Skin Tags
Skin tags are very common harmless lesions that appear to hang off the skin and develop in both men and women as they grow older. They are considered a benign tumor that forms primarily in areas where the skin forms creases, such as the neck, armpits and groin. Why and how skin tags form is not entirely known, but there are correlations with age and obesity.
A skin tag's characteristic appearance is soft, easily moveable, flesh-colored or slightly darker and usually attached to the skin surface by a stalk.
Removing skin tags is not an issue. There are several removal methods available. While skin tags can be removed at home, it’s recommended that you visit a doctor to have them removed. Skin tags can be removed for cosmetic reasons by the following methods:
• Cryotherapy (freezing) • Surgical excision (often with scissors) • Electrosurgery (diathermy) • Ligation (a suture is tied around the neck of the skin tag)Be aware that the removal of skin tags is generally considered a cosmetic problem, and many insurance companies won’t cover the procedure.
In conclusion, the skin tag is normally a harmless lesion that is relatively easy to remove or have removed. It normally takes on the appearance of a piece of loose, dangly skin that’s often found in areas where the skin forms creases, (neck, armpit, etc). It’s suggested that you visit a doctor to have a skin tag removed, but these can often be removed at home.