Skin tag removal
- What are skin tags, and how harmful are they?
- How are skin tags typically removed?
- What do skin tags consist of?
- What causes the appearance of skin tags?
- Where on the body are skin tags most commonly found?
- Who are most at risk from getting skin tags?
- What are the most common/most popular skin tag removal options, and how are they performed?
- What does skin tag removal surgery consist of?
- Which specialist treats skin tags?
- How much does it cost to remove a skin tag?
- Is it safe to remove my skin tag at home?
- Are skin tags an early warning sign of skin cancer?
- Are they contagious?
- How big can skin tags become?
- How will I know if they are skin tags?
What are skin tags, and how harmful are they?
Skin tags are small benign growths that can hang from your skin. They are relatively common and are not harmful. However, some people with skin tags prefer to have them removed if they do not like their appearance, or if they are located in a place that causes irritation (e.g. near bra straps or on the neck close to jewellery).
How are skin tags typically removed?
Skin tag removal involves either freezing or burning them off, or removing them surgically.
What do skin tags consist of?
Skin tags are generally made up of a mixture of fat, collagen fibers, tiny blood vessels, and nerve cells.
What causes the appearence of skin tags?
Skin tags appear on one's skin when the fat, collagen fibers, nerve cells and blood vessels mix together within a layer of an individual's skin. If one begins to develop an abnormally high number of skin tags, this may be due to a hormonal imbalance.
Where on the body are skin tags most commonly found?
Skin tags most typically appear on the neck, in the armpit area, under the eyelids, as well as beneath the breasts.
Who are most at risk from getting skin tags?
Although not proven, various studies have demonstrated that people who suffer from diabetes, who are overweight, and/or who are pregnant, are at a higher risk of getting skin tags on some area(s) of their skin.
What are the most common/most popular skin tag removal options, and how are they performed?
As mentioned above, skin tags are not harmful, and thus, need not be removed. However, if one's skin becomes irritated as a result of the appearance of a skin tag, there are various different options available for patients who wish to have their skin tag(s) removed from their skin.
One such option is cryotherapy. Cryotherapy consists of a dermatologist freezing off the skin tag via the use of liquid nitrogen, which is a highly effective and generally painless way of removing skin tags.
Other skin tag removal options include surgical excision or snipping; where a tiny hole is cut around the skin tag and it is removed by the surgeon; as well as electrocautery. where an electric probe or needle is used as a way to burn off the skin tag.
What does skin tag removal surgery consist of?
Skin tag removal surgery is an outpatient procedure. Before the procedure takes place, the dermatologist will numb the area of skin where the skin tag is located with a local anaesthetic. Once this has effectively set in, the surgeon will then slowly and carefully remove the skin tag.
Which specialist treats skin tags?
Typically, dermatologists are the medical specialists who are responsible for treating skin tags and performing skin tag removal surgery.
How much does it cost to remove a skin tag?
Generally, skin tag removal will cost patients roughly £100 pounds.
Is it safe to remove my skin tag at home?
It is recommended that patients avoid trying to remove their skin tags themselves at home. This is advised to avoid excessive bleeding and scarring. A dermatologist is highly skilled when it comes to removing skin tags for patients.
Are skin tags an early warning sign of skin cancer?
Thankfully, the development of skin tags are not deemed to be an early warning sign of skin cancer. They are not dangerous to one's health and do not necessarily need to be treated, and are not linked to a risk of developing skin cancer.
Are they contagious?
No, skin tags cannot be passed from one individual to another.
How big can skin tags become?
It is thought that skin tags can grow up to five centimetres in diameter.
How will I know if they are skin tags?
The appearance of a skin tag will typically be brown or flesh colour. They are bump-like pieces of irritated skin, and they can either be smooth or wrinkled in texture.
-
Dr Christopher Heaton
DermatologyExpert in:
- Skin cancer
- Moles
- Skin tag removal
- Rash
- Pruritus (itchy skin)
- Acne
-
Dr Marisa Taylor
DermatologyExpert in:
- Acne
- Skin cancer
- Laser
- Skin biopsy
- Skin tag removal
- Acne scars
- See all