What is skin tag?
Skin tags are painless, noncancerous growths on the skin. They connect to the skin by a small, thin stalk called a peduncle. Skin tags are common in both men and women, especially after age 50. They appear in any part of the body but commonly around the armpits, groin, thighs, eyelids, neck and the area under your breasts.
What causes skin tags?
Though it is unclear how skin tags occur, they usually show up in skin folds, friction plays a role. Skin tags are made up of blood vessels and collagen surrounded by an outer layer of skin. According to a 2008 study, the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be a factor in the development of skin tags. Another study in 2010, stated that the presence of multiple skin tags was associated with insulin resistance, a high body mass index, and high triglycerides. Skin tags are also a common side effect of pregnancy. The good news is that skin tags aren’t contagious. However, you stand at greater risks when you are overweight, pregnant, have family members who have skin tags, have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes or have HPV.
How are skin tags removed?
Most skin tags stay attached to your skin and don’t require treatment. If skin tags hurt or bother you, you should see your dermatologist, who may remove your skin tags by:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen.
- Surgical removal: Removing the skin tag with scissors or a scalpel.
- Electrosurgery: Burning off the skin tag with high-frequency electrical energy.
- Ligation: Removing the skin tag by tying it off with surgical thread in order to cut off its blood flow.
You can also try natural remedies to remove skin tags using tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. While there’s no scientific evidence to support these remedies, don’t try to remove skin tags on your own.