What are skin tags?
SKIN tags are growths that hang from your skin. Your doctor might call them ‘acrochordons’. They range from 1mm to 1cm and are made of collagen (a type of protein) and blood vessels surrounded by skin. They usually grow in the folds of the skin, where skin rubs together, such as, armpits, groin, anus, thighs, eyelids, neck or under the breasts.
Skin tags are common, especially as the person ages. They occur in approximately one in every two adults. They don’t cause any harm, but if a skin tag is bothering you, you can talk to your doctor about having it removed.
What are the symptoms of skin tags? These growths can appear anywhere on the skin, but they usually develop where skin has been rubbing against skin, jewellery, or clothing for some time. That is why they usually occur in one or more of these areas: ◆ Breasts (beneath)
◆ Eyelids
◆ Groin ◆ Neck creases (or where clothing or jewellery rubs against the neck) ◆ Underarms
Skin tags are also commonly found on the sides, abdomen, or back.
Because they develop where skin rubs against skin, people who are overweight, pregnant, or have loose skin are more likely to get skin tags.
You also have a higher risk of developing skin tags if you have diabetes, metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, unhealthy blood sugar levels, extra fat around your waist, or unhealthy cholesterol levels), or a blood relative has skin tags.
It’s important to keep in mind that these growths are harmless.
Most skin tags are painless and don’t cause any symptoms. But if they rub on clothing or jewellery, they may get sore and bleed.
Skin tags look different from warts and other benign skin lesions because of the small stalk that attaches them to the skin. Warts tend to be flat, while skin tags hang off the skin.
What causes skin tags?
The exact cause of skin tags is unknown, and there are likely to be both lifestyle and genetic causes. Some people develop them for no known reason.
You are more likely to get skin tags in areas where the skin tends to rub against itself. Some health conditions are thought to contribute to the risk of developing skin tags, such as:
◆ overweight and obesity
◆ diabetes
◆ pregnancy
Anyone of any gender can develop skin tags, and they are more common in older people. If you’re pregnant and develop skin tags, they usually disappear after your baby is born.
If you ever notice a new spot or growth on your skin, you should always see your doctor to check what it is. It is important that your doctor examines you in person, and checks for signs of skin cancer and other skin conditions.
You should also see your doctor if you have a skin tag that is bothering you, if you would like to have it removed. Your doctor can give you information about skin tag removal options.
Because they are harmless, a skin tag only needs to be removed if it:
◆ Becomes irritated or bleeds ◆ Develops on your eyelid and affects
your eyesight