Skin Tags

Skin Tags services offered in Near John C. Lincoln hospital , Phoenix, AZ

While not typically cause for concern, skin tags may feel irritating or cause embarrassment. If you’re bothered by skin tags or noncancerous protruding growths, turn to Dermatology Associates. With two locations in Phoenix, Arizona, the board-certified dermatology team offers skin tag removal to achieve blemish-free, gorgeous skin. Schedule a consultation by phone or online today.

Skin Tags Q & A

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are small, noncancerous skin growths that may be the same color as your skin or a different color. They protrude from the surface of your skin, extending outward via tiny stems. Skin tags are similar to moles. They may grow as large as a few centimeters.

Skin tags are common, affecting about half of all adults at some point during their lifetime.

A common reason patients desire skin tag removal is embarrassment or irritation caused by jewelry or clothing. In some cases, skin tags are actually skin cancer or another dermatology condition requiring treatment.

What are the risk factors for skin tags?

The cause of skin tags isn’t entirely clear, but risk factors for developing them include:

Family history of skin tags
Obesity
Diabetes
Skin disorders
Pregnancy
High amount of growth factors

However, anyone can develop skin tags without a known cause.

Where do skin tags commonly appear?

Skin tags often appear in areas of the body that produce excess skin cells, such as skin folds and other areas of skin that cause rubbing and friction. Examples include your:

Neck
Under the breasts
Groin
Thighs
Eyelids
Armpits
Genitals

If you’re unsure if you have a skin tag, mole, or another lesion, see the Dermatology Associates team for an evaluation.

How does my provider diagnose skin tags?

To diagnose skin tags, your dermatologist simply examines the lesion. They may take a sample of it (biopsy) to screen for other skin growths, particularly skin cancer.

Sending the sample to a lab for analysis detects or rules out such conditions. Your dermatologist also reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and treatment preferences before tailoring a treatment plant that’s best suited for you.

How are skin tags treated?

Some skin tags fall off on their own over time, but if you desire immediate skin tag removal, your Dermatology Associates may recommend:

Shaving
Excision
Cauterization using heat
Liquid nitrogen

They first numb the treatment area as needed to minimize any discomfort before skin tag removal.

The treated area may turn into a scab during the next few days before the scab falls off. Reduce your risk of additional skin tags by maintaining an ideal weight and healthy lifestyle habits.

To eliminate skin tags, schedule an appointment at Dermatology Associates by phone or online today.