Skin Tags: how to treat this common blemish

Skin tags (acrochordon) are small, flesh-colored growths of the skin. They are made of fibroblasts which develop in the dermis which, instead of growing inwards, develop outwards instead and appear to hang down off the skin. Skin tags can vary in size from a few millimeters up to a centimeter in diameter, meaning that they can sometimes be quite noticeable and bothersome.

Where do skin tags occur?

Skin tags usually form on the sides of the neck and armpits, however they may also occur in the groin and around the eyelids.

Why do skin tags form?

While skin tags can occur in much younger people, they are particularly common in men and women over the age of about 40. Although the exact cause of skin tags is not known, it is thought genetic predisposition may play a role, meaning that entire families are likely to have skin tags. What is known is that they are made up of fibroblast cells that mistakenly grow outward from the dermis.

Treatment for skin tags

Skin tags are small, harmless lesions that are completely benign and generally only cause aesthetic discomfort.
In some cases, larger skin tags can become easily caught on chains, necklaces, collars or bras, which can cause skin irritation.
If an individual wants a skin tag(s) removed, they should avoid treatment with laser therapy or electric needles, as they pose a higher risk of scarring.

Recommended treatment

The surgical removal of skin tags is extremely simple and painless, and can be performed in an outpatient clinic. Forceps are applied to the skin tag, which is then pulled upward and the base is cut with a scalpel or surgical scissors. Hemostat (40% aluminum chloride) is then applied to stop bleeding. Several skin tags can be removed in one surgical session and there is no risk of recurrence. Healing occurs within a few days without scarring.
It is recommended to remove skin tags as soon as they begin to form, especially those that appear on or near the eyelid as they can interfere with vision. However, as a rule of thumb, skin tags do not necessarily need to be removed immediately or at all, as they cannot degenerate or evolve into cancer.

Conclusion

Skin tags are benign, but tend to increase in volume with age. Treatment, however, is simple and safe.