[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/what-are-skin-tags\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/what-are-skin-tags\/","headline":"What Are Skin Tags? (And Can You Remove Them?)","name":"What Are Skin Tags? (And Can You Remove Them?)","description":"If you're wondering what are skin tags, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know, plus information on how to remove skin tags.","datePublished":"2018-04-12","dateModified":"2022-10-19","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","name":"Dermatology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/dermatology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Skin-Tags.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Skin-Tags.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/what-are-skin-tags\/","about":["Skin Care"],"wordCount":809,"keywords":["dermatologic diseases","skin diseases","skin tags","UPMC's Department of Dermatology"],"articleBody":"Updated November 14, 2019If you’ve noticed a small, flesh-colored or brown growth on your skin, you’re not alone. In fact, you might have a skin tag, one of the most common skin conditions.Skin tags are thought to occur in almost half of adults, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. They grow most often in areas with skin folds.While skin folds are benign and do not have to be removed, there are several available removal options.Expert dermatology care in Pennsylvania, whenever you need it. Learn more about eDermatology from UPMC. Exactly What Are Skin Tags?Skin tags, formally known as acrochordons, are small pieces of flesh that protrude from your skin. They\u2019re attached through a stem or stalk and are typically the same color as your skin. In comparison, moles are raised spots that have a different pigmentation than your skin.Skin tags are most commonly found in folds of skin. That includes areas such as:NeckArmpitsGroinEyelidsUpper trunkUnder the breastsSkin tags appear commonly in both men and women and usually appear in people of middle age. While these growths aren\u2019t painful, daily movement can produce friction, which may irritate them.If you wish to have a consult or are unsure about whether your skin condition is a skin tag, you can visit eDermatology.upmc.com.\u201cSeek medical treatment if you wish to have these skin tags removed,\u201d says Autumn Moorhead, RN, BSN, a professional staff nurse in UPMC\u2019s Department of Dermatology. \u201cOtherwise, monitor any skin lesion for any changes in asymmetry, border irregularity, color, diameter, and evolution.\u201dWhat Causes Skin Tags?While the exact\u00a0causes of skin tags are unknown, a couple of factors may predispose you to them. Research published in the Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences highlighted two proven determinants:Age: Skin tags occur most often in middle-aged and older people.Body mass index: Skin tags were associated with people with high BMIs. Maintaining a healthy weight, therefore, is a good way to ensure you\u2019re doing what you can to prevent skin tags.Other potential factors that could lead to skin tags include:Body friction: Skin rubbing against skin, like what happens in skin folds, could play a role.Diabetes: Insulin resistance is considered a potential factor for skin tags to develop.Human papillomavirus: A study of people with skin tags found a significant number had HPV.Family historyHow to Remove Skin TagsIt is not medically necessary for skin tags to be removed, Moorhead says. But some people might choose removal if the skin tags become bothersome, or for cosmetic reasons. Your doctor will determine the best treatment.Here are your removal options:Severing With the help of surgical scissors or a scalpel, your doctor cuts your skin tag off. This method may require stitches to heal.Freezing Doctors spray or swab a small amount of liquid nitrogen onto your skin tag. The element conveniently freezes the tissue, with little discomfort. With this treatment, the skin usually heals on its own, although there may be a small blister at first.Burning If your doctor prefers to superheat the tissue to remove the skin tag, he or she will likely use electricity conducted through a wire. The heat burns the stem of the growth and facilitates a cleaner healing process. The heat is used to prevent bleeding.Burning off the skin tag may cause some pain, but your doctor will use an anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure. The heat is used to prevent bleeding, but some bleeding may occur. No scars or marks usually result from burning.Should You Remove Skin Tags at Home?If you’re wondering how to remove skin tags yourself, you’re not alone. Many people try to get rid of them at home, which is a bad idea.“There is the risk of infection and bleeding,” Moorhead says. “Also, any lesion that is removed should be sent to pathology to confirm that it is of benign nature.”Permanent scarring is another risk of home removal.Cutting or burning any part of your skin intentionally can lead to infection and permanent scarring. Instead, contact a dermatologist to get the proper care.Skin tags themselves are usually harmless. However, according to the American Academy of Dermatologists, having numerous skin tags can be an indication of a systemic internal imbalance, like diabetes. That’s why you should talk with your doctor, even if your skin tags aren’t bothering you.For more information, make an appointment with the experts at UPMC’s Department of Dermatology, who diagnose and treat all types of skin conditions and dermatologic diseases.Sources reviewed for this articleAutumn Moorhead, BSN, RNAmerican Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Skin Tags (retrieved from https:\/\/www.aocd.org\/page\/SkinTags)"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Are Skin Tags? (And Can You Remove Them?)","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/what-are-skin-tags\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]