Skin Tags
Skin Conditions
A skin tag, also known as an acrochordon, is a benign flesh-colored tumor.
Skin Tags
Skin Conditions
A skin tag, also known as an acrochordon, is a benign flesh-colored tumor.
These growths tend to appear in the body’s creases and folds where skin to skin contact is frequent such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. They are completely harmless, but can itch or hurt when repeatedly irritated by clothing, jewelry, or shaving. There is no well-established cause for skin tags, though their frequency increases in overweight individuals and in pregnancy.
Skin tags do not require treatment unless they become irritated or if a person considers them cosmetically undesirable. Fortunately, removal of skin tags is simple for they can easily be excised, cauterized, or frozen off at Contour Dermatology.
Do not attempt to remove skin tags at home.
Treatment Options for Skin Tags
While skin tags are harmless, many individuals opt for their removal for cosmetic reasons or because they cause discomfort, particularly when located in areas prone to friction, such as the neck, underarms, or groin. At Contour Dermatology, we offer several safe and effective treatment options for removing skin tags.
These include cryotherapy, where the tag is frozen off using liquid nitrogen, and electrocautery, a procedure that uses electric current to burn off the skin tag. Another popular method is excision, where the skin tag is carefully cut away using sterile instruments. Our dermatologists will assess the size, location, and number of skin tags to recommend the best removal technique for you.
Post-Treatment Care and Prevention
After skin tag removal, proper post-treatment care is essential to ensure quick healing and to minimize the risk of scarring. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the treated area, including how to keep it clean and protected. While the exact cause of skin tags is not entirely understood, factors such as genetics, weight gain, and hormonal changes may contribute to their development.
Maintaining a healthy weight and minimizing skin friction may help reduce the likelihood of new skin tags forming. If you notice the appearance of new skin tags, our team is here to provide ongoing care and advice to keep your skin smooth and tag-free.
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