What are skin tags? Causes and treatment options

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A skin tag is a small piece of soft, hanging skin that may have a peduncle, or stalk. They appear most commonly where skin rubs on skin or clothing. Over-the-counter medications and minor surgery can remove them if a person wishes.

Other names are an acrochordon, cutaneous papilloma, cutaneous tag, fibroepithelial polyp, fibroma molluscum, fibroma pendulum, soft fibroma, and Templeton skin tags.

Skin tags are very common and generally occur after midlife. They affect men and women equally.

Fast facts on skin tags

• Skin tags are benign tumors of the skin.
• They commonly occur in creases or folds of the skin.
• They are not dangerous, but they can be removed for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons.
• Methods of skin tag removal include over the counter (OTC) therapies, excision, and cryotherapy.

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Share on PinterestSkin tags are harmless and often removed for cosmetic reasons.
Grook Da Oger, own work, 2012

Skin tags are benign, noncancerous, tumors of the skin. They consist of a core of fibers and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis.

They may appear on the:

• eyelids
• armpits
• under the breasts
• groin
• upper chest
• neck, in the case of papilloma colli

They often go unnoticed, unless they are in a prominent place or are repeatedly rubbed or scratched, for example, by clothing, jewelry, or when shaving.

Some people may have skin tags and never notice them. In some cases, they rub off or fall off painlessly. Very large skin tags may burst under pressure.

The surface of skin tags may be smooth or irregular in appearance. They are often raised from the surface of the skin on fleshy peduncles, or stalks. They are usually flesh-colored or slightly brownish.

Skin tags start small, flattened like a pinhead bump. Some stay small, and some grow bigger. They can range in diameter from 2 millimeters (mm) to 1 centimeter (cm), and some may reach 5cm.

As skin tags are usually harmless, removal is normally for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons.

Large skin tags, especially in areas where they may rub against something, such as clothing, jewelry or skin, may be removed due to irritation.

Removing a large skin tag from the face or under the arms can make shaving easier.

Surgery

The following procedures may be used:

• Cauterization: The skin tag is burned off using electrolysis
• Cryosurgery: The skin tag is frozen off using a probe containing liquid nitrogen
• Ligation: The blood supply to the skin tag is interrupted
• Excision: The tag is cut out with a scalpel

These procedures should only be done by a dermatologist, or specialist skin doctor, or a similarly trained medical professional.

Skin tags on the eyelid, especially those close to the eyelid margin, may have to be removed by an ophthalmologist, or specialist eye doctor.

Removing a skin tag at home is not normally recommended, due to a risk of bleeding and possible infection.

However, very small tags can be removed by tying dental floss or thin cotton thread around the base of the tag to cut off circulation to the tag.

Over-the-counter solutions

Over-the-counter (OTC) solutions are available at pharmacies. These freeze the skin tag, and it will fall off after 7 to 10 days. These may also be purchased online, although it is recommended that professional medical advice is sought before using these treatments.

These medications are similar to those used for wart removal.

There is no evidence that removing skin tags encourages more of them to develop.

It is not clear exactly what causes skin tags, but it may happen when clusters of collagen and blood vessels become trapped inside thicker pieces of skin.

As they are more common in skin creases or folds, they may be mainly caused by skin rubbing against skin.

Some people appear to inherit an increased susceptibility to skin tags.

Skin tags affect people both males and females, but they happen more often during pregnancy, in people who are obese, and in people with diabetes.

They have been associated with hyperinsulinemia, when there is too much insulin circulating in the blood.

Risk factors for skin tags

Skin tags appear to be more common in:

• people who are overweight and obese
• those with diabetes
• women during pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes and high levels of growth factors
• those with some types of human papilloma virus (HPV)
• people with a sex-steroid imbalance, especially if there are changes in levels of estrogen and progesterone
• those whose close family members also have skin tags

Studies have found that skin tags are more likely to occur with:

• obesity
• dyslipidemia, for example, high cholesterol levels
• hypertension, or high blood pressure

They have also been linked to insulin resistance and elevated high-sensitive C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.

