Safe skin tag removal, according to a GP

Skin tags are skin growths that are often mistaken for warts or pigmented moles.

Here to provide an expert insight into skin tags, including risk factors and removal options, is Dr Amar Lally, highly experienced general practitioner with a specialist interest in dermatology.

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag is a harmless growth, often skin-coloured or brown-coloured, that appears to hang from the skin (pedunculated). It is usually found in the skin folds of the body, such as on the neck, the groin area, or under the arms.

What are the main causes?

A skin tag is comprised of loose collagen fibres, blood vessels, and skin.

Although it is not fully known what causes skin tags, factors such as skin rubbing or skin chafing as well as high levels of the growth hormone may be involved.

When should I be worried about a skin tag?

It is worth having a skin tag reviewed if:

• The skin tag is changing in terms of shape
• The skin tag is increasing in size
• The skin tag is changing in colour
• The skin tag is bleeding

When should it be removed?

Skin tags are typically painless.

However, skin tags often catch on clothing or jewellery. They can also become irritated or itchy, and sometimes, even bleed. If this is the case, then it may be worth having the skin tag removed.

What does skin tag removal surgery involve?

Small skin tags are commonly removed using cryotherapy, which involves spraying liquid nitrogen onto the skin tag for a short period of time. The skin tag will then usually fall off within a few weeks by itself.

Larger skin tags can be removed by undergoing a small surgical procedure that is relatively quick to perform, where the skin tag is separated from its stalk. With no blood supply, the skin tag will then usually fall off.

If you are considering skin tag removal and wish to consult your options with an expert, do not hesitate to visit Dr Lally’s Top Doctors profile today.