Skin Tags (Acrochordons)
Skin tags are benign, harmless growths that appear on the surface of the skin. While they do not pose a medical threat, their appearance or location can be a source of irritation for many.
What Are Skin Tags (Acrochordons)?
Skin tags (acrochordons) are common, benign soft skin growths that look like a small piece of soft, hanging skin. They typically occur in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, and eyelids. They are harmless and non-cancerous.
While medically harmless, these growths can be cosmetically bothersome for patients in Denver who lead active lifestyles. Whether it is rubbing against hiking gear on the weekends or catching on heavy winter layers, friction often aggravates these growths.
Professional Treatment
Core Dermatology specializes in the safe, effective assessment and treatment of benign growths like skin tags. If a skin growth is bothering you and you would like it removed, reach out to us today.
Common Symptoms & Identification
Identifying a skin tag is usually straightforward based on specific visual characteristics. Key features include:
- Color: They are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker than the surrounding skin.
- Structure: They are pedunculated, meaning they hang off the skin by a small, narrow stalk.
- Texture: They feel soft to the touch, distinct from rough warts or flat moles.
- Sensation: They are usually painless but can become red or irritated if subjected to friction.
It is crucial to confirm that a growth is indeed a skin tag. A dermatologist should offer comprehensive skin checks to differentiate benign tags from more serious conditions common in high-altitude environments like Denver, such as basal cell carcinoma.
What Causes Skin Tags to Form?
Skin tags generally form due to friction caused by skin rubbing against skin or clothing. Genetics, hormonal changes, and insulin resistance can also play significant roles in their development. They are most frequently found in skin folds where constant rubbing occurs.
In Denver, local environmental factors often exacerbate friction-based causes. The necessity of heavy layering (scarves and turtlenecks) during cold winters, combined with tight-fitting athletic wear (sports bras and running gear) for active summers, creates the perfect environment for skin tags to develop.
Professional Treatment Options
Professional removal is quick and effective using several medical methods. Common treatments include:
Cryotherapy
Freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen (Ideal for smaller tags).
Electrodesiccation
Using a precise electric current to burn and seal the stalk.
Using medical-grade scissors or scalpels for larger tags to ensure immediate, complete removal.
Risks of At-Home Removal (DIY)
Medical experts do not recommend cutting off skin tags at home due to the high risk of infection, uncontrolled bleeding, and scarring. DIY removal methods often fail to remove the entire stalk, leading to potential regrowth or complications.
While it is tempting to try home remedies, the dry Denver climate can make wounds slower to heal or more prone to visible scarring if not treated sterilly. Core Dermatology utilizes sterile equipment to prevent infection and minimize aesthetic damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Skin Tags
Does insurance cover skin tag removal?
Generally, no, as it is considered cosmetic. However, if the tag is bleeding or symptomatic, coverage varies.
Do skin tags grow back after removal?
The specific tag removed does not grow back, but you may develop new ones.
Is skin tag removal painful?
Discomfort is minimal, and liquid nitrogen treatment does not require numbing. If electrocautery or scissor excision is used, the area is first injected with a local anesthetic before the skin tag is removed.