This suggests that skin tags may offer an external sign of an increased risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

More rarely, skin tags are rarely associated with:

• Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
• Polycystic ovary syndrome

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by skin tumors, including multiple fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordon, or skin tags. Carcinomas, or cancerous tumors, may also develop in the kidneys and colon.

Skin tag on penis: Causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are soft skin growths that look similar to a deflated balloon. They form on areas of the skin that rub against other skin or clothing. Although skin tags most commonly develop on the neck, chest, armpits, and eyelids, they can also appear on the penis.

Skin tags are relatively common, with estimates suggesting that they affect up to 60% of the population. They are benign growths that rarely lead to severe complications. However, a skin tag on the penis can cause significant discomfort and dissatisfaction.

In this article, we explain how to identify skin tags. We also cover the causes and treatment of skin tags on the penis.

A skin tag, or acrochordon, is a soft skin growth that hangs from a peduncle or stalk. These benign growths can form anywhere on the body, especially in skin folds and areas where the skin rubs against clothing.

Skin tags usually grow on the neck, chest, armpits, and groin.

Skin tags are small, soft skin growths that look similar to a deflated balloon. They range in size, with some as small as 1–2 millimeters and others as long as 1–2 centimeters (cm).

Skin tags also vary in appearance. Some have a smooth surface, while others have an irregular, bumpy texture. Most skin tags protrude from the surface of the skin on fleshy stalks. They can be flesh-colored, orange, brown, or dark grey.

People can develop multiple skin tags at a time. Some people may have three to four skin tags, while others can have 10 or more.

A skin tag is not painful or tender to the touch. However, constant friction from rubbing against other skin or clothing may cause it to bleed, swell, or feel itchy. These symptoms can also occur if a person catches a skin tag on jewelry or other objects.

Skin tags on the penis look similar to genital warts, which are soft growths that develop on the genitals. They occur when a person contracts a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects an estimated 79 million people in the United States.

Unlike genital warts and HPV, skin tags are not contagious. A person cannot transmit genital skin tags through sex with another person.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), genital warts are moist, flesh-colored bumps that appear on the tip of the penis. A skin tag can appear on any part of the penis.

The exact cause of genital skin tags is unclear. Numerous possible factors may contribute to the formation of a skin tag on the penis.

Skin tags often develop in parts of the body with loose skin, such as the penis, because areas of this skin frequently rub together. This constant friction may give rise to a skin tag. Skin tags also occur more often in older adults, which may be because the skin loses moisture and elasticity as people age.

Some research suggests that developing a skin tag on the penis or other areas of the body may indicate an underlying metabolic disorder, such as diabetes.

Experts believe that the following risk factors may contribute to skin tags:

• wearing ill-fitting underwear or pants, as this can lead to constant friction against the penis
• overweight or obesity
• type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
• elevated levels of estrogen, progesterone, or human growth hormone
• a family history of skin tags

In one 2018 study involving 88 adults, researchers found a statistically significant association between skin tags and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

According to a 2020 article, large skin tags usually develop on the groin and genitals. Large skin tags on the penis may lead to significant discomfort.

A skin tag on the penis is not painful unless a person pulls on it or it becomes irritated. A person may accidentally catch a skin tag on clothing or zippers. A skin tag that constantly rubs against other skin or fabric may bleed or become inflamed.

Treatment is not always necessary for a skin tag. Some skin tags eventually fall off on their own. However, people may wish to consult a doctor or dermatologist about removing a skin tag for cosmetic reasons.

A doctor may recommend removing large or inflamed skin tags that cause significant discomfort.

There are numerous home remedies for removing skin tags. Many of these methods involve weakening the stalk of a skin tag or cutting the blood supply.

Some of these methods include using string, creams, freezing kits, or oils. However, people should speak to a doctor before attempting to remove skin tags on their own. Improper skin tag removal can lead to bleeding, scarring, and infection.

