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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Skin Tags?

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Posted on Sat, 12 Jul 2014
Question: I've got a problem with skin tags. What can you tell about them?
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Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Skins tags are Benign.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic.

Technically called 'Acrochordons', tags are small skin-colored or slightly darker growths that hang off the skin. These things are common and pretty harmless. They can grow up to a few cm in size but are normally a few millimeter in size. They are usually found on the neck, in the armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.

Anyone can develop them, but they are common in the elderly. We don't always know WHY they develop though. The theory is that skin tags grow where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This would explain why they tend to affect overweight people who have excess folds of skin and skin chafing.

The only situations where you may want to get them surgically removed is if they are unsightly and affect your self-esteem, or if they snag on clothing or jewellery and bleed. It's a minor procedure that does not need more than local anasthesia and MAYBE some sedation depending on the where the tag is. Somethtimes they can be burnt or frozen off.

Don't try and remove these things yourself without some guidance from a doctor, they bleed heavily.

I hope this helps, Feel free to follow-up on this or anything else.

Vinay
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (19 hours later)
Thanks for the summary. Very helpful and provides that piece of mind so important to managing one's health.

dm
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Always Happy to Help

Detailed Answer:
Hey thanks. Lemme know if you need anything else.

Vin
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 544 Questions

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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Skin Tags?

Brief Answer: Skins tags are Benign. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic. Technically called 'Acrochordons', tags are small skin-colored or slightly darker growths that hang off the skin. These things are common and pretty harmless. They can grow up to a few cm in size but are normally a few millimeter in size. They are usually found on the neck, in the armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks. Anyone can develop them, but they are common in the elderly. We don't always know WHY they develop though. The theory is that skin tags grow where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This would explain why they tend to affect overweight people who have excess folds of skin and skin chafing. The only situations where you may want to get them surgically removed is if they are unsightly and affect your self-esteem, or if they snag on clothing or jewellery and bleed. It's a minor procedure that does not need more than local anasthesia and MAYBE some sedation depending on the where the tag is. Somethtimes they can be burnt or frozen off. Don't try and remove these things yourself without some guidance from a doctor, they bleed heavily. I hope this helps, Feel free to follow-up on this or anything else. Vinay