Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, benign growths that commonly appear on the skin. They are typically flesh-coloured or slightly darker and can range in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres. Skin tags often occur in areas where the skin naturally folds or rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, or on eyelids.
Causes of Skin Tags
While the exact cause of skin tags isn't fully understood, they are associated with:
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Friction: Skin rubbing against skin, clothing, or jewellery can encourage tag formation.
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Genetics: A family history of skin tags may increase the likelihood of developing them.
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Hormonal changes: Skin tags are more common during pregnancy and in individuals with hormonal imbalances.
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Insulin resistance: Studies suggest a correlation between skin tags and conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Are Skin Tags Harmful?
Skin tags are benign and usually harmless, meaning they don’t typically require treatment. However, some people choose to remove them if they are irritated by clothing or jewellery, or for cosmetic reasons.
Removal Options
Removal can be done through:
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Cryotherapy: Freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen.
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Electrosurgery: Using electrical currents to burn off the tag.
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Ligation: Tying off the base of the tag to cut off its blood supply.
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Excision: Cutting the tag off with sterile scissors.
These procedures should ideally be performed by a healthcare provider to prevent infection and ensure safe removal.