
Where Do Skin Tags Come From and What Can I Do About Them?

As far as skin conditions go, skin tags aren’t exactly what we’d call serious — they’re mostly harmless growths that about half of people develop at some point in their lives.
While skin tags might be low on the threat scale, they can pose problems in terms of comfort and aesthetics. Many people find them to be unwelcome additions that they want removed.
The good news is that our skilled team at Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Juan-Carlos Caballero, can make quick work of skin tags.
So, let’s dive into skin tags — including where they come from and how we can banish them from your body in mere seconds.
Common causes of skin tags
A skin tag is simply a growth made of extra skin that tends to develop in response to friction. This is why skin tags, which are medically known as acrochordons, are most often found in areas where your skin rubs itself, such as:
- Under breasts
- Armpits
- Groin area
- Eyelids
- Neck
- Genitals
Skin tags can also crop up if there’s something else that rubs your skin, such as a necklace that you wear on a daily basis. While they’re mostly a response to friction, skin tags can also appear in areas with little friction, such as along your back.
Risk factors for skin tags
Certain factors can increase your risk of getting skin tags, such as being overweight. These extra pounds can lead to more folds of skin, which create more friction that sets the stage for skin tags. Other factors associated with skin tags include:
- Age — skin tags develop more in people 40 and older
- Having diabetes
- Having high cholesterol
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- A family history of skin tags
When it comes to gender, skin tags affect men and women equally.
Getting rid of skin tags
If you’re not thrilled with these new additions to your body, we’ve got you covered. We’ve equipped ourselves with several technologies that can tackle a wide range of minor skin irregularities, such as skin tags.
Small tags can be quickly snipped or removed with electrocauterization. There are also tools like the PlasmaPen and Lamprobe 4000 that offer non-invasive solutions with no numbing or anesthesia needed, since the treatments are incredibly quick and well-tolerated by most patients. Best of all, these solutions work for all skin types.
There’s no special preparation for treatment: When you come to our office, we’ll make you comfortable and then we’ll quickly treat your unwanted skin tags. Afterward, you’re free to get on with your day, as there’s no downtime.
So, if you’d like to say goodbye to skin tags, it’s time to contact Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center in Warrenton, Virginia: Give us a call at 540-341-1900 today, or request an appointment online at your convenience.
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