All You Need to Know About Skin Tags

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag also called an “acrochordon” is a soft, non-cancerous growth that is usually formed within the skin fold of the neck, armpits, breast, groin area, and eyelids. These growths are formed due to loosening collagen fibers that become lodged inside the thickened areas of the skin. Skin tags usually do not require any treatment, they can be left untreated.

How common are skin tags?

Skin tags are very common. According to research studies, it is estimated that about half of all adults will have at least one skin tag in their lifetime 

Causes for skin tags

The exact cause for the skin tag is not known (idiopathic). Some of the causes for skin tags are listed below:

• Since in most cases, the skin tags are formed on the skin fold, hence there is a possibility that the skin tags may be formed due to friction.
• Studies have shown that there is a correlation between human papillomavirus (HPV) and skin tags.
• Insulin resistance which can lead to prediabetes condition or type 2 diabetes mellitus may also play a role in the formation of skin tags.
• According to research studies done in 2010, patients who are diagnosed with multiple skin tags are associated with insulin resistance, high triglyceride levels, and high body mass index.
• A few women, might experience skin tags as a side effect during pregnancy.
• In very few cases, the skin tags can be a sign of hormone imbalance or due to endocrine-related disorders.
• There is a possibility that skin tags may be due to hereditary 

The other conditions that might look like skin tags

The other conditions that might look like skin tags are listed below:

• Moles
• Warts
• Genital warts
• Skin cancer
• Other skin diseases like seborrheic keratitis 
• Premalignant fibroepithelial tumor.

Symptoms of skin tags

In most cases, skin tags are usually asymptomatic. While a few more patients might experience symptoms. They are listed below:

• Discomfort due to friction around the skin tag area
• Skin irritation around the skin tag area due to friction against the clothes, jewelry, zippers, etc.
• Bleeding around the skin tag area
• Inflammation of skin tags [4].

Diagnosis of skin tags

The diagnosis of skin tags is done by following these steps:

• Medical history of the patient
• Family history of the patient
• Physical examination- during the physical examination, the doctor will examine the skin tag area and advise a couple of tests. Since the skin tags might be associated with other medical conditions, hence the doctor will advise the patient to undergo a couple of laboratory tests.
• Laboratory tests- they include an HbA1c test to check the average of 3 months’ sugar levels, fasting blood glucose levels, postprandial blood glucose levels, lipid profile test, TSH levels, pregnancy test, etc 

Treatment of skin tags

There are several forms where skin tags can be treated. They are listed below:

• Skin tags can be left untreated in asymptomatic patients. In a few cases, skin tags eventually fall on their own.
• Home remedies
• Non-surgical intervention- They include using creams, freezing kits, and oils. However, improper skin tags can lead to bleeding, scarring, and infection.

Surgical intervention- They include

1. Cauterization- During this procedure, the doctor removes the skin tags using heat
2. Cryosurgery- During this procedure, the doctor removes the skin tags using a spray of a small amount of liquid nitrogen over the skin tag area, which freezes off the growth.
3. Ligation- this method is opted in case of larger skin tags. During this procedure, the blood flow to the skin tag is cut off using a surgical thread, followed by the excision of a skin tag.
4. Electrocautery- During this procedure, the doctor burns the skin tag off with a specialized electric current.
5. Surgery- During this procedure, the skin tags are excised at their base with surgical scissors followed by sutures and bandages if required

Skin tags after the excision procedure, the specimen is sent for pathological studies in order to confirm the nature of the skin tag and confirm it is benign or malignant.

Complications associated with skin tag removal

The complications associated with skin tag removal are listed below:

• Scarring can occur if the skin tag is not excised properly
• Infection around the skin tag area
• Mild irritation around the removed area
• Bleeding
• Very rarely it can cause chronic pain around the skin tag removed area
• Cosmesis due to removal of normal tissue around that area

Outlook of skin tags

Skin tags are usually harmless if left untreated. Interventions are usually advised only in cases where the patient complains of the above-mentioned symptoms. Skin tags have an overall good prognosis for all the patients who underwent surgery. Many interventional procedures, can successfully remove the skin tags with minimal pain and scarring.

Prevention of skin tags

Although the exact cause of skin tags is not known, hence it cannot be prevented completely. However, there are measures that can be followed to minimize the risk of skin tags. They are listed below:

• By maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid eating a fatty meal
• Avoid jewelry and clothes that might cause irritation to the skin.
• Regulating the blood glucose levels
• Treating the underlying hormonal imbalance 

FAQ

1. Can skin tags come back after treatment?

Skin tags that are removed through the surgical intervention will not come back if excised completely. However, there is a possibility that it might form somewhere else.

2. What happens if the skin tags are left untreated?

Skin tags are usually the non-cancerous growth on the skin. Usually, they do not cause any harm to the person. Skin tags that are present on the areas such as the face and neck might make you feel self-conscious, or in a few cases, it might cause irritation around that area. In such cases, excision might be suggested by the doctor.

3. Home remedies to treat skin tags

Skin tags usually do not require any treatment. While there are a few home remedies one can use to remove the skin tag at home. These home remedies are usually time-consuming, compared to surgical procedures. One should never use shortcut procedures on their own, since they can lead to inflammation, scarring, and severe bleeding around the skin tag area easily. A few of the home remedies to treat skin tags are listed below:

• Tea tree oil- tea tree oil is known for its antiviral and antifungal properties. Hence it is safe to use tea tree oil diluted with carrier oil in order to treat skin tags at home.

Initially, clean the area where the skin tags are present, followed by taking a Q-tip or a cotton swab, and gently massage the oil over the affected area. Place a bandage over the skin tag area overnight. Do this procedure every night until the skin tag becomes dry and falls off on its own.

• Apple cider vinegar- apple cider vinegar also helps in removing skin tags at home. During this procedure, soak a cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and apply it over the skin tag area. Wrap the section with the bandage and leave it for 15-30 minutes and then wash the area with water. Follow these steps daily for a couple of weeks. The acidity of the apple cider vinegar breaks the tissues surrounding the skin tag area, causing it to fall off on its own.
• Banana peels- banana is rich in antioxidant properties, hence the banana peel can help in drying out a skin tag. Place a peel of banana over the skin tag area and cover it with a bandage. Keep the bandage overnight and remove it in the morning. Repeat the same procedure daily for a few days. The skin tag becomes dry and falls off on its own.
• Garlic- garlic has the property of improving the appearance of the skin by reducing inflammation. Garlic can help in removing the skin tag naturally at home. Apply the crushed garlic over the skin tag and cover it with a bandage overnight. Remove the bandage the next morning and wash it with water. Repeat the procedure, until the skin tag shrinks and disappears.
• Vitamin E- vitamin E is rich in antioxidant properties and helps in fighting against wrinkles, helping to keep the skin healthy. During this procedure, apply the vitamin E liquid over the skin tag. Repeating this procedure daily, it may cause the growth of the skin tag to vanish in a couple of days 
• Skin tag removal cream- these creams are usually made up of tea tree oil and salicylic acid which will help in removing skin tags. Although, there is a possibility that these creams can cause irritation to the skin.