Skin tag removal methods that a doctor may use include:

• Excision: A doctor will cut the skin tag and stalk with a scalpel.
• Cryosurgery: This procedure involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen.
• Cauterization: A doctor will burn off the skin tag using a small device called a cautery.
• Ligation: Tying a wire around the base of the skin tag restricts its blood supply. Without adequate blood flow, the skin tag will die and fall off.

As skin tags are not harmful, doctors typically see their removal as cosmetic, so health insurance plans are unlikely to cover this procedure.

Skin tags are benign skin growths that pose minimal risk for long lasting or severe complications. However, skin tags can lead to discomfort.

As the exact cause of skin tags is not clear, there are no guaranteed methods for preventing them.

However, the following tips may help minimize the occurrence of skin tags in some people:

• wearing properly fitted clothing and undergarments
• maintaining a moderate body weight
• regulating blood glucose levels
• treating underlying hormonal imbalances

A person should see a doctor for a skin tag that is:

• 2 cm or larger
• located in a sensitive area
• painful or tender to the touch
• bleeding
• inflamed

People should seek medical attention for any type of skin growth that suddenly changes in shape, size, or appearance.

A skin tag on the penis is not a medical emergency. However, these benign growths can lead to discomfort and pain if they have exposure to continual friction.

Although some skin tags fall off on their own without medical treatment, a person may wish to consult a doctor about treatment options for a skin tag larger than 1 cm.

People should not attempt to remove a skin tag at home. Doing so can lead to bleeding, scarring, and even skin infections.

Hanging moles: treatment, causes.

Contents

What is it?

Causes of occurrence

Who is at risk?

What is the danger?

Should I remove it?

How can I remove it?

In medicine, this phenomenon is called a “fibroepithelial polyp” or “papilloma”, but to many it is known as a “hanging mole”.

What is it?

Hanging moles are mostly benign tumors. The color of moles may differ from skin tone, most often they are darker. Hanging moles can appear on the skin throughout a person’s life. Formed on all parts of the body, but more often all of this:

• neck;
• person;
• chest;
• groin;
• armpits.

The localization of moles in these places is facilitated by thin skin, which is subjected to constant friction, which leads to the accumulation of pigmentation cells. The growths are small, about 2-5 mm. It is extremely rare to find formations reaching a length of several centimeters.

Causes

Hanging moles appear at different stages of a person’s life. Therefore, it is quite difficult to unambiguously answer what hanging moles appear in one particular case. Many doctors call the cause of hormonal changes that constantly occur in the human body. For example:

1. In children, hanging moles begin to appear during puberty.
2. And in women – during pregnancy, when the hormonal background becomes unstable.
3. Hormonal disorders during menopause.

Among the other reasons for the appearance of hanging growths, it is worth highlighting the following:

1. Genetics. If one of the parents has hanging growths, then with a high probability they will be in the child. Moreover, not only the predisposition to moles is inherited, but also their location on the body.
2. Ultraviolet radiation. People who constantly stay in the sun produce a large amount of pigment – melanin. It is he who is responsible for the appearance of new formations and the darkening of existing ones.
3. Stress. Constant stress contributes to the release of adrenaline, which affects the metabolic processes in the epidermis. Therefore, it is often said that many diseases are from nerves, papillomas are no exception.
4. Mechanical damage to the skin. For example, severe burns, insect bites, cuts and scratches.
5. Presence of human papillomavirus in the body. Refusal of treatment can contribute to the transformation of hanging moles into cancer.

The appearance of hanging moles can also provoke other diseases: diabetes, Coca’s disease, and so on.

Who is at risk?

Most people who are faced with the appearance of colored growths do not go to the doctor, since such moles are considered benign formations. It is important to remember that such neoplasms must be monitored. If melanin in them begins to produce, then there is a risk of developing a malignant tumor – melanoma.

