Skin Tags

If you have bothersome skin tags that rub against clothing or make you feel self-conscious, you don’t have to live with them. At Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists in Trumbull, Westport, and Derby, Connecticut, the skilled dermatology team diagnoses and removes skin tags to make your skin smooth and even-toned. Call the office to schedule a consultation, or use the online booking feature today.

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are small growths that develop on your skin. They may be brown, tan, or skin-colored and often look like clusters of tissue extending out from the surface of the surrounding skin. Skin tags may appear as moles that protrude outward. They are small (1-5 millimeters) or as large as a few centimeters in size.

Skin tags are common, affecting about half of all adults within their lifetime. While not cause for concern, they may be uncomfortable if they rub against your skin, look unsightly, or cause you to feel self-conscious. 

Sometimes, what looks like a skin tag is actually skin cancer, skin diseases, warts, or something else. That’s why it’s important to see your dermatologist for a skin evaluation at the first sign of new or unusual skin changes.

What increases my risk of skin tags?

The cause of skin tags is excess cell production within your skin’s top layers. The cells often form in areas of skin containing folds. The most common risk factors are:

• Family history of skin tags
• Carrying excess weight
• Skin disorders
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy

Skin tags might develop in your eyelids, neck, armpits, groin, thighs, genitals, or under the breasts. However, they can appear anywhere on your skin.

How are skin tags diagnosed?

To find out if you have skin tags and have them removed when needed, your Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists provider reviews your medical history and symptoms. They examine your skin to look for raised skin bumps and can detect warts, moles, skin cancer, or similar skin conditions. Your specialist might look at your skin using a magnifying glass or take a skin biopsy. 

How are skin tags treated?

Most of the time, skin tags don’t have to be removed unless they bother you or become irritated after rubbing against clothing or jewelry. The Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists can remove skin tags using a scalpel, liquid nitrogen gas, heat, or other methods. They first numb the treatment area, if necessary, to make the procedure feel comfortable.

You may develop scabs after the procedure that fall off over time. You can then enjoy the benefits of smooth, even-toned, beautiful skin.

To get evaluated for skin tags, call the Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists office or schedule an appointment online today.