Skin Tags
Overview and Treatment
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are benign growths that develop on the folds of the skin. These growths appear as small flaps of tissue connected by a tiny stem. They are typically the same color as your skin but can sometimes be slightly darker. While generally harmless and painless, skin tags can cause irritation if they rub against clothing or jewelry.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Skin tags are quite common, affecting nearly 50% of adults at some point in their lives. They tend to develop more frequently with age and can be influenced by factors such as weight gain and diabetes. Although skin tags are non-contagious and not linked to any serious health conditions, they may be a source of cosmetic concern for many individuals.
Skin tags are quite common, affecting nearly 50% of adults at some point in their lives. They tend to develop more frequently with age and can be influenced by factors such as weight gain and diabetes. Although skin tags are non-contagious and not linked to any serious health conditions, they may be a source of cosmetic concern for many individuals.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Skin tags are usually small, ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm in diameter, but can occasionally grow to about 5 cm. They can appear anywhere on the body, commonly in areas such as the neck, groin, underarms, eyelids, and upper chest. Despite their benign nature, skin tags can be bothersome due to their location and appearance.
Treatment Options
While skin tags often do not require medical treatment, they can be removed if they become irritating or cause self-consciousness. At Tucson Dermatology, we offer several effective methods for skin tag removal:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen.
- Excision: Cutting the skin tag off using medical scissors.
Pain and Recovery
For small skin tags, removal typically involves minimal discomfort, akin to a small pinprick. Larger tags may require a topical anesthetic to ensure a pain-free procedure. After removal, skin tags do not grow back, though new tags may develop in different areas.
Insurance and Financial Options
Most health insurance plans do not cover skin tag removal, as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. However, financing options are available to help manage the cost.
Most health insurance plans do not cover skin tag removal, as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. However, financing options are available to help manage the cost.
Professional Care and Consultation
If you have skin tags that are causing discomfort or affecting your appearance, it’s best to seek professional advice. Our dermatologists at Tucson Dermatology can provide personalized recommendations and perform the removal procedures safely and effectively.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us. We are committed to helping you achieve clear and healthy skin.
If you have skin tags that are causing discomfort or affecting your appearance, it’s best to seek professional advice. Our dermatologists at Tucson Dermatology can provide personalized recommendations and perform the removal procedures safely and effectively.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us. We are committed to helping you achieve clear and healthy skin.