Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, non-cancerous growths that can appear throughout the skin. While they are not dangerous, they may be unsightly, and many people wish to remove them. Skin Dermatology offers skin tag removal in Shrewsbury.

Understanding Skin Tags and Their Appearance

Skin tags are growths that can be found almost anywhere on the body. They are most common in the skin folds such as eyelids, thighs, groin, armpits, and neck. Skin tags are raised growths that are connected to the skin via a stem or stalk called a peduncle.

How Can I Spot a Skin Tag?

The easiest way to identify a skin tag is by locating the peduncle. This is a thin stem that connects the skin tag to the skin. This is the biggest differentiator between a skin tag and other skin growths or moles. Skin tags can vary in their appearance but tend to be small. They can be flesh-colored or darker and can have a smooth or wrinkled texture.

How Do Skin Tags Form?

There has been no confirmed data on precisely what causes skin tags to form. Some things do seem to increase their likelihood, such as friction, pregnancy, HPV, and insulin resistance. Having any of these conditions is not a guarantee you will develop skin tags. Skin tags can occur in both women and men. While they can happen at any age, they are most common in those over the age of fifty.

Who Can Get Skin Tags?

Skin tags can develop in men and women and there is no particular age at which they can start. Your chances of developing a skin tag do increase after the age of 50. There are some other factors that do increase your chances of developing a skin tag. You may be at higher risk if you are: pregnant, overweight, have HPV, or have type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. The risk also increases if you have family members with skin tags.

When To See a Doctor

It is always important to have a doctor examine any new skin growth to ensure they are not cancerous or harmful in any way. Even if you plan to not have a growth removed, it is important to at least have it examined. While skin tags themselves are not inherently dangerous, many skin growths can look similar, so it is important to have them diagnosed. A dermatologist can examine and properly diagnose any growth, including a skin tag. This allows you to have peace of mind and ensure you are staying safe.

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Skin Tag Removal

Because skin tags are not cancerous, there is no medical need to remove them. Though depending on their placement, they may be uncomfortable or cause pain. If you do wish to have them removed, there are skin tag removal in Shrewsbury available:

Ligation

A doctor ties off the skin tag with surgical thread to stop the blood flow to the tag.

Cryotherapy

Some skin tags can be frozen off using liquid nitrogen.

Electrosurgery

This method involved using an electrical current to burn off the skin tag.

Surgical

A doctor can use a scalpel or scissors can be used to remove the skin tag.

While there are home treatments advertised, it is important to have removal procedures done by a doctor. If not appropriately handled, attempted skin tag removal can lead to bleeding or infections.

About Skin Dermatology

Skin Dermatology proudly serves the Shrewsbury and Worcester, MA area, and is run by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alissa Lamoureux. Dr. Lamoureux knows that no two patients are the same and has built Skin Dermatology on that principle. What makes Skin Dermatology unique is that it offers personalized care for patients seeking both medical and cosmetic dermatology treatments. The practice provides patients with premier dermatology care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. If you are interested in skin tag removal in the Worcester, MA area, contact us today!