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Are Skin Tags More Than Just a Nuisance?
Published: Jan 18, 2024
Skin tags, those small, soft growths on your skin, might be more than just a cosmetic concern. They could be indicators of other health issues lurking beneath the surface.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are common benign growths that often appear as small, soft, and flesh-colored or slightly darker growths. They are usually found in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. These growths are harmless, but they can become irritated if they are rubbed by clothing or other accessories.
Potential Health Connections
While skin tags themselves are not harmful, they are sometimes associated with other health conditions. Studies suggest a link between skin tags and insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to diabetes. Additionally, they are more frequently observed in individuals with obesity and metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Treatment Options Available
If a skin tag becomes bothersome, there are several treatment options available. Simple snip excision using scissors or a scalpel is a common method to remove them. Cryosurgery, which involves freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen, is another effective option. For larger tags, local anesthesia may be applied to reduce discomfort during removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skin tags often develop in areas of friction and may be linked to insulin resistance.
It's best to have them removed by a healthcare professional to avoid infection.
Not necessarily, but they can be associated with insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.
The same tag will not grow back, but new ones can develop in the predisposed areas.
Wrapping Up
Could your skin tags be hinting at something more significant health-wise?
References
- Banik R, Lubach D. Skin tags: localization and frequencies according to sex and age. