Skin Tags

Skin Tags

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, harmless, flesh-colored outgrowths of normal skin. These lesions tend to form in places where the skin experiences friction such as the armpits, neck folds, under the breasts, or in the groin folds. There is no test for diagnosing skin tags, but a dermatologist can diagnose skin tags clinically. 

People have a higher likelihood of getting skin tags as they get older. People who are overweight, diabetic, or pregnant also have a greater chance of getting skin tags. Skin tags can sometimes run in families.

How are skin tags treated?

Skin tags are usually not treated. However, you can seek advice and treatment from your dermatologist if the skin tag becomes painful, irritated, or changes color. Treatment options include freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen, snipping the skin tag off with surgical scissors, or burning the tag off with a procedure called electrodessication. After complete removal of skin tags, the area can sometimes bleed, and your doctor may use aluminum chloride, silver nitrate, or electrocautery to stop the bleeding. Please note that silver nitrate may cause permanent skin discoloration, so you will want to discuss this option with your dermatologist prior to use. Skin tags that are removed are unlikely to recur, but new ones can develop in the surrounding areas.

Skin tag look-alikes

Sometimes skin tags can be confused with other growths such as neurofibromas, intradermal nevi, or even a skin cancer like basal cell cancer. It is important to talk to your dermatologist about any bleeding or non-healing lesions on your skin. A biopsy can be done to help differentiate a skin tag from a concerning diagnosis.

Our dermatologists can assess and treat your skin tags.