What are Skin Tags?

Exactly what are skin tags? Are they just blemishes that you should not be concerned about, or are they indicators of some underlying health issues? The following information will answer these and other questions about these growths.

Skin tags are very small benign growths that are often flesh colored, but sometimes they can be a little darker. These growths often resemble tags, like those found on the back of shirts and blouses, hence the English term. However, the technical or medical names for skin tags, acrochordons (top strings) and cutaneous papilloma (skin swelling), are Greek in origin.

How common are skin tags?

According to various medical websites, there are literally millions of Americans who are living with skin tags, which makes them fairly common. Additionally, medical experts assert that “the risk of getting skin tags increases with age.” So if you already have skin tags, you are not alone. On the other hand, if you don’t currently have skin tags, chances are you and millions of other people will have them at some point in your lives.

What causes skin tags?

As stated earlier, aging appears to be a contributing factor. A major factor, according to health specialists, is obesity. For example, a 2011 study showed that the “presence and the mean number of [skin tags] was more in obese than non-obese participants.” Additionally, “not only the number but also the presence of mixed-color [skin tags] was related to obesity, but not to diabetes.”

Studies have also shown that skin trauma is another contributing factor. Specifically, “friction of the skin may stimulate an increase in the number of mast cells in the dermis.” The increased cells, in turn, lead to the development of skin tags. Based on these findings, weight management and nonrestrictive clothing may help deter the development of skin tags.

Where do skin tags typically appear?

The most common body parts are those that crease and under folds. While you may not immediately notice skin tags on the back of your neck, your armpits or stomach and groin area – a common location for obese individuals – it is not uncommon for more immediately noticeable skin tags to develop on your eyelids and chest. It is also worth mentioning that there does not appear to be a set pattern for skin tag growth. You may only have a few on various body parts or a cluster of them on one area.

How can skin tags be removed?

Specialists use a variety of methods to remove skin tags. The following information will cover the three most common methods, starting with cryoablation, which literally means “cold removal.”

With cryoablation, skin tags are isolated and then frozen via liquid nitrogen. Once frozen, the skin tag blisters, darkens – a result of dying skin – and then falls off all within the span of a week. Typically, there is no scarring after this procedure.

Cauterization is another skin tag removal procedure. Cauterization involves the use of a wand-like instrument to burn or sear off skin tags.

Radio frequency (RF) technology is also used to remove skin tags and other skin lesions. As implied by the name, specialists use radio waves via needles, scalpels or wire to remove skin tags.

With cauterization and RF therapy, you may notice some redness and experience soreness for a period of days following these procedures. However, bleeding and scarring don’t typically happen due to post-surgical coagulation.

Which skin tag removal method is the best?

Unfortunately, there is no way to answer this question here since skin tags can grow on a number of body parts. A consultation with a medical professional is necessary in order to determine which skin tag removal method is best.

Do skin tags come back after they are removed?

No. However, new skin tags may develop due to friction or weight gain, and removing them will, of course, require additional treatments.

When should you be worried?

You should be concerned if you don’t know the difference between skin tags, warts and moles. If you don’t, here’s a brief overview. Starting with skin tags, remember, they are millimeter small

growths that tend to dangle like tiny clothes tags, and they are typically flesh colored or a few shades darker. They are never black unless the skin is dead, in which case the skin tag will soon fall off on its own or as the result of some removal treatment.

Warts are hard, flat callus-like growths that can vary in size. In terms of color, warts can be flesh-colored or have a white or pinkish hue.

Moles – sometimes referred to as beauty marks – can be flat or bulbous, and most are dark brown or black. However, there are exceptions.

Parents should be concerned if they see skin tags on their children. Granted, children can develop skin tags; however, children are also more likely than adults to contract a viral infection known as molluscum contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum causes raised, flesh-colored lesions on the body that can resemble skin tags. Left untreated, these growths may itch and become inflamed.

You should contact your primary care provider if a skin tag, mole or wart changes size or if it starts to hurt. Taking matters into your own hands is not advised.

On the other hand, if none of these situations apply to you, there is no need to worry. Remember, skin tags are not malignant.

Still, some of you may want to have skin tags removed for aesthetic reasons. In these cases, it is imperative that you do a bit of research first to make sure the specialist you select is board certified and has a solid reputation.

If you’re looking for an expert in skin tag removal in Washington DC, Dr. Phillip S. Schoenfeld, is a double board certified surgeon with decades of experience who specializes in facial plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery, including non-surgical treatments and skin care. More information about Dr. Schoenfeld, his team and their respective areas of expertise and can be found at www.renudc.com