Skin tags

Skin tags

 

Skin tags are odd little conglomerations of skin which usually hang from a small stalk that forms a connection to the surface of the skin. These cutaneous tags are relatively common and occur after middle age..  The skin cells themselves appear totally normal under a microscope just like regular skin and are generally a benign nuisance and do not become cancerous.

They are usually caused by a virus or other infectious agent though some are thought to be formed from skin rubbing against skin and are therefore common in areas of skin folds.  Areas such as the neck, upper chest, eyelids, under the arms and breast, skin folds, and the groin are usual places to find skin tags; they are also common in people who are overweight and or those who have diabetes. 

These little tufts of skin may be benign but can be quite irritating.  If they are continuously rubbed by a shirt collar or rubbed by tight–fitting clothing, they may bleed and be uncomfortable. While skin tags can be irritated and bleed they should not be confused as an inflamed mole which maybe per-cancerous or cancerous.  Skin tags are usually skin colored but can be slightly darker while moles are usually darker than surrounding skin and not found on stalks.

Skin tags tend to increase in frequency as people get older. The biggest problem with skin tags is that the cosmetic appearance can be troubling to the patient as it may seem like a major skin disorder to the untrained eye. They can vary quite remarkably in size with some skin tags approaching the size of a grape on a stalk.  A skin growth of this size can certainly be socially problematic. Fortunately for the most part, they appear as variably sized small growths, often grouped together on the affected skin.

The tags respond well to freezing, electrocautery, or an ablation laser. The treatment of these areas is surprisingly effective and, in experienced hands, it is unusual for any regrowth or scar formation in the treatment area though new skin tags may grow in other parts of the body.  There are usually no major complications from the removal of the skin tags other than some irritation and mild discomfort from the treatment modality.  It is important, however, to seek a Medical Doctor with specialized training in Aesthetics for optimal results.

Skin tags on the eyelids should only be removed by a physician specially trained or by an ophthalmologist. Sometimes a ligature can be tied around the stalk of a large skin tag causing it to dry up and fall off.  The important thing is that a physician checks them and makes sure they are just skin tags.  If you want to impress the physician, tell him you have an "acrochordon" that you want examined.

Most physicians provide a wide variety of dermatological services for the evaluation and treatment of many skin problems and disorders. 

This includes the current modalities for definitive care for skin tags that are treated frequently.  Aesthetic specialists are quite concerned that there is little or no scar after the procedure and often have more experience or special technique and after care possibilities.



John Drew Laurusonis, M..D.