Skin tags are small benign tumours on the skin, especially on the neck, eyelids, underarms and the folds of the legs. They are mostly protruding growths and appear in groups. Skin tags are either seen in the same colour as the skin or in black. These growths that first appear as smaller spots may gradually grow in size. Skin tags mostly appear on the bodies of middle-aged people.

Cause
Skin tags are seen in large numbers on obese people. They mostly appear on the neck and underarms, where fat deposits are seen. The skin in these areas gets drier due to fat deposits, causing skin tags. Such skin tags could lead to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart ailments. Skin tags could also appear due to diseases like thyroid and hormone imbalances in women and during pregnancy. In some people, skin tags have been part of their bodies since birth.

Are skin tags dangerous?
1) Skin tags in the genital areas could cause discomfort, especially if they grow in size. When they grow, the wounds caused by skin tags could get infected.
2) People often try many unscientific methods to remove skin tags. Tying hair strands on the growth to remove them will lead to lesions and severe health problems. Pouring acids on skin tags may cause infection and pigmentation. It is safer to seek the advice of a healthcare professional if you wish to remove skin tags.

Will skin tags lead to cancer?
Although skin tags do not spread or proliferate, new ones could appear due to obesity and weight issues.
Are skin tags, moles and warts same?
They aren’t the same. Moles are common skin growths that can appear as dark, brown or flat spots on the skin. However, it is essential to differentiate skin tags from warts caused by viral infections. If you can’t identify them yourselves, seek a skincare expert's help.

Treatment
Many types of treatments are available to safely remove skin tags. They must be done professionally and with proper precautions to avoid infection. These are some of the ways skin tags can be surgically removed.
1) Electro surgery – Radio Frequency Ablation
2) Cryotherapy
3) LASER Ablation
Certain medications can also be used to remove smaller skin tags. Do not hesitate to approach a skin care expert if you wish to medically or surgically remove skin tags.
The writer is an aesthetic dermatologist.

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