Skin tags are harmless,benignskin growths, also calledacrochordonsandfibroepithelial polyps.
They are often found on the neck and armpits.
Some people choose to have them removed for this reason or for cosmetic reasons.
DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
This article will discussskin tagcauses, diagnosis, and removal.
It will also cover skin tag prevention techniques.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
What Does a Skin Tag Look Like?
Skin tagsare painless, small, soft pieces of skin that stick out from the body.
They are either directly attached to the skin or are on a stalk and dangle off of the skin.
What Causes a Skin Tag?
The primarycause of skin tagsis friction against the skin.
How Is a Skin Tag Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can diagnose a skin tag based on its appearance.
This can result in a painful and swollen lesion.
A Word From Verywell
At-home skin tag removal is not recommended for a number of reasons.
Below is a description of various treatment options.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
Manyover-the-counter(OTC) skin tag options are available in stores and online.
However, little research supports these treatments.
OTC products include those that freeze the skin tag andligation bandsthat cut off blood supply to the skin tag.
Before trying an at-home treatment, contact a healthcare provider.
Summary
Skin tags are small, harmless growths that can appear anywhere on the skin.
These skin growths are soft and usually the same color as the surrounding skin.
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