Skin Tags Cause: Understanding the Root Factors

August 23, 2024

Dr. Shraddha Pitalia

3 min read

45

A youngwomen showing her skin tag on face.

Do you find yourself troubled by small, harmless bumps like a tag hanging off on your skin that seem to appear out of nowhere? These tiny growths can be skin tags, are quite common, harmless, and painless, but can be a source of curiosity and sometimes frustration for many. Understanding potential skin tags cause, symptoms, and medically approved treatment options can help manage them effectively.

What are skin tags?

Skin tags, also medically termed acrochordons, are benign growths that hang on the skin’s surface. They are composed of excess skin, blood vessels, and fibrous tissue. They often occur in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, inner thighs, armpits, groin, and eyelids. These growths are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker and range in size from a tiny pinhead to about the size of a grape. They are soft to the touch and usually have a small, thin stalk called a peduncle that attaches them to the skin.

Symptoms of skin tags

Skin tags are usually asymptomatic; they are soft to the touch and hang off the skin by a small, thin stalk. Some of the symptoms of skin tags are:

  • Irritation: If a skin tag rubs against clothing or jewellery, it can become irritated and inflamed.
  • Discomfort: Large or awkwardly placed skin tags may cause discomfort, especially in areas like the groin or under the breasts.
  • Cosmetic concern: Many individuals find skin tags unsightly and seek removal for aesthetic reasons.

Skin Tags Cause: Understanding the Root Factors

  • Friction and rubbing: One of the primary reasons behind the cause of skin tags is friction and rubbing. Skin rubbing against itself or clothing can irritate the skin, potentially triggering the growth of excess tissue over time. Areas where the skin folds or creases, like the neck, groin, and underarms, are more prone to constant friction and rubbing.
  • Genetics: Having parents or close relatives with skin tags can raise your own risk. This suggests a genetic influence on how skin cells grow and regenerate, potentially contributing to the development of these harmless growths.
  • Hormonal Fluctuations: Fluctuations in hormone levels can also trigger the appearance of skin tags. It often appears during pregnancy, suggesting a link to hormonal changes. Similarly, individuals with conditions like insulin resistance (diabetes) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which involve hormonal imbalances, may be more prone to skin tags.
  • Obesity and Skin Folds: Individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) tend to have more skin tags. This is likely due to increased skin friction in areas with folds and creases.
  • Age: Skin tags are more common with age, possibly due to a combination of factors like decreased collagen production and cumulative skin wear and tear.

Why remove small skin tags?

  • Cosmetic concern: For many people, the primary reason to remove a skin tag is cosmetic concern. Skin tags, especially those located in visible areas like the face or neck, can affect self-esteem. Removing them can enhance your appearance.
  • Irritation and discomfort: Skin tags can become irritated due to friction with clothing, jewellery, or shaving. This irritation can cause discomfort, redness, and even bleeding. In such cases, the removal of the skin tag can relieve the discomfort and prevent further irritation.
  • Preventing Complications: Although skin tags are benign, they can sometimes become twisted, leading to pain and discoloration. In rare cases, a skin tag can be mistaken for a more serious condition, such as skin cancer.

Removing the skin tag and having it examined by a dermatologist can ensure that no underlying issues are present.

How do we diagnose skin tags at Evenly?

At Evenly Clinic, our board-certified dermatologists perform physical examinations to assess the skin tag characteristics and diagnose the skin tag effectively and safely. Whether you are experiencing irritation or simply want a smoother appearance, we offer personalised treatment plans to address your specific needs.

Treatment options available for skin tags

Skin tags don’t require treatment unless they cause irritation or cosmetic concern. However, if removal is desired, the effective treatment recommended for individuals is Radio Frequency Ablation (RF ablation). Radio Frequency Ablation utilises radio frequency energy to precisely target and remove skin tags. Here is the breakdown of the process at Evenly Clinic.

