What are Skin Tags?

Is a Skin Tag a Sign of Skin Cancer?
 
 A skin tag, (also known as a cutaneous papilloma or an acrochordon) is a small fleshy coloured growth on a small stalk (known as a peduncle) that protrudes up or hangs from the skin although there are skin tags that are smooth, or irregular, and some are flesh coloured or a darker colour. Usually where there is one skin tag, there will be more there.

Since skin tags are a growth, they can be considered a tumour although is, of course, a benign (harmless) non-cancerous raised skin tumour.  Of course, if you are concerned, you should always go to a physician for ease of mind.

Where do Skin Tags Occur? 

Skin Tags can appear anywhere on your body, but they do form more along the neckline, beneath the breasts, and under the arms. They also occur on and above the eyelids, but the most common place for skin tags to occur is the armpit. They have their own blood supply so they will bleed when damaged.  If they grow on places where jewellery or clothing can rub or get caught on them they can become sore and inflamed. They are a problem for women if they shave their armpits and inadvertently shave one off. Mainly, though, if they are places that are seen by others (face, neck arms etc.) they make people feel self-conscious because they affect their appearance.

Are Skin Tags harmful? 

The onset of skin tags is not known to be a health concern but there may be medical reasons for their appearance. Skin tags are common in both women and men and seem to be more common in people who are obese or suffer from type two diabetes.  Although it is unknown what causes skin tags there are a factors that are common among people who get skin tags.  These are: middle age and female, diabetes, during pregnancy (women are more likely to develop skin tags probably due to the hormonal shifts) and also appearing to play a role in skin tags is the human papilloma virus (wart virus) and illegal steroid use. Of course, skin tags occur on people who have none of these symptoms, and usually start occurring during middle age. Skin tags are more common on women than men.

What is the medical treatment for Skin Tags?

Usually people don’t bother with skin tags, but in the case where the skin tag is irritated, for example around the groin, collar or bra area, treatment consists of freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen, cutting the tag off with a scalpel or tying off the tag with a suture to cut off the blood supply.

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