What is a skin tag?
A skin tag is a common, acquired benign skin growth that looks like a small piece of hanging skin. They typically occur in characteristic locations including the underarms, and under the breasts (especially where underwire bras rub directly beneath the breasts
Where do skin tags occur?
Favorite areas for tags are the armpits, upper chest (particularly under the female breasts), and groin folds. Tags are typically thought to occur in characteristic locations where skin rubs against clothing.
Who tends to get skin tags?
More often they arise in adulthood. They are much more common in middle age and they tend to increase in prevalence up to age 60. Since they are thought to arise more readily in areas of skin friction or rubbing, tags are also more common in overweight people.
Is a skin tag a tumor?
Skin tags are a type of growth or tumor, albeit a completely benign and harmless one, and not found to have potential to become cancerous if left untreated.
What problems do skin tags cause?
These tiny skin growths generally cause no symptoms unless they are repeatedly irritated. Cosmetic removal for unsightly appearance is perhaps the most common reason they are removed. Occasionally, a tag may require removal because it has become irritated and red from bleeding (hemorrhage) or black from twisting and dying of the skin tissue (necrosis). Sometimes they may become snagged by clothing, causing pain or discomfort.
How Are Skin Tags Treated?
Treatments include freezing, tying off with a thread or suture, or cutting off.
Do skin tags need to be sent for pathology?
Most typical small skin tags may be removed without sending tissue for microscopic examination.
