Skin tags are small, benign skin growths that are common among many individuals, especially as they age. Although they are harmless, skin tags can be unsightly or uncomfortable, especially when they appear in areas where they rub against clothing or skin.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, or acrochordons, are soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin. They are typically small, ranging from a few millimetres to about 2 centimetres, and can appear on various parts of the body, most commonly in areas where the skin folds. Common locations include:
- Neck
- Armpits
- Groin
- Eyelids
- Under the breasts
Although skin tags are not dangerous or cancerous, they can become irritated or inflamed, especially in high-friction areas. This irritation often leads people to seek treatment for cosmetic or practical reasons.
Causes of Skin Tags
While the exact cause of skin tags remains unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to their development:
- Friction: Skin tags frequently occur in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. Friction is thought to stimulate excess growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of tags.
- Age: Skin tags are more common in middle-aged and older adults. As the skin ages, it becomes more prone to developing these small growths.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy, may increase the likelihood of skin tag formation due to increased skin growth and weight gain, which adds to friction in certain areas.
- Obesity: Overweight individuals are more prone to skin tags, as increased body weight can lead to more skin folds and greater friction between these areas.
- Genetics: Family history may play a role in the development of skin tags. If your relatives have had skin tags, there is a higher chance you might develop them as well.
- Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: Some research suggests a link between skin tags and insulin resistance or diabetes, although the exact connection remains unclear.
Why Do People Seek Treatment for Skin Tags?
Though skin tags are harmless, many people seek treatment for them due to:
- Cosmetic Concerns: Skin tags on visible areas like the neck, face, or eyelids can be unattractive, prompting individuals to have them removed for aesthetic reasons.
- Discomfort: Skin tags in areas where there is constant friction, such as under the arms or in the groin, can become irritated, inflamed, or painful over time.
- Infection Risk: If a skin tag is frequently irritated or damaged, it may lead to bleeding or infection, which increases the need for medical attention.
- Preventing Growth: Some individuals want to remove skin tags before they grow larger or multiply in number.
Treatment of Skin Tags
- Cryotherapy:
In cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin tag, freezing it. This causes the tag to wither and fall off after a few days. Cryotherapy is a fast and effective method, particularly for smaller skin tags.
2. Excision (Surgical Removal):
Surgical removal involves cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors after numbing the area. This method is often used for larger or more bothersome skin tags. It offers immediate results, with minimal scarring. Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria performs this surgery at MACS Clinic under local anaesthetics. This procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes and is performed as a day case surgery. Antibiotics and painkillers are prescribed for 5 to 7 days to prevent infection and manage any discomfort.
3. Electrocautery:
Electrocautery uses a small electrical current to burn off the skin tag. This method seals the blood vessels, minimizing bleeding and reducing the risk of infection.
4. Ligation:
In ligation, the base of the skin tag is tied off with surgical thread, cutting off its blood supply. Over time, the tag will shrink and fall off naturally.
5. Laser Removal:
Laser therapy uses a focused beam of light to remove the skin tag. This precise method is particularly useful for treating skin tags in sensitive areas, such as the face or eyelids.
Post-Treatment Care
After skin tag removal, proper care is essential to ensure the treated area heals well and remains free from infection.
- Keep the Area Clean: Gently cleanse the treated area with mild soap and water to prevent infection. Avoid scrubbing or applying harsh chemicals.
- Apply Antibiotic Ointment: Use a prescribed antibiotic ointment to the area to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
- Protect from Sun Exposure: If the skin tag was removed from a visible area, protect the site from direct sun exposure to prevent pigmentation changes or scarring.
- Avoid Irritation: Refrain from rubbing or scratching the treated area until it heals fully.
- Follow-Up Care: Follow-up visits with Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria will be organised in 1 week and 6 weeks’ time after the surgery to monitor the area and ensure the skin tag has been fully removed without complications.
When to See a Doctor About Skin Tags
While skin tags are generally harmless, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor if:
- A skin tag becomes painful, irritated, or infected.
- You notice rapid growth or changes in the appearance of a skin tag.
- You are unsure if a growth is a skin tag or another type of skin lesion, such as a wart or mole.
For the treatment of Skin tags at MACS Clinic, you have a few options:
- Insured Patients: MACS Clinic provides services for patients insured with WPA, CIGNA, Vitality, BUPA, AVIVA and BUPA International. Consultation (video and/or face to face) for non-insured patient is complimentary (free). Your GP can provide a referral, and MACS Clinic will handle your treatment which will be covered by your insurance plan.
- Private Patients: If you are opting for private treatment, after your complimentary/free consultation at MACS Clinic, Mr. Vadodaria will provide you with a treatment plan and a detailed quote for your treatment.
Before and After Photos/Videos
