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What is a Skin Tag?

A skin tag, medically known as a cutaneous papilloma or an acrochordon, is merely a small sliver of skin, a benign skin tumor larger and generally flatter than a wart. Except for those tags which hang by stalks (peduncles) like earrings and give the appearance of melting skin, tags make it look as if the victim is growing soft, fleshy scales.

Skin Tag Causes

A tag may be dark or flesh colored, smooth or irregular. They are found more among women than men and generally start showing up in middle age. They have been associated with obesity, pregnancy, and diabetes mellitus. Although their cause is unknown, it’s suspected that genetics play a role. It’s estimated that six out of every ten people will have one at some point in their lives.

Almost always benign skin growths, tags are sometimes indicative of a rare disorder called Birt-Hogg-Dubà syndrome in which there are multiple non-cancerous tumors of the hair follicles, particularly on the face, neck, and upper chest. The condition typically emerges between the ages of 20 and 40. Sufferers have an increased risk of developing kidney tumors, either cancerous or non-cancerous, as well as tumors in other parts of the body. Cysts may form in the lungs; air may then collect in the chest cavity, sometimes resulting in a collapsed lung.

Skin Tag Treatments

Although tags can show up almost anywhere on the body, the most common sites for them are the upper chest, groin, armpits, eyelids, neck, and back. They may occur singly or in batches. They cannot be transmitted to others.

Unless a tag is repeatedly irritated, it is harmless and no cause for concern. Aesthetically, however, a tag can be even uglier than your first blind date. A bunch of them can keep you out of a swimsuit for fear of being compared to the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

If a skin tag is repeatedly irritated by clothing, you should explore removal options. Most people who get them removed do so to improve their appearance. Tags which appear at the vagina or on the groin, for example, are harmless, but because they can raise questions from skittish partners, people usually choose to have them removed. Tags on the penis should always be investigated by a physician anyway because they can be confused with genital warts. Tags are not contagious; genital warts are. Except for tags appearing in the groin area, which can grow large and be painful, medical insurance usually won’t cover tag removal.

Skin Tag Removal

Tags are surgically removed with a scalpel, electrocautery, or laser. They can also be tied off with thread, thus cutting off circulation and causing them to wither and drop off. And they can be destroyed cryogenically (freezing them). There are also natural oils available commercially that claim to eliminate tags.

Anal and Vaginal Skin Tags

An extremely common condition, anal skin tabs (tags), are a completely different story because these shapeless lumps and flaps of skin or flesh found at the anal verge are usually associated with other anorectal problems. In fact, they are usually the result of a prior anorectal insult or injury such as the acute swelling of an external hemorrhoid that has not been treated. (Learn how to get rid of hemorrhoids)

Anal skin tabs may be indicators of a more serious rectal ailment that needs medical attention. Anal fissures, for example, small tears in the anal canal, are often associated with sentinel tags – skin tags located at the inferior border of an infection or injury. Tags may also be indicative of a blocked anal gland.

Cleanliness can be a problem with anal and vaginal skin tags. Fecal debris may become trapped under the tag; the problem is multiplied if there is more than one, and infection is possible.

Though anal tags are generally asymptomatic, it’s possible for them to itch, be painful, or cause anxiety or hygienic problems. A proctologist may use an anoscope to identify the cause and also search for other lesions. These would then be removed and biopsied to confirm they are benign. If the tags are small, local anesthetic is injected before excision. Lasers used to eliminate them simultaneously resurface the anal area, thereby producing good cosmetic results. If tags are extensive, the surgery may have to be performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. Either way, the surgery will cause pain postoperatively.