One of the most common benign growths found on the skin is known as a skin tag. They are small, soft, and flesh-coloured or slightly darker than the surrounding skin. Acrochordons, commonly referred to as skin tags, are typically harmless but may cause discomfort if they rub against clothing or jewellery. If you ever wondered what are skin tags, here is a blog explaining in depth the different types of skin tags, their causes, and the best treatments that are available. We will be looking at the treatments given at Rivo Skin Clinic, where we specialize in removal procedures for skin tags by being safe and effective.
What Are Skin Tags?
What are skin tags? Essentially, a skin tag is one of those small non-cancerous growths that grows from the epidermal layers. Sometimes they form a resemblance to flaps or tags hanging out, but basically, any person may get skin tags everywhere in his body; however, mostly people tend to look them in skin folds at their neck, under arms, eyelids, or groins. Although they are harmless, they can be bothersome if they catch on jewellery, clothing, or cause irritation.
Skin tags are made up of collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Typically, they are smaller than 2.5 cm in size, but they can grow larger depending on the individual. They are generally flesh-toned or slightly darker than the skin’s natural color.
Types of Skin Tags
Understanding what are skin tags may help in differentiating the types that might form. All types of skin tags are benign, but slight differences in their appearance are due to their location and size. Here are some common types of skin tags:
1. Pedunculated Skin Tags
This is the most common variety. In a pedunculated skin tag, it attaches through the skin using a tiny and narrow stalk. A great majority of pedunculated skin tags are commonly found close to the neck or even around the armpit region.
2. Sessile Skin Tags
The sessile skin tags are usually broad based and flat. They appear more commonly in skin fold areas, such as groin or armpits.
3. Filiform Skin Tags
These are long and thin filiform skin tags that can be described as a little thread-like protrusion. They usually appear around the eyelids or neck region.
4. Fibroepithelial Polyps
Fibroepithelial polyps are larger, structured skin tags. They occur on the upper body like the chest, back, or abdomen. These usually grow more slowly over time. Each of the skin tag varieties may need diverse forms of treatments, which means it should be recognized and understood about what are skin tags, before knowing which is to be executed as the treatment.
What Causes Skin Tags?
Having now understood what are skin tags, you may be curious about the cause. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown, but several factors are thought to cause the formation of skin tags. For more details visit our blog.
1.Friction and Rubbing of Skin
Friction is one of the primary causes of skin tags. Most of the time, it develops in areas where there is rubbing of skin to other skin or clothing. That is why most skin tags are seen on the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. The friction repeatedly pushes the skin cells to grow and form a tag-like structure, helping to answer what are skin tags.
2.Age
Skin tags are more common in middle-aged and older adults. Over time, as the skin loses its elasticity and becomes more susceptible to friction, the tendency to develop skin tags is increased. People aged 40 and above are more prone to skin tags.
3.Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations are mostly associated with pregnancy; there is a high risk of developing skin tags. There are higher levels of estrogen and progesterone in pregnant women. All these hormones may promote the development of skin tags, and that is why this condition is often reported in pregnant women.
4.Obesity
Overweight people are prone to developing skin tags because the increased friction on the folds of the skin. The folds of skin cause repeated rubbing that promotes the growth of skin tags.
5.Genetics
There is also a genetic component to skin tags. If someone in your family has had skin tags, you may be more likely to develop them as well. In some cases, the presence of skin tags could be hereditary.
6.Insulin Resistance or Diabetes
Studies suggest that people with insulin resistance or diabetes may be more prone to developing skin tags. This could be due to high blood sugar levels causing changes in the skin’s collagen and blood vessels.
Now that we’ve discussed the types and causes of skin tags, it’s essential to know what skin tags in relation to their treatments are and how they can be safely and effectively removed.
How to Remove Skin Tags
Mostly, skin tags don’t cause any harm or injury. However, many tend to opt for their removal due to cosmetics or irritation. There is more than one method in the treatment and removal process, which differ in intensity and effectiveness. Let us have a look at common treatments available:
1. Cryotherapy
The cryotherapy technique is a very common and very efficient treatment for the removal of skin tags. This treatment applies liquid nitrogen to the area under the tag, then the cold temperatures cause it to fall off within some days. This is the safest, minimally invasive treatment for skin tags that can be done in our clinics by a trained dermatologist, effectively addressing what are skin tags.
2. Excision
Excision is the removal of the skin tag by cutting it off from the skin using a scalpel or surgical scissors. The procedure is fast and should be done pain-free when performed under local anaesthesia. Excision is usually considered for larger skin tags. This is usually done by a professional in a dermatology clinic like Rivo Skin Clinic.
3. Ligation
Ligation is a procedure where a small suturing thread is used to encircle the base of a skin tag in order to cut off its blood supply, and the tag shrinks and falls off within some days. Ligation is one of the most preferred techniques applied by health professionals when removing a skin tag, especially large ones.
4. Laser Removal
Laser treatment employs a concentrated beam of light to eliminate the skin tags. The laser will burn on the bottom side of the skin tag and let it peel off. The laser technique is more popular for places such as eyelids and face and, therefore performed in a clean, sanitized room by professionals at Rivo Skin Clinic.
5. Over-the-Counter Treatments
For minor skin tags, one can resort to over-the-counter treatments by creams and topical solutions applied directly to the skin tags. These creams cause the small tag to either shrink off or fall off. It’s not effective all the time and often causes irritation and scarring. Generally, it’s always advised to consult a dermatologist to understand what are skin tags and ensure proper treatment.
Why Choose Rivo Skin Clinic for Skin Tag Treatment?
If you’ve been wondering what are skin tags and how to treat them, Rivo Skin Clinic offers a range of professional treatments tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experienced dermatologists utilizes the latest technologies and techniques to remove skin tags effectively, safely, and with minimal downtime.
We understand the discomfort and pain attached to the skin tags; they can be painful both physically and mentally. We look to regain your confidence by removing such untimely ugly tags from your skin and thus, at Rivo Skin Clinic, you receive painless, efficient, and professional procedures.
FAQs
Contact Rivo Skin Clinic
If you are experiencing skin tags and want to learn more about what are skin tags and how to treat them, call Rivo Skin Clinic today. Our professional dermatologists are prepared to offer you safe and effective solutions tailored to your skin’s needs. We will assess your skin type, discuss treatment options, and help you achieve smooth, clear skin.
Contact us now to book your appointment and take the first step towards perfectly smooth, blemish-free skin!
- Location: Rivo Clinic, Mumbai & Navi Mumbai
- Phone: +91-9833431663 / +91-8850661962
- Website: https://www.rivoskin.com/
