Skin Tags

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, soft, benign growths that pop out on the skin. They are usually seen in friction prone areas like the neck, underarms and thighs. They are made up of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels protected by skin. Skin tags are very common, harmless, and typically painless. However they can get irritated necessitating urgent removal. Acrochordons may be a sign of metabolic syndrome and warrants change of lifestyle.

Characteristics of Skin Tags: These are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker. They are soft to the touch, and often appear as small, hanging pieces of skin. Skin tags are usually found in areas where skin folds or rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. The size of these skin tags can vary in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters.

Causes:

Friction: Skin tags often found in areas where skin frequently rubs against skin or clothing.
Genetics: A family history of skin tags can raise your chances of getting them. The risk of diabetes, hypertension and lipid abnormalities are associated with it.
Obesity: Increased skin folds and friction are common contributing factors. Obese people are more likely to get skin tags.
Hormonal changes: Pregnant women and people with hormonal imbalances may be more prone.
Aging:The number of skin tags increases with age. They are more common among middle-aged and senior citizens.

Treatment Options:

Cryotherapy: It is a method of freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen.It is an in-office procedure performed by dermatologists. It is simple and quick. Post procedure pain can be taken care of with simple analgesics.
Excision: Cutting the skin tag off using sterile scissors or a scalpel. This is suitable for skin tags with a narrow neck.
Cauterization: Burning off the skin tag using heat using electric current. Radiofrequency treatment is preferred over electrocautery as it is less damaging to the surrounding tissues.
Ligation: Tying off the base of the skin tag with a thread to cut off its blood supply. This method is used for big skin tag with a narrow neck.

Treatment is usually quick and simple, often performed by a healthcare provider. While skin tags are generally harmless, it's important to seek medical advice if a growth changes in size, color, or bleeds, as this could indicate another type of skin lesion.