What Causes Skin Tags (Acrochordons)?

What Causes Skin Tags (Acrochordons)?

What Causes Skin Tags (Acrochordons)?

What causes skin tags (acrochordons)? Acrochordons occur when the body produces extra cells in the skin’s top layers. They tend to form in skin folds and areas where natural movement causes the skin to rub against itself.

Skin tags often grow in these areas:

  • Armpits
  • Eyelids
  • Groin or Thighs
  • Neck
  • Under Breasts
  • Genitals

Are Skin Tags Common?

Yes, acrochordons are common. Research tells us its estimated that half of all adults will have at least one skin tag in their lifetime. The likelihood of developing skin tags increases with age.

What Other Conditions Might Look Like a Skin Tag?

These conditions include:

A quick exam helps rule out growths that may look like skin tags. No tests are necessary to confirm a skin tag diagnosis.

When Should I Consider Skin Tag Removal?

  • When the skin tag become irritated or bleeds easily
  • Its appearance bothers you

Are At-Home Skin Tag Removal Products Safe?

There are several over-the-counter skin tag removal products. But at-home treatments are not safe. There is a higher risk of complications which include:

  • Scars
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection
  • Incomplete skin tag removal, where its likely to come back
  • Incorrectly using a tag remover on a growth that may look like a skin tag, but it is not, such as skin cancer
  • Damage to the healthy surrounding skin

Can Skin Tags Grow Back After a Professional Has Removed the Tags?

If the professional removes the entire skin tag, its not likely to grow back. It is possible, however, to develop new ones.

What are the Professional Methods Used for Skin Tag Removal?

  • A sharp instrument such as a scalpel to shave or cut it off
  • Liquid nitrogen to freeze it
  • Heat (cauterization) to burn it off
  • Electrical current (an electrolysis unit is used) at the base of the skin tag to stop the blood supply.The skin tag will dry up and fall off within a few days.

A Note from Electrolysis by Shelly

There is a good chance you will experience one or more skin tags in your lifetime. Skin tags are non-cancerous, so shouldn’t be cause for concern.

If the appearance of tags bother you, then you can choose to have them removed. Seek skin tag removal from a professional, which will lower the risk of complications and minimizes scarring.

 

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