  • Local Anaesthesia: A topical anesthetic is applied by a therapist to numb the area around the skin tag, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure.
  • Targeted ablation: Our dermatologist delivers radiofrequency waves to the skin tag through a fine probe. This energy heats the tissue, causing it to shrink and clot the blood vessels supplying the growth.
  • Removal and healing: The treated skin tag dries up and falls off naturally within a few days to a week. A small scab might form at the site, typically healing without scarring.

Benefits of RF Ablation Skin Tag Removal at Evenly Clinic

  • Minimally invasive: RF ablation avoids scalpels or stitches, minimising discomfort, and downtime.
  • Precise targeting: Radiofrequency energy concentrates on the skin tag, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Reduced Bleeding: The heat from RF ablation seals blood vessels during treatment, leading to minimal bleeding.
  • Fast Procedure: Skin tag removal with RF ablation is typically a quick and efficient process, often taking just a few minutes.
  • Reduced Scarring Risk: The precise nature of RF ablation minimises the risk of scarring compared to other removal methods.

Preventive Measures

While it’s not always possible to prevent skin tags entirely, there are steps you can take to minimise their occurrence:

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing.
  • Keep the skin dry and clean.
  • Exercise regularly

Myths and Misconceptions About Skin Tags

Skin Tags Are Contagious

One common misconception is that skin tags are contagious. Skin tags are not caused by infections and cannot be spread from person to person. They are benign growths resulting from skin friction, genetics, and other factors.

Only Older People Get Skin Tags

Although more frequent in older adults, skin tags can appear at any stage of life. Factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, and obesity can lead to skin tags in younger individuals as well. It’s essential to understand that skin tags can affect people of all ages.

Skin Tags Can Turn Into Cancer

Skin tags are benign and do not turn into cancer. However, it is essential to monitor any skin growth and consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes in size, colour, or shape. A dermatologist can evaluate the growth and determine if further examination or treatment is needed.

Why Choose Evenly for Skin Tag Removal Treatment?

If you want to get a safe and effective skin tag removal treatment, Evenly Clinic is the best option to choose. Here are few reasons, why we are the best:

  • Expert Team: Evenly has a team of board-certified dermatologists and well-trained therapists who specialize in performing advanced aesthetic treatments, including RF ablation.
  • State-of-the-art technology: We utilise the latest technology and equipment to provide safe and effective skin tag removal treatments. Our clinic is equipped with cutting-edge tools and devices that enable precise and minimally invasive procedures.
  • Personalised treatment plan: We offer personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
  • Comprehensive consultation: Before any procedure, we provide a detailed consultation to discuss your concerns, explain the treatment process, and address any questions you may have.
  • Safe and Hygienic Environment: Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We maintain a clean and hygienic environment in our clinic, adhering to strict sterilisation protocols to prevent any risk of infection.
  • Positive reviews: At Evenly, we gained over 10,000 happy customers with a 98% satisfaction rate.
  • Top-notch amenities: Our clinics are equipped with top-notch amenities to make your experience as soothing and stress-free as possible.

Understanding the skin tags cause, symptoms of skin tags, and treatment options empowers you to take proactive steps towards managing or removing them safely. If you are concerned about these small skin tags or considering removal, consult with a dermatologist at Evenly Clinic for personalized advice and treatment options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Skin tag removal is typically a permanent solution for the treated tag itself. However, if you’re prone to skin tags, new ones might develop in other areas. This is because the underlying factors that cause them, like genetics or friction, are still present. So, while you can enjoy smooth, tag-free skin in one spot, keep an eye out for new ones elsewhere.

No, skin tags are generally harmless and benign, these small skin tags do not cause any health issues. However, they can become irritated if they catch on clothing or jewellery, and some people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or due to discomfort.

While skin tags are more common in adults, children can develop them as well. In children, skin tags may occur due to friction, obesity, or genetic predisposition.

While skin tags are usually harmless, any changes in their appearance, such as rapid growth, color changes, or bleeding, should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Skin tags are typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a dermatologist. The appearance and location of the growth are usually sufficient for diagnosis. In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other skin conditions.

We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized care that meets your unique needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.

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