Do you have a small, soft piece of skin growing in your neck, armpit, eyelid or somewhere else on your body? If so, you might have developed a skin tag. Skin tags are relatively harmless skin growths that happen to anyone at any age. Knowing more about skin tags will help you learn when they need medical attention.
In this blog, Dr Vedant Ghuse, an experienced Skin specialist in Ghatkopar and Chembur explains the ‘Why’ behind skin tags.
The medical term for skin tags is acrochordons, which are soft, fleshy or brown in color growths that usually hang off the skin surface by a thin stalk. They often grow on body parts that experience friction, including the neck, underarms, groin area, eyelids and under breasts.
Most skin tags are benign and do not need any treatment unless they are irritated, bleeding, painful or bothersome because of their appearance.
The exact cause of skin tags in some individuals may be unknown at times. Nevertheless, it is believed that friction and skin to skin contact are important factors behind the formation of these skin growths. That is why skin tags appear mostly in body folds and areas subjected to frequent rubbing.
Dr Vedant Ghuse, an experienced dermatologist near me for skin lists the specific causes which increase a risk of developing skin tags and these include:
Friction between skin areas or from clothing may lead to skin tag development. There are body areas such as the neck, armpits, groin where friction takes place often.
Age is among common reasons for skin tags development. Although they may affect young individuals, they commonly appear in older adults when skin undergoes changes.
Overweight people might have more areas where their skin comes into contact with itself, which can increase the possibility of developing skin tags.
Hormonal fluctuations that occur in pregnancy may be related to the formation of skin tags. Some might fade away after pregnancy, while the others can persist.
The presence of many or multiple skin tags is associated with insulin resistance. Having a skin tag does not necessarily imply insulin resistance; however, if a person has a lot of them, the doctor may perform an evaluation.
Skin tags usually are benign growths, but removal might be necessary in cases where they often get caught on clothes or jewelry, become irritated, or cause cosmetic issues.
Consultation with a dermatologist will determine which method is appropriate, according to its size and location. Some ways to deal with skin tags involve cryotherapy, electrosurgery, or minor surgery. Such methods are better performed by professionals instead of cutting off growth yourself.
Although common skin tags are benign and harmless, not all skin growths are skin tags. Any skin growth that grows fast, bleeds even when not irritated, hurts, or appears unusual should be examined by a dermatologist.
If you have developed skin tags recently or have multiple skin tags, a consultation can provide you with proper guidance as to whether you need an evaluation.
Dr. Vedant Ghuse, a professional dermatologist in Ghatkopar, can assess your skin tags and give advice on the best course of action for removing your skin tags.