Skin Tags

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin. They are usually found on areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin folds, and under the breasts. Skin tags consist of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin and are typically painless and harmless.

Causes of Skin Tags

The exact cause of skin tags is not fully understood, but they are believed to develop due to friction and skin rubbing together. Factors that may contribute to the formation of skin tags include:

• Genetics: A family history of skin tags can increase your likelihood of developing them.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can lead to more skin folds, increasing friction.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or endocrine disorders can promote skin tag growth.
• Insulin Resistance: Individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes may be more prone to skin tags.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Some studies suggest a link between skin tags and HPV.

How Common Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are incredibly common, affecting approximately 25% of adults. They can occur at any age but are more prevalent in middle-aged and older individuals. Both men and women can develop skin tags, and their frequency tends to increase with age. While skin tags are harmless, many people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated.

What Can Be Related with Skin Tags?

Skin tags may be associated with certain health conditions and factors, including:

• Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be linked to skin tag development.
• Aging: As skin loses elasticity over time, skin tags may form more easily.
• High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Some research indicates a correlation between skin tags and elevated cholesterol levels or hypertension.

Treatments for Skin Tags at Pulse Light Clinic

At Pulse Light Clinic, we offer a range of professional treatments to remove skin tags safely and effectively:

• Cryotherapy: This method involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off naturally.
• Laser Removal: A targeted laser beam is used to cauterise the skin tag, minimising damage to surrounding tissue.
• Excision: A minor surgical procedure where the skin tag is carefully cut away using sterile instruments.

Our specialists will assess your skin tags and recommend the most appropriate treatment option based on their size, location, and your personal preferences.