden changes in size, areas of bleeding, or pain then seek advice from your medical professional.