You may find them while showering or looking in the mirror. They may be on your neck, your arms, or neck, and even on your face. They’ll appear without warning or symptom, and there are over 3 million cases each year in the United States. This may sound terrifying, but we’re really just talking about skin tags.
Skin tags are small pouches of skin that hang off your body. Many people experience this common cosmetic issue that usually appear near folds of skin. With skin tags being so common, what causes them and should you be concerned if you have them?
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are sometimes called skin tabs or by their scientific name, acronchordon. They appear most often in seniors or after weight gain. Skin tags can be small and smooth on the skin or about half the size of a pencil eraser, though some can be as large as a grape.
Presently, we aren’t sure what causes skin tags. The prevailing theory is that they’re caused by skin rubbing on skin. This would explain why they mostly appear near folds like armpits, neck, or groin. Two other potential causes are viruses or genetics.
Should I Be Concerned?
To put it simply, no, you should not be concerned if you have skin tags. These benign flaps can be mistaken for tumors or cysts, but are harmless. They are not cancerous. Since the color of the acronchordon can vary, you may also mistake them for moles or skin growths. If you ever grow concerned with what appears to be a skin tag, visit your dermatologist to get it checked out.
Can I Get Rid of Them?
It is possible to remove skin tags, as many commercial products will attest. Since they are benign, it’s not necessary to remove them, but for some, skin tags are a nuisance. They can get caught on clothes or zippers, which can cause them to become irritated or inflamed. They may even bleed. Others may want to get rid of unsightly skin tabs for cosmetic reasons.
Despite what you may see elsewhere, it’s not a good idea to remove them yourself. This increases your risk of infection or scarring. Instead, schedule a visit with your dermatologist who can remove the acronchordon by three methods: cutting it off, freezing it off, or burning it. Any of these options are fairly painless and quick procedures.
Unfortunately, since we don’t know what causes them, there’s no way to fully prevent skin tags. The best we can suggest is lose weight, since the only other factor generally linked with skin tags is aging. Ultimately, the decision to remove a skin tag is down to you. They are harmless, painless (most of the time), and incredibly common.
