SKIN TAGS - WatsonsHealth

SKIN TAGS

Skin tags are innocent growths on the skin that are often few. They are of the same color as your skin or even much darker. These tiny bumps of tissue are composed of blood vessels and a type of protein fiber referred to as collagen. They arise from the encircling skin and they often have a stalk. Sometimes, skin tags will end up as huge as grapes.

Types

Skin tags can arise from any part of the body, however they are common on areas where there is frequent friction or areas which are often rubbed, such as the:

  • Neck
  • Breasts
  • Groin
  • Belly
  • Eyelids
  • Underarms

Women and men can equally have skin tags. However, people can develop more skin tags if they’re overweight, are pregnant, or have diabetes.

Researchers don’t know what causes skin tags to form. It’s believed that friction could lead to the growth and development of skin tags.

Other causes that may contribute to the formation of skin tags include the following:

  • The presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
  • Alterations in hormones during pregnancy
  • Insulin resistance, which is noticeable in people with diabetes

Skin tags additionally appear to run in families, and researchers suspect that genetics could play a role in their growth.

Diagnosis

In many instances, the doctor may do a biopsy to ensure that the growth isn’t malignant or cancerous. During a biopsy, the doctor will remove the skin tag and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Your doctor will then tell you the findings.

 

Medications/Treatment

Skin tags normally don’t require treatment and don’t cause any symptoms. However, they may cause discomfort when they rub on your garments or skin folds. These can cause the skin tags to be irritated and bleed. Moreover, a skin tag can rotate at its base and cut off its own blood supply. In these circumstances, you could ask your doctor about removing them.

Your doctor will likely use one of the following ways to take away your skin tags:

  • Cutting them off with sharp tools, or excision
  • Freezing with liquid nitrogen
  • Burning them using electrocautery

 

 

 

 

 

 

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