Acrochordons, or skin tags, are smaller skin growths commonly found in areas where the skin folds and rubs against itself. Some of these areas are the armpits, groin, upper chest, under the breast, eyelids, and neck. What is a skin tag? Well, it is collagen fibers, nerve cells, and small blood vessels that wrap up in the layers of the skin and form the tag. They are normally a few shades lighter or darker than your skin tone and form pieces of tissue called a stalk.
There aren't any symptoms of skin tags, and they usually form without any warning. Skin tags often become painful, irritated, torn, or twisted. This is about the time that you will notice them. It is important to be mindful of them because if they are scratched or rubbed wrong, they can become irritated and possibly bleed. The professionals at DCSI are here to help you understand how to prevent skin tags from showing up on your body.
Skin Tag vs. Wart
It is crucial to understand the difference in appearance, causes, and treatment options when distinguishing between skin tags and warts. Skin tags are usually small, soft, flesh-colored growths that hang off of your skin. They occur in areas where skin folds, such as the neck, underarm, or groin. On the other hand, warts are caused by HPV and can manifest in a variety of forms. Unlike skin tags, warts have a rougher surface and can appear anywhere on your body. Both skin tags or warts are benign, but warts can be contagious and spread to other parts of your body. Treatment options for skin tags are also very different than they are for warts. It is recommended you contact a professional to seek treatment or wart removal.Why Am I Getting Skin Tags?
While the exact cause of skin tags is unclear, there are still many reasons they may appear. One of the main reasons is when there is friction between the skin, like in areas where chaffing is common. Some physical features and conditions that have a higher chance of forming skin tags are:- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- History of skin tags
Skin Tag Prevention
There is no way to guarantee skin tag prevention, but there are a few ways for people who aren’t genetically predisposed to skin tags to take caution. Some ways to reduce the amount of friction on the skin are to lose weight (reducing the skin folds), avoid tight-fitting clothing and jewelry, and also avoid garments or materials that tend to rub against the skin. While there is no guarantee for how to prevent them, our South Florida Dermatology office is here to help with treatments and removals.How to Prevent Skin Tags on Neck
Preventing skin tags that appear on the neck involves understanding what causes skin tags on the neck and how to minimize their occurrence. Skin tags on the neck are often a cause of friction and irritation caused by your skin rubbing against clothing or the skin folds near your neck. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce excess skin folds, and practicing good hygiene by keeping the neck area clean can be some preventative steps. Additionally, you can avoid jewelry or accessories that rub against your neck in addition to regularly moisturizing to make the neck less prone to irritation. By adopting these preventative measures, one can be proactive in preventing skin tags from developing.How to Remove Skin Tags
Skin tags are normally more annoying than they are harmful. Removal is more for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. There are a few procedures to have the skin tags removed:- Cauterization - This is when the skin tag will be burned off using electrolysis
- Ligation - The blood supply to the skin tag is interrupted
- Cryosurgery - Using a probe filled with liquid nitrogen, the skin tag is frozen off
- Excision - By using a scalpel, the tag is cut off