Skin Tags

There are several methods used to remove skin tags in a doctor’s office. These include:

• Excision — Doctors sometimes remove skin tags surgically using a sharp instrument, such as a scalpel or scissors. 

• Cryotherapy — Also called freezing, cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen directly to the skin tag. This destroys the skin cells, causing the skin tag to fall off.

• Electrocautery — In this procedure, a doctor will use an electric instrument to burn the skin tag off.

• You can also remove skin tags at home with an over-the-counter treatment. Dr. Scholl’s® Freeze Away® Skin Tag Remover is clinically proven effective at removing skin tags, and just one treatment is often adequate. The system uses a freezing method to destroy skin tags, causing them to fall off. The five-step system is easy to perform, and the results are permanent.

Some skin tags fall off on their own. However, some persist and may be bothersome. Some people find that their skin tags rub against or become caught in jewelry, accessories or clothing. This can cause irritation and discomfort. The appearance of skin tags may also be troubling, making people self-conscious.

If you would like to get rid of skin tags, Dr. Scholl’s® Freeze Away® Skin Tag Remover may be a good option. It’s the first ever FDA-cleared over-the-counter treatment for skin tags. However, your skin tag must meet certain criteria. It must be located on the neck, breasts, groin, underarms or back. It also must be soft and pliable, and similar in color to the surrounding skin. It also needs to measure between 2 and 6 millimeters.  

It’s best to talk to your doctor if you have a skin growth, especially if you’re unsure of what it is. Skin tags may resemble other types of skin growths, and certain types of skin growths can be serious and require medical treatment. If you have a growth with color variations or if the growth experiences a sudden change in size, or it’s bleeding or painful, see your doctor. They can evaluate your skin and determine if you have a skin tag. Skin tags are harmless and don’t cause any health problems. If you choose to have them removed and at-home removal isn’t an option, there are several procedures that can be performed by a doctor, including cutting, freezing and cautery.

Skin tags form when excess cells are produced in the top layers of the skin. While it’s not completely clear why this happens, skin tags tend to form in areas where skin rubs against each other or against an object, such as a piece of jewelry or an article of clothing. Certain health conditions and genetic components also appear to be linked to skin tags.

Factors that increase the risk of developing skin tags include:

• Age — The risk of skin tags increases with age, and they’re especially common in people over 50. However, after the age of 70, people don’t tend to develop new skin tags.

• Family history — People who have a relative with skin tags have a higher chance of developing them.

• Diabetes — People with diabetes are more prone to skin tags. This may be related to insulin resistance, although it hasn’t been confirmed.

• Obesity — People who are overweight and obese have a greater chance of developing skin tags. This may be related to insulin resistance. It may also be due to an increase in skin folds, which create more opportunity for friction.

• Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome — A rare disorder, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome affects the skin, producing a number of different skin growths, including skin tags.

• Metabolic syndrome — People with certain conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol have an increased risk of developing skin tags.

• Pregnancy — Skin tags tend to be more common during pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes as well as increased skin friction from weight gain.

Skin tags are benign, noncancerous skin growths. Other terms for skin tags include fibroepithelial polyps, acrochordons and fibromas. Skin tags typically appear as a lump of skin that protrudes from the skin’s surface on a narrow stem. Skin tags are often the same color as the surrounding skin. However, some skin tags are darker in color than the rest of the skin. They may also appear pink or red, especially if there’s irritation from rubbing against jewelry or clothing. Some skin tags look like a raised mole. Skin tags are generally small, measuring 5 millimeters or smaller. However, some skin tags can grow to be significantly larger, up to 2 centimeters.

Skin tags tend to form in areas where skin rubs against other areas of skin. While they can form anywhere, they’re most common on the following areas of the body:

• Groin

• Creases on the neck

• Underarms

• Underneath the breasts

• Eyelids

Skin tags are very common, affecting about half of all adults at some point during their lifetime. 

Skin tags may look similar to other types of skin growths or conditions, including skin cancer. If you have a skin growth, see your doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.

If you’re getting skin tags all of a sudden, see your doctor. The risk of developing skin tags increases with age, occurring most commonly after 50 but before 70. Skin tags also tend to run in families. While skin tags are harmless, they could be a sign of an underlying condition requiring medical treatment. Certain health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorders and pregnancy increase the risk of skin tags.

Your doctor can perform an exam and order any necessary tests to rule out specific health conditions. They can also make treatment recommendations if necessary.

While it’s not always possible to avoid skin tags entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of developing more in the future. Exercising regularly and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight may help minimize the risk of future skin tags. You can also avoid wearing jewelry, accessories or clothing that have a tendency to rub against the skin.