SKIN TAGS

What are skin tags?

A skin tag, also known as an Acrochordon, is a soft outgrowth on the skin that looks like a small balloon attached to the skin by a thin stalk. These tags can be skin-colored or darkly pigmented. While they are harmless, they can be bothersome from a cosmetic perspective. Skin tags are quite common, occurring in about 50% of adults, and the likelihood of having skin tags tends to increase with age.

What causes development of Skin tags?

The exact cause of skin tag development remains unclear, but friction, particularly in skin folds, appears to be a contributing factor. Several conditions can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Imbalances in sex hormones, especially involving estrogen and progesterone
• Abnormal lipid profile
• Family history of skin tags
• Metabolic syndrome
• Crohn's disease for perianal skin tags

How does skin tag look?

Skin tags are characterized by small, soft growths that range from skin-colored to darkly pigmented. They typically have a narrow base and gradually grow in size. Skin tags commonly occur in areas where skin rubs against itself or clothing, with frequent locations being the neck and armpits. They can also appear on the eyelids, thighs, under the breasts, buttocks, and in groin folds. While skin tags are usually asymptomatic, they can become bothersome if they catch on jewelry or rub against clothing. In some cases, larger skin tags may turn red or black due to torsion of their base, leading to tissue infarction.

Is there any diagnostic test for skin tag?

Dermatologists can typically diagnose skin tags through a simple clinical examination. However, in rare cases, they may need to differentiate them from other growths such as neurofibromas or dermal nevi. Sometimes, additional investigations may be necessary to rule out underlying systemic conditions like diabetes, dyslipidemia, or insulin resistance.

TIPS

• Maintain a healthy life style
• Regular exercise and healthy diet
• Don’t rub or pull or rotate the skin tag.
• Try to get removal as soon as possible as smaller skin tag removal will not leave any scar.