What is a skin tag?
A skin tag is a widespread, harmless condition. It is a piece
of skin that protrudes from the surrounding skin, and may appear
attached. All skin tags can look different. They may be smooth or
irregular, flesh colored or more deeply pigmented, and be either raised
above the adjacent skin or have a stalk (a peduncle) so the tag dangles
from the skin.
Where do skin tags occur?
Skin tags can occur almost anywhere, but are most commonly found on eyelids, necks, armpits (axillae), upper chest, and groin.
Who tends to get skin tags?
Skin tags occur more frequently during middle age, and
they tend to be more common in women than men.
Is a skin tag a tumor?
Yes, it is a tumor (a growth). However, it is benign and is very unlikely to cause harm.
What does a skin tag look like under a microscope?
The top skin layer (epidermis) is grown over by the skin tag
(hyperplasia) and the normally-present collagen fibers in the
underlying layer of skin (the dermis) appear uncharacteristically loose
and distended.
What problems do skin tags cause?
Usually they cause no problems. The growth generally displays no
symptoms unless it is continually irritated (for example, by a collar
or in the crotch).
How are skin tags treated?
In cases in which a skin tag is irritated or cosmetically
unwanted, treatment may be done by freezing the tag with liquid
nitrogen, tying off the tag with a thread or suture (so as to cut off
the blood supply), or cutting off (excising) the tag with a scalpel or
scissors.
Is there another medical name for a skin tag?
A skin tag is medically also termed a cutaneous papilloma or an
acrochordon. However, a skin tag is best known as a skin tag.