Skin tags are small benign tumors that develop on the skin. They are most common on people who are middle-aged or older, and they are equally likely to affect men and women. Skin tags usually develop in folds or creases of the skin and are therefore most likely to appear on the eyelids, under the breasts, in the armpits or on the groin, neck or upper chest. Skin tags can be brown or flesh-colored, and they often have a stalk. Skin tag removal is a popular request at our office, and for good reason.
What Causes Skin Tags?
Skin tags are sacs of collagen fibers and blood vessels covered by skin. Researchers aren’t sure why they develop, but they suspect friction or rubbing is one cause, since skin tags tend to develop in places where skin rubs against skin.
An increased susceptibility to skin tags can run in some families. Other known risk factors include the following:
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Hormonal imbalance
• Some forms of the human papilloma virus
Less common conditions associated with skin tags include polycystic ovary syndrome and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.
When Should Someone See a Professional?
Skin tags are usually harmless, and most people get them removed via professional skin tag removal for cosmetic reasons. Still, a patient should at least have a professional examine the skin tag if any of the following are true:
• It is bleeding
• It is painful and/or irritated
• It tends to get snagged on clothing or jewelry
• It is in a place where the patient shaves
Another common reasons why people seek skin tag removal is because they simply dislike the skin tag’s appearance. If a skin tag is causing you to feel self-conscious, then you owe it to yourself to consider professional treatment.
How Can Skin Tags Be Treated?
Many patients try removing skin tags by themselves. But a patient should always have a skin tag treated by a dermatologist. There are several ways a doctor can remove a skin tag, and the right skin tag removal treatment for you will depend on a number of factors.
To learn more information about skin tag removal and the available treatment options, book an appointment at Center for Dermatology. Our office is located in Lawrenceville, but we also serve patients through the Suwanee, Dacula, Duluth, Buford, and Snellville areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started!
