Skin Tags

WHAT ARE SKIN TAGS? 

These  irregularities will take the same tone as your usual skin-colour, and are small growths that  hang from the surface. They are not usually found to be harmful, but often cause aesthetic  concern, and may bleed if caught on clothing. Skin tags can develop on anyone of any age,  often in the folds of the skin. 

WHAT CAUSES SKIN TAGS? 

Skin tags are made up of a combination of collagen (a natural protein produced in the body)  and blood vessels. The growth will develop as a result of the skin rubbing together, which is 

why they are commonly found in places such as: the armpits, groin and around the neck.  Skin tags may be more likely to develop on people who are overweight, due to the likelihood  of more folds in the skin, as well as those who are affected by diabetes. Hormonal changes  can also influence the development of a skin tag, a concern experienced by pregnant  women in particular.  

HOW ARE THEY TREATED? 

Treatment for a skin tag will involve a cosmetic procedure whereby the skin tag is removed.  At Dr Grace Kelly we do this using the Cryopen – a handheld device that freezes the core  tissues. This treatment works to cut off the blood supply to the skin tag, which will then  effectively ‘die’ and naturally fall off the skin. This can occasionally happen on its own if the  skin tag becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply by itself. This method is found to be safe  and effective but does not give a guarantee that another skin tag won’t form on another area  of the body. Removing the skin tag can restore a smooth surface of the skin, and the chance  of potential bleeding and irritation.