SKIN CONDITIONS
Skin tags
Soft, raised polyp-like growths. They are extremely common and harmless.
- Very common small, harmless soft skin growths
- Often in areas of friction, e.g. under arms or around the neck
- Treatment is not required, but they can be removed for cosmetic purposes
Skin tags, also known as known as acrochordons or fibroepithelial polyps, are small, soft growths that typically occur on the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts.
They are made up of collagen fibres and blood vessels covered by normal skin.
What do skin tags look like?
Skin tags are usually the same colour as the surrounding skin. They may appear as polyps or on the end of a stalk, like a “balloon” of hanging skin. They can range in size from less than a millimetre to over a centimetre in diameter.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
Close-up view of a polyp-like skin tag
Skin tags on the neck and shoulder
What causes skin tags?
Skin tags develop in areas where the skin is rubbed, either by other skin, clothing or jewellery. They often occur in skin folds and creases, commonly:
- Around the neck.
- In and around armpits.
- Under the breasts.
- Between the thighs.
Who gets skin tags?
Risk factors for skin tags include:
- Obesity, which can increase skin folds and friction.
- Pregnancy, due to hormonal changes that may affect the skin.
- Diabetes and insulin resistance, which are associated with skin tag development.
- Genetic predisposition to skin tags.
How are skin tags diagnosed?
Skin tags are typically diagnosed through a visual examination by a healthcare professional. Since they have a distinctive appearance and are usually harmless, further testing is rarely required.
Treatment for skin tags
Treatment is not required unless the skin tags cause discomfort or are cosmetically unwanted. Treatment methods for skin tags include cryotherapy, shave or snip excision and electrosurgery.
Complications
Skin tags are generally harmless. However, they can become irritated if they are rubbed by clothing or jewelry. Rarely, they may become thrombosed (a blood clot forms within the tag) and turn black, which may require medical attention.
How can I prevent skin tags?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent skin tags, but maintaining a healthy weight and minimising skin friction by wearing loose clothing may help reduce the risk of developing them.
Treatments for skin tags
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