The risk group includes:

• fair-skinned people;
• those who have received a chemical or thermal burn;
• who abuses tanning in the sun or in a solarium.

A person who has the following symptoms should consult a doctor:

• processes exude fluid or pus;
• mole hurts and itches;
• the neoplasm has turned black or has sharply changed its color;
• crust forms on the surface and peels off.

You should not postpone a visit to the doctor if the size and shape of the process have changed, bleeding has occurred.

What is the danger?

In addition to the degeneration of the process into melanoma, hanging moles cause discomfort and can be dangerous in everyday life. Sometimes a person may accidentally touch a mole with clothing or a hand and rip it off. This will cause bleeding that is often difficult to stop. Hanging processes on the neck are unsafe, since this part of the body is constantly subjected to mechanical stress. You can damage the mole in this place with the help of a jacket collar or jewelry – a chain, beads, a necklace.

Often, a damaged mole on the neck dries up and falls off on its own, but if injured, an infection can get into the wound. After this growth:

• become swollen;
• will get sick;
• there will be a risk of cancer cells multiplying in it.

If the mole on the neck was nevertheless damaged, the injured area should be treated with hydrogen peroxide and consult a doctor. Hanging growths on the back are also dangerous. They are easily damaged by scratching. Quite often, people find out about the presence of moles on the back after they have been damaged, since they are not conspicuous. The processes in the groin and under the arms greatly complicate the process of hygiene. They are easy to tear off when shaving and cause an inflammatory process. Owners of such moles will have to give up tight-fitting underwear that can damage the moles.

Should I delete it?

An oncologist or dermatologist can give an answer to the question of what to do with a hanging mole. The specialist will examine the patient’s skin and prescribe one of several diagnostic methods:

• cytology;
• microscopy;
• histology.

Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will prescribe treatment or removal of the neoplasm.

How can I remove it?

For advice on how to remove a hanging mole, you can turn to traditional or surgical medicine.

Traditional medicine considers the possibility of removing neoplasms only in hospitals or special cosmetic clinics. Several options for removing growths:

1. Cryodestruction is a method in which a mole is exposed to liquid nitrogen, as a result of which it freezes and falls off. This fast and effective removal method is suitable for large sprouts. The disadvantage of cryodestruction can be considered that a scar remains on the skin, which can only be removed by plastic surgery.
2. Laser correction is one of the safest and fastest ways to remove. Does not leave scars on the skin, so this method can be used on any part of the body. The laser beam acts on the build-up and burns it out. A depression remains at the site of the growth, which disappears after a couple of weeks. Removal occurs without any bleeding and infection.
3. Electrocoagulation – I act on the growth with a special device, on the handle of which there is a metal thread, a current passes through it. This thread heats up and cuts off the mole. The cut site does not bleed, which eliminates infection and inflammation. However, the patient may experience pain. Local anesthesia is required to remove them.
4. Surgical excision. They are used when it is necessary to obtain neoplasm material and send it for analysis. Used for large and potentially dangerous hanging neoplasms. During the procedure, local anesthesia is used. Scars and incomplete removal of the neoplasm are possible.

A specific method can only be chosen by a doctor, after a preliminary study of the neoplasm.

For the treatment of growths, there are special drugs that can be used at home:

1. Stefalin is an ointment of vegetable origin. The drug is applied only to the mole, and the skin around it must be protected from ointment. Apply twice a day.
2. Malavit is a herbal remedy. The agent is transferred to a cotton swab or cotton pad, and then the necessary area is treated. Then the mole is sealed with a plaster, and the procedure is repeated every two days.
3. Kollomak is a drug that helps to remove small moles. It acts on the epithelium, softening it, after which the processes fall off.

Before proceeding with self-treatment, it is necessary to find out the nature of the hanging growth. It is important to remember that traditional medicines and drugs purchased without a doctor’s prescription may have contraindications and side effects. A consultation with a specialist is shown to every person who has hanging moles.

