What’s the link between skin tags and health? These benign growths might not be pleasant to look at but they can be clues to what’s going on in your body. Learn the causes, how you can adjust your lifestyle, how to remove them safely, if you should choose to do so.
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Skin tags may be a cosmetic nuisance, but in some cases, they tell a story about your overall health. These small growths are common and harmless, but a sudden increase in number – or cluster – may be linked to underlying metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes or even cardiovascular risk.
What are skin tags?
Skin tags are soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin, usually lmeasuring just a few millimetres (although they can grow larger). They typically develop in areas where skin rubs again skin, such as the neck, armpits, groin, neck, under the breasts and even on the eyelids.
While painless, they often become irritated when they catch on jewellery or clothes, sometimes leading to bleeding. Skin tags are also different from warts, which are flat, whereas skin tags are attached by a small stalk.
What causes skin tags?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but they’re thought to develop due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Friction between the folds play a role but certain health conditions can increase your chances of developing them.
These include hormonal changes, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity. In some cases, multiple skin tags appearing alongside darkened patches of skin – particularly at the back of the neck (a condition known as acanthosis nigricans) – may signal issues of blood sugar regulation.
When to see a doctor
Skin tags are non-cancerous and usually don’t require treatment. However, it’s wise to consult a medical professional if a growth becomes painful, change in colour, shape or size, or appear in large numbers suddenly. This can help identify any underlying concerns.
Should you get them removed?
Medically, there’s no need to. But for cosmetic reasons, a healthcare professional can safely remove them. Do not attempt to cut or tie them off at home, as it can lead to infection or scarring. Options for removal include:
- Cryosurgery: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, so it falls off after some time.
- Excision: Cutting it off with a surgical blade.
- Electrosurgery: Using heat from an electrical current to remove the growth.
The bottomline
You can’t prevent skin tags, but you can pay closer attention to your health. Eat a balanced diet, move regularly and manage your weight. This helps reduce risks and improves your overall health.
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