Skin tags (also known as acrochordons) are small benign (meaning non-cancerous) skin growths that usually appear in areas of friction (skin on skin). Typically they are flesh-colored or slightly darker and grow on a thin stalk. They are range in size from very small to upwards of 5 centimeters in size. Skin tags are most commonly found on the eyelids, neck, armpits, and groin or other areas of the body where skin rubbing occurs.
What Causes Skin Tags ?
The exact cause of skin tags is unknown but many dermatologists believe that friction may be the cause of skin tags. They tend to run on families so genetics may also play a role in their development. Skin tags often appear during pregnancy as well.
Skin tags cannot be prevented, but they are more common in those who are older, overweight, or diabetic. To reduce the likelihood of developing skin tags, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid wearing clothing or jewelry that causes skin friction.
Since skin tags are benign, treating them is not necessary. However, these lesion often become irritated and bothersome from rubbing on skin, clothing and jewelry. Skin tags are often removed in a dermatology office by:
Cryotherapy: freezing them with liquid nitrogen,
Burning: destroying them with cautery, preventing bleeding (very common with skin tag removal) and scarring,
Surgery: snipping them off with scissors or slicing them off with a scalpel.
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