All About Skin Tags: Causes, Concerns, and Removal Options
Doctor explains everything you need to know about skin tags, from their appearance and causes to potential issues and removal options. Discover how to make informed decisions about managing these common skin growths.
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Topic Breakdown
In today's blog post, we'll delve into some crucial insights about skin tags, covering their appearance, causes, potential issues, and removal options. Skin tags, though common and generally harmless, can be bothersome for some individuals. Understanding them better can help you make informed decisions about whether or not to seek removal.
Let's start by exploring what skin tags are. Skin tags are small, soft growths that hang off the skin. They can vary in size, ranging from a few millimeters to up to five centimeters wide. Typically, they are skin-colored, although they can sometimes appear slightly darker. Skin tags are usually found in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts. They can also appear on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.
It's important not to confuse skin tags with common warts. While both are skin growths, they have distinct characteristics. Skin tags are often smooth and soft, whereas warts tend to be rough with an irregular surface. Skin tags are knobbly and hang off the skin, while warts are usually slightly raised or flat. Another key difference is that skin tags are not contagious, whereas warts spread very easily. So, a sudden outbreak or cluster of growths is more likely to be warts. Additionally, skin tags do not usually cause any pain or discomfort.
Now, let's explore why skin tags develop. Skin tags are made up of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Collagen is a type of protein found throughout the body. Both men and women can develop skin tags, and they tend to occur more frequently in older individuals and those who are obese or have type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women may also be more prone to developing skin tags due to hormonal changes. In some cases, people develop skin tags for no apparent reason.
Skin tags often grow in areas where the skin rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. This is why they are more common in overweight individuals who have excess folds of skin and experience skin chafing. High levels of growth factors, particularly during pregnancy or in conditions like acromegaly, can also contribute to the development of skin tags.
While skin tags are generally harmless, there are situations where they can become problematic. Sometimes, they fall off on their own if the tissue becomes twisted and dies from a lack of blood supply. However, you may consider having skin tags removed if they affect your self-esteem or if they snag on clothing or jewelry and bleed. It's worth noting that in the UK, skin tags are not typically removed on the National Health Service (NHS) because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Cosmetic surgery is usually only available on the NHS if the issue affects your physical or mental health.
If you decide to go ahead with skin tag removal, there are four main options to consider: cryotherapy (freezing), surgical excision (often with scissors), electro surgery (also known as diathermy), and ligation (where a suture is tied around the neck of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply, causing it to fall off).
It's crucial not to attempt removing a skin tag by yourself. Always consult a healthcare professional if you're considering removal. They can assess the skin tag and discuss the best course of action with you. Freezing or burning skin tags can cause irritation and temporary skin discoloration, and the skin tag may not fall off, requiring further treatment. Surgical removal has the advantage of completely removing the skin tag, but there is a risk of minor bleeding. Never attempt to remove a large skin tag yourself, as it can result in heavy bleeding.
I hope you found this blog post informative and that it provided you with a better understanding of skin tags. If you enjoyed the content and learned something new, please remember to like the post and leave a comment with any additional thoughts or questions you may have. If you find this type of content valuable, consider subscribing to the channel for weekly medical education videos.
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Lastly, I must emphasize that this post is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice. For any concerns, especially if you have dark, bleeding, or irregular skin lesions, please consult your doctor. Thank you for reading, and until next time, take care.
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