Skin tags are painless, noncancerous growths on the skin. They’re connected to the skin by a small, thin stalk called a peduncle (acrochordons). Skin tags are common in both men and women, especially after age 50.
They can appear anywhere on your body, though they’re commonly found in places where your skin folds such as the:
- armpits
- thighs
- eyelids
- neck
- area under your breasts
WHAT CAUSES SKIN TAGS?
It’s unclear exactly what causes skin tags. Since they usually show up in skin folds, friction may play a role. Skin tags are made up of blood vessels and collagen surrounded by an outer layer of skin.
Insulin resistance, which may lead to type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, may also play a role in the development of skin tags. People with insulin resistance don’t absorb glucose effectively from the bloodstream. According to a 2010 study, the presence of multiple skin tags was associated with insulin resistance, a high body mass index, and high triglycerides.
Skin tags are also a common side effect of pregnancy. This may be due to pregnancy hormones and weight gain. In rare cases, multiple skin tags can be a sign of a hormone imbalance or an endocrine problem.
Skin tags aren’t contagious. There may be a genetic connection. It isn’t unusual for multiple family members to have them.
If you develop a skin tag, it may not be cause for concern. For most people, skin tags are just a nuisance. If they don’t bother you, and you’re sure of the diagnosis, you can leave them alone. Keep in mind that where you have one skin tag, more may appear.
How does the treatment work?
Through laser treatment, we stop the blood supply to the skin tag so that it withers and dies.
What should I expect to see afterwards?
After treatment the surrounding skin may appear red and feel warm for a few hours.
The tag may turn a little darker in colour, shrink and form a small scab which drops off within 5-10 days depending on the size.
How many treatments?
Usually between 1 and 3 treatments are required depending on how well the skin tags respond.
Does it hurt?
You may feel a slight heat sensation and hear a pop sound, but this is very quick and short lived.