Skin tags are a common skin condition that affects many people. They are harmless growths of skin that hang off the surface and often occur in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Despite being benign, many people still worry about skin tags and whether they need to be removed.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths on the skin. They are usually between 2-5mm in size, but can grow larger in some cases. They are often described as having a ‘stalk’, which is the thin piece of skin that connects the tag to the surrounding skin.
Cause of Skin Tags
The exact cause of skin tags is not known, but they are thought to be related to skin rubbing against skin, which can cause friction and lead to the growth of a skin tag. Other factors that may contribute to the formation of skin tags include obesity, pregnancy, and genetics.
Are skin tags dangerous?
Skin tags are not dangerous and do not cause any harm to the body. They are simply growths of skin that hang off the surface and do not spread or become cancerous. However, they can be irritating or painful if they become caught on clothing or jewelry.
Do skin tags need to be removed?
Skin tags do not need to be removed unless they are causing discomfort or irritation. Some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, as they may find them unsightly. In these cases, skin tag removal is a safe and simple procedure that can be done by a dermatologist or other healthcare professional.
Skin tag removal
There are several methods for removing skin tags, including cutting, freezing, and tying them off. Cutting is the most common method, and involves using a scalpel or scissors to remove the skin tag. Freezing involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag, causing it to fall off. Tying the skin tag off involves using a surgical thread or wire to strangle the blood supply to the tag, causing it to fall off after a few days.
After the procedure, the skin will be covered with a dressing to protect it from infection. In some cases, the skin may become red, swollen, or painful, but this should subside within a few days.
Conclusion
Skin tags are a common skin condition that affects many people. They are harmless growths of skin that hang off the surface and do not cause any harm to the body. They do not need to be removed unless they are causing discomfort or irritation, in which case skin tag removal is a safe and simple procedure that can be performed by a dermatologist or other healthcare professional.
