Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
Skin tags are harmless growths that can appear anywhere on your body, although they commonly develop on the neck, eyelids, or underarms. They may match your skin color or be darker in hue, with some appearing pink and others turning red when irritated. You might find one skin tag hanging from a stalk, while another is firmly attached to the skin.
However, it is essential to have a dermatology specialist assess your skin before having any skin tags removed. In rare cases, skin tags can exhibit concerning features, so it is advisable to send a sample for histological analysis if needed. Skin tags can be assessed at The York Skin Clinic.
Skin tags vary in shape and size, which can lead to confusion with warts or even skin cancer. This serves as another important reason to consult a dermatology specialist for an accurate assessment.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are benign growths that can develop in both men and women as they age. They can be skin-colored or darker, with sizes ranging from 1 mm to 5 cm. Commonly, skin tags are found in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. They tend to be more prevalent in individuals who are obese and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Why Do I Get Skin Tags?
The exact cause of skin tags remains unknown; however, several factors may contribute to their development, including:
Chafing and irritation from skin rubbing against each other
Elevated levels of growth factors, especially during pregnancy or in cases of acromegaly (gigantism)
Insulin resistance
Human papillomavirus Virus
Will Skin Tags Go Away?
Occasionally, skin tags may lose their blood supply and fall off on their own. However, if a skin tag becomes painful, starts to bleed, or feels uncomfortable, removal may be necessary.
How Can Skin Tags Be Removed?
At The York Skin Clinic, our expert dermatologists can perform skin tag removal for cosmetic reasons using one of several methods:
Cryotherapy
Surgical excision
Electrosurgery
The cost for skin tag removal at The York Skin Clinic is £250, you can either book for a skin lesion check and have removal following this, or book in for cryotherapy as a stand alone treatment, as the lesion will be checked as part of this appointment.