Skin Tag
Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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Skin Tags: Should They Be Removed?
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
 A friend of mine has a history of
basal cell carcinoma (a benign type of skin cancer), and recently we were discussing skin protection from the sun. We then
began discussing what types of skin surface abnormalities should be checked by a
doctor, and which ones are very common and are in general, not a concern.
The discussion boiled down to: how does she (or for that matter you as a
viewer), determine whether it is a mole,
actinic
keratosis, or skin tag? And
what types of skin abnormalities should you be concerned about?
Skin tags are one such skin abnormality, and they are
also very common. Skin tags - small portions of skin that appear to be
attached to or protrude from normal skin - are a common benign condition of the
skin. Usually just a few millimeters in diameter, skin tags vary in appearance.
Some are the same color as surrounding skin while others are hyperpigmented
(darker than surrounding skin). In most cases, they are attached to the
underlying skin by a small band of tissue called a stalk or peduncle.
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What is a skin tag?
A skin tag is a common, acquired benign skin growth that looks like a small piece of hanging skin. Skin tags are often described as bits of skin- or flesh-colored tissue that projects from the surrounding skin from a small, narrow stalk. They typically occur in characteristic locations including the neck, underarms, eyelids, and under the breasts (especially where underwire bras rub directly beneath the breasts). Although skin tags may vary somewhat in appearance, they are usually smooth or slightly wrinkled and irregular, flesh-colored or slightly more brown, and hang from the skin by a small stalk. Early or beginning skin tags may be as small as a flattened pinpoint-sized bump around the neck. Some skin tags may be as large as a big grape.
Where do skin tags occur?
Skin tags can occur almost anywhere there is skin. However, favorite areas for tags are the eyelids, neck, armpits, upper chest (particularly under the female breasts), and groin folds. Tags are typically thought to occur in characteristic locations where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
Who tends to get skin tags?
Nearly half of the population is reported to have skin tags at some time. Although tags are generally acquired (not present at birth) and may occur in anyone, more often they arise in adulthood. They are much more common in middle age and they tend to increase in prevalence up to age 60. Children and toddlers may also develop skin tags in the underarm and neck areas. Since they are thought to arise more readily in areas of skin friction or rubbing, tags are also more common in overweight people.
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| Picture of skin tags |
Hormone elevations, such as those seen during pregnancy, may cause an increase in
the formation of skin tags, as skin tags are more frequent in pregnant women. Tags may be easily removed during or after pregnancy.
Skin tags are a benign condition and not directly associated with any other major medical conditions,
since tags are commonly found on healthy people.
Next: Is a skin tag a tumor? »
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