Skin tags or moles are also known as acrochordons. These tiny clusters of skin tissue appearing on your neck, armpits, or eyelids make you conscious of their appearance. Do not worry; you are not alone. Many people develop these skin growths at some point in their lives.
But are these skin growth cancerous? Do they pose any health risks? If you have such questions, you are at the right place. In this blog, we will discover all you need to know about skin tags, from their causes to treatments and any health concerns. Let’s get into the details.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small, soft skin growths that appear to be the colour of your skin or maybe dark sometimes. These growths hang off your skin by a thin stem. Their size could be 2 to 5 millimetres, but sometimes they may appear as large as 1 to 2 centimetres.
Where Do Skin Tags or Moles Develop?
These soft, flesh-coloured skin growths can appear anywhere on your body. However, they mainly occur in areas of your body where friction is frequent. They commonly develop in you:
- Armpits
- Neck
- Eyelids
- Groin
- Under your breast
What Are They Made Of?
When we see or touch them, the question pops up in your mind: “What are they made of?” or “What is in them?” Know that skin tags are composed of blood channels and collagen fibres packed in a layer of skin.
Do They Spread From Person To Other?
No, skin tags are not contagious. They do not spread to another person. If your sibling or partner has them, do not worry; you will not get from them like a virus.
Who Develops Skin Tags?
No criteria specify that a certain person will or can develop these skin growths. Anyone can develop skin tags, but having certain factors may increase the risk of their occurrence.
These risk factors include:
- Age: These are more common in people aged 20 to 70 years of age
- Hormonal Ups & Downs: Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy, increase the risk
- Genetic Makeup: If your parents have skin tags, chances are more that you may develop them, but it’s not sure.
- Metabolic Disorders: Conditions Like diabetes (type-1 and type-2) and obesity are associated with higher incidence.
- Friction: Your skin is a delicate organ. When your skin gets rubbed frequently by skin or any outside stuff, it may cause the such as on your armpits (skin-to-skin friction) and your neck (jewellery friction with your skin)
Are Skin Tags Cancerous?
No, skin tags are not cancerous; they are benign skin growth, which means they are non-cancerous and harmless. Unlike certain types of moles or skin lesions that may be associated with skin cancer, skin tags do not turn into cancer, nor put you at risk of it. However, you or your healthcare provider may significantly mistake a cancerous growth for a skin tag if the growth changes appearance.
When To See A Doctor For Skin Tags?
As you have explored, what are skin tags? These are harmless skin growths, so it’s essential to differentiate them from other types of skin growths that may pose any health risks.
It’s essential that you talk to your doctor about your skin tags or moles if you notice any of the following changes:
- Growth increasing in size rapidly
- Changes in colour
- Bleeding or oozing from skin tag
- Itching or pain
- The sudden appearance of many skin tags
- Irregular or asymmetrical shape changes
A skin doctor will perform a thorough examination, and if necessary, they will do a tissue test to determine you are safe and this growth is harmless.
When To Remove Skin Tags?
Skin tags are generally harmless and do not require medical treatment. However, many people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they cause discomfort. For instance, skin tags on the neck might get caught in jewellery, while those on the armpits may become irritated by clothing.
How Will Doctors Remove Skin Tags?
Skin doctors or aesthetic practitioners use the following methods to remove skin tags:
- Surgery: A dermatologist can cut off the skin tag using scissors or razors. This method is quick and typically performed under local anaesthesia.
- Cryosurgery: It involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen. After a few days, the tag falls off as the frozen tissue dies.
- Electrosurgery: In this procedure, heat generated by an electric current removes the skin tag.
It’s important not to try removing skin tags at home using over-the-counter products or home remedies. These methods can cause infections, excessive bleeding, and scarring. Additionally, removing a growth without proper diagnosis could delay the detection of a potentially cancerous lesion.
Final Thoughts
Skin tags are common benign skin growths that are harmless. They do not turn into cancer and typically do not require treatment. They mainly develop where your skin frequently rubs against your skin or any outside stuff like jewellery. Although they are harmless, you should monitor any alarming changes in size, shape, or colour.
Moles do not require treatment, but sometimes, due to their appearance, people prefer to get them removed. If you want to remove moles or skin tags, a mole removal in Leeds consultation may suit your needs and aesthetic goals.