Why papilloma occurs and how to remove it

The skin is the largest organ in the body.

The skin of an adult will easily cover an area of ​​2 m².

Many neoplasms are located on it, from moles to papillomas.

Papillomas are growths that grow on the outer layer of the skin and look like elongated finger-shaped warts. Size – up to 3 mm. Most of them are benign. But there are also malignant papillomas that are life-threatening.

These neoplasms grow not only on exposed skin, but also occur on the genitals, in the thoracic duct and mucous membrane, the inner part of the eyelid.

Why does papilloma occur?

The cause is the human papillomavirus or HPV. This is the name of an extensive family of viruses, which consists of more than 150 types.

All papillomaviruses are usually divided into high and low risk types – this is how the probability of cancer is estimated. The most dangerous types are 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68 and 69th. But even they do not guarantee cancer. Studies have shown that the virus is more likely to cause papillomas when other risk factors are present.

How to remove papilloma ?

Get rid of neoplasms by various methods, from surgical removal to laser burning. Sometimes surgery is not needed. Papillomas disappear on their own. But doctors recommend removing dangerous types of HPV as soon as possible to protect against cancer.

It is important to know how the virus is transmitted.

Ways of HPV infection

Human papillomavirus is widespread among the adult population. We are talking about millions of people.

Only a few of them know for sure that they are sick with HPV, while the rest of the virus does not manifest itself in any way. A healthy immune system suppresses its activity. The virus is biding its time. As soon as the immune system is weakened, HPV begins to multiply actively. An insidious and dangerous enemy for any organism.

Who is the carrier of papillomavirus ?

Every sick person. Even in a suppressed state, the virus can be transmitted in many ways. Most often – sexually.

Condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV – they only cover part of the skin, and transmission of the virus remains possible. Many become infected with several types of the virus at once from different sexual partners.

Here is another way papillomavirus is transmitted:

• Infection of the child from the mother during childbirth
• Blood transfusion
• Transfer of HPV from one area of ​​skin to another
• Shared use of towels, toothbrushes and other hygiene items
• Non-sterile surgical procedures

Note that HPV carriers with clear skin can also become infected. And if the skin and mucous membranes are damaged, then the risk of virus penetration increases many times over.

Other risk factors:

• Multiple sexual partners
• Weakened immunity
• Genitourinary infections
• Alcoholism and smoking
• Pregnancy

Remember where the human papillomavirus comes from and why it successfully invades the body. Eliminate at least some of the risk factors, and the likelihood of infection will decrease.

Why papillomas become inflamed

The appearance of neoplasms on the skin is a cause for concern in itself. But when they also become inflamed, even the most carefree people will not leave this unattended.

Why papilloma becomes inflamed?

Most often due to damage. For example, a person combed it too hard with his nails or cut it with a razor. Or even rubbed with clothes. Lots of options.

Bacteria enter through wounds on the surface of neoplasms. That is why the papilloma darkens, turns red, swells or bleeds. Of course, this will not happen instantly. But without proper care for damaged formations, they quickly become inflamed and start to hurt.

Injuries are the main, but not the only, cause of swelling and redness of papillomas. Sometimes causes symptoms:

• Frequent change of sexual partners
• Hormonal imbalance
• Long exposure to sunlight
• Severe stress

Regularly check for papillomas, especially under the armpits, on the neck and groin, so as not to miss warning symptoms.

When to remove papilloma

Neoplasms with HPV do not always cause problems – they appear only when immunity is weakened, they rarely hurt and rarely become inflamed.

Should papilloma be removed?

Depends on her condition and the type of virus.

It is definitely worth removing the papilloma if it has degenerated into a malignant formation. This is indicated by inflammation of the neoplasm and characteristic symptoms:

• Redness and drying
• Pain
• Temperature rise to 37.5 degrees
• Bleeding
• Suppuration
• Shape and color change

The combination of several signs usually signals the degeneration of papilloma.

Delete it quickly.

