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Skin tags





NHS Choices Syndication


Skin tags

Introduction

Skin tags are small flesh-coloured or brown growths that hang off the skin and look a bit like warts. They are very common and harmless.

Skin tags are usually a few millimetres in size, although can be as big as 5cm.

They are usually found on the neck, in the armpits, around the groin, or under the breasts. They can also grow on the eyelids or under the folds of the buttocks.

The medical name for skin tags is acrochordons.

Why skin tags occur

Anyone can develop skin tags, but they are particularly common in older people. Some people develop them for no apparent reason.

It is thought skin tags grow where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This would explain why they tend to affect overweight people who have excess folds of skin and skin chafing.

When skin tags can be a problem

Skin tags are harmless and do not usually cause pain or discomfort. 

However, you may want to consider getting them removed if they are unsightly and affect your self-esteem, or if they snag on clothing or jewellery and bleed. You will usually need to pay for this procedure privately.

This is because the removal of skin tags is regarded as cosmetic surgery, which is rarely available through the NHS. Generally, the NHS will only carry out cosmetic surgery procedures if the problem is affecting your physical or mental health.

Sometimes, skin tags fall off on their own if the tissue has twisted and died from a lack of blood supply. 

Removing skin tags

If you have a skin tag that is upsetting you, consider making an appointment with a privately practising GP to have it removed.

Skin tags can easily be burnt or frozen off in a similar way to how warts are removed.

If your skin tag is small with a narrow base, the GP may suggest you try removing it yourself by:

  • tying off the base of the skin tag with dental floss or cotton to cut off its blood supply and make it drop off
  • cutting it off with fine sterile scissors

Do not attempt to remove large skin tags yourself because they will bleed heavily.

Published Date
2013-04-09 10:49:24Z
Last Review Date
2012-12-12 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2014-12-12 00:00:00Z
Classification
Skin,Skin health,Warts and verrucas


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