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Why Do Skin Tags Develop?

You’re getting ready in the morning and something in your reflection catches your eye. A small flap of skin hanging from your neck or maybe under your arm. Or maybe you’ve had them for years and have now taken the time to dive deeper into what they are, why they develop, and how to treat them. These little growths are called skin tags. They are harmless, but many turn to oculoplastic surgery for skin tag removal anyway.

Why Do Skin Tags Develop?

Skin tags are soft, flesh-colored growths that dangle from your skin’s surface. They range in size from as small as a pinhead to as large as a grape. Most are painless and grow slowly, though jewelry and clothing can irritate them. They don’t spread or give an indication of something more serious going on. Still, it is normal to wonder why they appear and what the possible prevention is.

How Common Are Skin Tags?

If you have a skin tag, you can rest assured you don’t suffer alone. By middle age, a significant portion of adults develop at least one. Sometimes they are mistaken for warts, but where warts are hard and rigid, skin tags are soft and smooth. They tend to appear in areas where the skin folds or rub together, such as:

  • Neck
  • Eyelids
  • Armpits
  • Groin
  • Under the breasts

Why Do Skin Tags Develop?

Skin tags have no singular cause, but doctors have identified several contributing factors:

  • Friction: Skin tags thrive in areas where friction is frequently present, usually when skin rubs against skin or clothing. This is why the armpits and along the neckline are prone to skin tags.
  • Genetics: Some people seem to have a higher predisposition to skin tags. If your parents experienced frequent skin tags, it is likely you as well.
  • Hormone shift: Evidence suggests that pregnancy, menopause, or other hormonal changes can increase the likelihood of skin tag development.
  • Aging: Skin tags are one of those changes that happen over time. The older you get, the more likely you are to develop a skin tag or two.

When to Worry?

In most cases, there is little to worry about regarding skin tags. They are harmless. The biggest problems come when they get caught by jewelry, irritated by shaving, or simply become a cosmetic concern. However, not every bump is a skin tag. If a growth changes color, bleeds, or grows quickly, you should have your doctor take a closer look.

How Are Skin Tags Removed?

Even though they are harmless, some seek to have them removed for cosmetic purposes. This can be done in a few different ways:

  • Cryotherapy: using liquid nitrogen, the skin tag is frozen.
  • Cauterization: controlled heat is used to burn the tag off.
  • Excision: the tag is removed with the use of sterile tools.

You should never attempt to remove skin tags from home. Home remedies like scissors or string can cause infection, bleeding, or scarring. Treatment from a professional is quick, clean, and safe. In sensitive areas, patients are often referred for oculoplastic surgery, where a trained specialist can ensure precise removal without causing damage to surrounding tissue.

Can They Be Prevented?

You are not guaranteed to top the potential for skin tags completely, but there are a few habits you can adopt to reduce the risk:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Wear breathable clothing that doesn’t rub and irritate the skin.
  • Reduce friction in areas most prone to skin tags.

What to Remember About Skin Tags

Skin tags rank as one of the most common benign skin growths. They can develop from a number of things, like friction, genetics, and hormonal changes. Even though they are harmless, they can be uncomfortable or cosmetically unwanted. Professional skin tag removal is a safe option, especially for sensitive areas. If you’ve noticed a new growth and aren’t sure what it is, get in touch with your doctor.

Looking to remove those unsightly skin tags? Contact us today!

Reference:

Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Skin Tags.

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