HPV neoplasms of low oncogenic risk are not dangerous. Yes, they may look repulsive, but as long as they are intact, they will not cause health problems. They can also be removed. For example, if you need to remove papillomas on the face.

The decision to operate must be made by a doctor. He will examine the neoplasms and determine the treatment method that suits you.

Sometimes they disappear on their own. Therefore, rushing to the beauty salon for the urgent removal of each papilloma is not worth it.

To summarize, the main reasons for eliminating neoplasms are:

• Rebirth
• Injury and inflammation
• Cosmetic nuisance

Removing papillomas is useless without fighting the virus itself. Simultaneously with the attack on neoplasms, strengthen the immune system – this way you guarantee that young neoplasms will not stand up as a mountain to replace the dead.

Who treats HPV

So, neoplasms have grown on the skin, they interfere with wearing clothes, are damaged and inflamed. We need to deal with them.

Which doctor treats papillomas ?

Skin growths should be examined by a dermatologist who specializes in skin diseases. He will check the condition of the papillomas and say whether they can be removed or not.

Or order more tests.

Sometimes one examination is not enough for an accurate diagnosis. The dermatologist knows which analysis for papilloma will help determine the degree of threat.

If degeneration is suspected, he will perform a dermatoscopy.

What did dermatoscopy show?

The assumption about cancer is either confirmed or refuted. Most of the time everything is fine.

But if cancer cells are found, then the patient will no longer be treated by a dermatologist. He will write a referral to an oncologist – a specialist in malignant tumors.

But most likely papillomas will not show signs of degeneration. Then the dermatologist will continue the treatment.

The doctor will offer different options for the removal of papillomas – from surgery to the use of a laser.

Contact a dermatologist if neoplasms:

• Have grown in uncomfortable places – on the neck, groin, armpits
• Inflamed, bleeding, darkening and growing
• Popped up on the face and create cosmetic problems

The doctor will choose a treatment method depending on the location and condition of the growths.

How to get rid of HPV

How to get rid of papilloma ?

There are many options.

It is not necessary to start the fight with a surgical intervention or other operation. Dermatologists treat inflamed manifestations of HPV with drugs:

• Antiseptics

Used to treat the damaged surface of neoplasms.

• Antivirals

Weaken the activity of the virus in the body and reduce the likelihood of recurrence of papillomas.

• Immunity enhancers

Strengthen the body’s defense systems, which increases the chances of recovery from HPV.

• Antibiotics

Used to treat purulent and infected neoplasms.

Which drugs the doctor prescribes depends on the individual case. For some patients, it is enough to strengthen the immune system to overcome the virus, while others need a powerful bombardment of papillomas with antibiotics and antiseptics.

Total.

In many cases, after a drug course, papillomas simply dry up and fall off. And new growths do not appear.

Sometimes medicines don’t help.

Then doctors perform procedures and completely remove papillomas. Options available to patients:

• Surgery

The doctor cuts off tumors with a scalpel. The operation is performed under local anesthesia and is virtually painless.

• Cryosurgery

The doctor treats papillomas with liquid nitrogen, after which they die, dry up and fall off in just a few days.

• Laser destruction

A dermatologist destroys tumor cells with a laser beam. Neighboring vessels are cauterized, and bleeding does not occur.

• Electrocoagulation

Papillomas are treated with high frequency current. Their tissues are dying. The method is not very popular, since the likelihood of residual scarring is high.

It is not possible to pinpoint the best method for eradicating HPV manifestations. It is important to take into account the location of the neoplasms – it is more difficult to remove papilloma on the eyelid than on the arms or chest.

Where to contact?

Any dermatologist will examine the growths and prescribe treatment.

The operation is more complicated. Not every medical center has the right equipment for laser hair removal.

We recommend contacting the LaserSweet clinic.

Experienced dermatologists of the first and highest category work here, who have managed to examine over 100,000 people. They have been treating skin diseases for over 17 years.