A skin tag refers to a small hanging skin that might have a stalk or peduncle. They mostly appear on the place where skin rubs on clothing or skin. These are non-cancerous, benign tumors on the skin.
The skin appears under your breasts, eyelids, armpits, upper chest, groin, and neck. The skin tag’s surface might be irregular or smooth in its appearance. Below, we have provided an expert guide to skin tag treatment, risk factors, and causes so that you can seek immediate help.
Causes of Skin Tags
It’s not known what is the main reason that contributes to the development of a skin tag. As they appear in the folds of the skin, friction might play a crucial role. They are made up of collagen and blood vessels, being surrounded by an outer skin layer.
Studies reveal a correlation between skin tags and human papillomavirus. Insulin resistance might lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which can also cause skin tags.
As per a recent study, the development of several skin tags was associated with insulin resistance, high triglyceride levels, and a high body mass index.
Skin tags can also occur due to pregnancy, says the doctors who offer skin tag treatment. This may be due to weight gain and pregnancy hormones. In a few cases, multiple skin tags might be a sign of endocrine problems or hormonal imbalance in the body.
Risk factors for developing skin tags
As stated earlier, the exact cause of the skin tag is not known. It might be due to constant friction or too much collagen and blood vessels on the thick pieces of the skin. Some of the risks for developing skin tags are as follows.
1. Being female
Women are more vulnerable to develop skin tags than men due to hormonal fluctuations. This generally happens when women transition to menopause. Hormonal changes at the time of pregnancy can also be a factor that leads to the development of skin tags.
2. Human Papillomavirus or HPV infection
HPV is a virus that gets sexually transmitted and can put you at risk of certain kinds of cancers like penile cancer and cervical cancer. In case you suffer from HPV, you might be at risk of getting skin tags on the area surrounding your groin.
3. Age
As we age, our skin starts losing its two essential proteins- elastin and collagen. These are important for maintaining youthful and healthy skin. When you lose these proteins, they can put you at risk of developing skin tags.
4. Genetics
If you have a family history of skin tags, your chances of developing one are very likely.
5. Having diabetes
There is a connection between the growth of skin tags and insulin resistance. Sometimes, people who suffer from more than one skin tag need to be tested for diabetes. It’s because these skin tags might sometimes be indicative of insulin problems.
6. Being overweight
If you are overweight, your skin will often have friction, which increases the likelihood of developing skin tags. Moreover, suffering from obesity might also trigger excess skin cell production.
7. Suffering from PCOS
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, causes hormonal imbalance, which is sometimes directly linked with the growth of skin tags.
Skin tag treatments
The dermatologist can offer skin tag treatment. For instance, in anal skin tag treatment, your doctor will remove one or more than that during an official visit without the requirement of a follow-up appointment.
The treatment that the dermatologist uses depends on the size of the skin tag, where it appears on your body and other things.
Below, we will discuss an example of anal fissure skin tag removal.
1. Cryosurgery
During anal skin tag removal, your doctor will apply a cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy the skin tag. At times, freezing can result in a scab or a blister. When the latter falls off, the same thing will also happen with the skin tag.
With the help of cryosurgery, your dermatologist might also freeze the bottom of the skin tag during anal tag removal. Then they will snip it off with scissors and a sterile surgical blade.
2. Snip
Your dermatologist might first numb the area. Then they will utilize some sterile surgical scissors to remove your skin tag. Afterward, they might apply a solution in order to stop the bleeding.
3. Electrodesiccation
A tiny needle will be used as a part of this procedure to zap your skin tag, which might destroy it. You can also develop a scab on your treated area which will go away within three weeks.
The anus skin tag removal cost will depend upon your condition and the procedure that your doctor decides would be best for you. So, if you are due for an anal tag removal, make sure to talk with your doctor regarding the cost of the procedure beforehand.
We have discussed above all you need to know about skin tag treatment. Make sure to talk with your doctor regarding the possible causes of your skin tag and seek treatment to avoid the recurrence of this condition.
