Skin Tags

Skin tags (Acrochordons), are very common benign skin growths.  They occur more commonly in overweight or diabetic individuals and in people with a family history of skin tags.

 They tend to grow in areas where there are skin folds, such as the underarms, neck, eyelids, and groin.  They are skin colored or brown growths attached to a fleshy stalk.  Usually they are small, but can grow to be much larger.  Skin tags are not painful, but can be bothersome.  People frequently complain skin tags get caught on clothing or jewelry.

 They cause of them is unknown; however, there are several theories.  Irritation or friction to the skin, as occurs with skin rubbing on skin in body folds, may play a role in their formation.

 Skin tags are harmless and do not require removal.  Typical skin tags can be removed for comfort or cosmetic purposes with by scissor excision, electrocautery (burning), or cryosurgery (freezing).