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Skin tags are harmless growths on a human body, mainly caused by skin rubbing against clothing or jewellery.
Resembling a mole, skin tags range in size and are mostly the same colour as the skin.
Even if not everyone has them, skin tags (medically known as acrochordons) are very common in people. They are usually considered harmless growths that can appear anywhere on the skin, including the neck, eyelids, or underarms. Resembling a mole, they range in size and are mostly the same colour as the skin. While the exact causes behind such growths are still unknown, some common contributing factors could be aging, genetics, obesity, diabetes, or any sort of skin rubbing due to clothing, jewelry, or any other activity. But the main question remains: Are skin tags cancerous?
According to the National Cancer Institute, these skin growths are usually non-cancerous. They appear as small, raised, brown, or skin-coloured bumps in areas where the skin folds. They normally do not cause any pain and do not grow or change but can become painful if rubbed or scratched aggressively. Also, they are most common in adults and those who are overweight or have diabetes.
But there are a few things that one should notice about their tags and bring to the attention of the doctors.
- If the tags are growing out irregularly.
- If they are changing colours to a noticeable extent.
- If the tags are bleeding frequently without rubbing.
- If they have grown out and start causing pain.
In such cases, people can often mistake cancerous lesions for skin tags; thus, medical supervision can help to determine the facts accurately.
Should You Remove Skin Tags?
Skin tags rarely pose any major health concern. But one can still choose to get them removed due to cosmetic reasons or because they are causing irritation and discomfort. The only safe and proper way to remove the tags is by visiting professionals who would remove them through relevant procedures.
- SurgeryThe professional will simply cut off the extra growth with a surgical scissor or a razor after numbing the areas.
- CryosurgeryIn this procedure, the tag is frozen with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off after a few days.
- ElectrosurgeryDermatologists use direct heat from an electric current source to burn off the skin tag.
While all these methods are safe and not very painful, dermatologists eventually make the decision on the basis of a person’s skin condition and tag size. Despite the lowest chance of developing cancers through skin tags, one should still take proactive steps and be vigilant to prevent any unwanted guests and maintain cancer-free skin.
