Do you also have small mole-like bumps on your body? Let's learn about these Skin Tags (Acrochordons)!

Have you ever noticed those little mole-like bumps on your neck, armpits, and maybe even on your eyelids? You probably didn't even know what they were. Many people have them, so you're not alone. We medically call them `(Acrochordons)`, but we all commonly know them as `(Skin Tags)`. So today, let's talk about this to clear up all the doubts you have about it.

Simply put, what are these skin tags?

Imagine a small lump of flesh that is the same color as your skin, maybe a little darker, protruding from your skin. It looks like it's attached to the skin by a small stalk. These are not cancerous conditions . That means they don't cause any harm to the body.

Usually, this lump is small, about 1-5 millimeters. However, sometimes it can be as large as several centimeters. Most of the time, you don't even feel that these are there. However, sometimes if they get caught in a piece of clothing or a necklace, you may feel a little pain and discomfort.

This condition is very common among us in Sri Lanka. Surveys show that about one in two adults will develop at least one `(Skin Tag)` in their lifetime. Therefore, there is no reason to be afraid of this.

Why do these skin tags form on our bodies?

Although it is not possible to say exactly what causes this, the main cause has been identified as skin friction . These are most commonly seen in places where the skin on our body bends and rubs against each other. Think about it, when we walk, the skin under our armpits rubs, and when we turn our necks, the skin on our neck bends. In such places, these small bumps are formed by the growth of extra cells on the surface of the skin.

The most common places where `(Skin Tags)` are seen are:

• Armpit
• Neck
• On the eyelids
• Under the breasts (especially in women)
• Between the thighs (in the groin area)
• It can sometimes also develop around the genitals.

Who is at higher risk of developing these?

Although anyone can develop these, some people are at a higher risk.

• As you age: The likelihood of developing ``Skin Tags'' increases with age.
• If someone in your family has it: If your mother, father, or siblings have it, you are more likely to develop it too.
• Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor because as body weight increases, the amount of skin folds and friction increases.
• For people with diabetes: Skin tags are common in people with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes.
• During pregnancy: During pregnancy, hormone levels in the body change. These growth factors can cause new skin tags to form or existing ones to enlarge.
• These are also seen in some rare genetic skin conditions such as ``Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome``.

Is this a skin tag or something else?

Most of the time, you can recognize a `(Skin Tag)` as soon as you see it. However, sometimes there can be other skin problems that look like a `(Skin Tag)`. Therefore, if you have any doubts, it is best to have it checked by a doctor, especially a dermatologist.

Let's look at what other conditions can look like `Skin Tags`.

A doctor can examine the lump and often tell if it is a skin tag without any tests. However, if there is any doubt, a small piece of the lump may be taken for testing (biopsy).

Do you want to remove skin tags?

The short answer is, no . Skin tags are not harmful, so unless they are causing you any discomfort or trouble, you don't need to remove them. Sometimes, surprisingly, some small skin tags can fall off on their own.

So, who should think about removing these?

• If you are concerned about your appearance: If you are concerned about having a ``Skin Tag'', especially on a visible area like the face or neck, you may want to consider removing it.
• If you experience discomfort: if you wear things like necklaces and chains and they get tangled in the bumps on your neck, if they get caught in your clothes and bleed, or if you cut yourself while shaving, it is wise to remove them at such times.

The dangers of removing skin tags at home

This is the most important part of this article. Now, in the market, on the Internet, and in pharmacies, you can see various creams, liquids, and plasters that claim to remove `(Skin Tag)`. Also, there are people who try to remove them at home by tying them with thread and cutting them with scissors.

What could happen if you try to remove these at home?

Therefore, if you want to remove a `(Skin Tag)`, the best and safest place to do so is to go to a doctor. In particular, a `(Dermatologist)` has special training and experience for this.

How does a doctor remove skin tags?

A doctor removes these using very clean, sterile instruments and following safe procedures. This is a simple procedure that can usually be completed in a few minutes.

There are several main methods:

• Excision: The lump is cut out with a small, sterile pair of scissors or a scalpel.
• Cryotherapy: Using extremely cold liquid nitrogen, the wart is frozen, causing it to fall off on its own within a few days.
• Cauterization: A small device uses heat to burn away the wart. This method causes little to no bleeding.

Before any of these procedures, if necessary, the doctor can inject a small amount of medicine or apply a cream to numb the area. This way, you won't feel much pain.

After the treatment, the area will look like a small wound, and a scab will form. After a few days, the scab will fall off, and the skin will return to normal. If a scar remains, it will be very small and barely noticeable.

Can skin tags be prevented from forming in the future?

Although it cannot be completely prevented, there are several things we can do to reduce the risk.

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Controlling body weight is the most important thing.
• Exercise: Stay active every day.
• Minimize skin contact: Avoid tight-fitting necklaces and clothing.

In conclusion, `(Skin Tags)` are nothing to be afraid of. They have no impact on your life. But if they are bothering you, the only way to safely remove them is to see a qualified doctor.