Home | Adult Dermatology | Skin Tags

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are noncancerous growths on the skin that are connected by a small stalk called a peduncle. They are usually smaller than 5 millimeters in size and are soft to the touch. These growths are common in both men and women, especially in those over the age of 50. They can appear anywhere on the body but are usually found in places where the skin folds such as the neck, armpits, under the breasts, eyelids, thighs, and groin.

It is not entirely known what causes skin tags. Insulin resistance, which may lead to type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, may play a role. Skin tags are also a common side effect of weight gain and pregnancy.

Who is a Good Candidate for Skin Tag Treatment?

Skin tags are not dangerous to your health but can be removed for cosmetic reasons. Individuals who are bothered by skin tags can benefit from skin tag treatment. If you have a skin rash or infection in the treatment area, it is best to wait until it has cleared up before treatment. The best way to determine if skin tag treatment is right for you is through a consultation with one of our dermatologists.

Do not try to remove skin tags on your own at home, as this may lead to bleeding, burns, infection, or scarring. If you notice that your growth is bleeding, itches, or changes color, see a dermatologist immediately to rule out more serious conditions such as skin cancer.

Skin Tag FAQs

How long do skin tags last?

Non-cancerous skin tags that do not go away on their own should be removed by a board-certified dermatologist.

How long until skin tags fall off after freezing?

Using cryotherapy, our dermatologists can remove skin tags in a single treatment session with no downtime required.

Should I be worried about skin tags?

Most skin tags are benign and painless. However, its best to have it evaluated by a dermatologist, especially if you notice sudden changes such as bleeding, color change or something else.

What are skin tags caused by?

Theres no consensus currently for what causes skin tags. Theories speculate that it could have something to do with friction, hormones, or even insulin deficiency.

What is the difference between a mole and a skin tag?

A mole is a hyperpigmented area of skin, whereas a skin tag is a collection of blood vessels and skin that appear as small bumps on the skin.

What to Expect During Skin Tag Treatment?

Very small skin tags may rub off on their own, and most skin tags do not require treatment. Some patients might be cosmetically bothered by their appearance. If a skin tag hurts or bothers you because it is rubbing against clothing or jewelry, you may also choose to have it removed. Anesthesia is not always needed when removing these growths. Skin tags can be treated using the following techniques:

  • Cryotherapy: The skin tag is frozen off with liquid nitrogen
  • Surgical removal: Your dermatologist will remove the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors
  • Electrosurgery: High-frequency electrical energy is used to burn off the skin tag

Following Skin Tag Treatment

Following skin tag treatment, there is no downtime required, so patients can return to their everyday routine right away. Be sure to follow your dermatologist’s instructions on how to properly care for the treatment area following the procedure for the best results. Please do not hesitate to contact our office regarding any post-treatment questions.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are bothered by a skin tag and want to learn more about skin tag treatment, contact our office today! We will be happy to schedule your consultation with one of our dermatology specialists, which is your first step toward treatment.

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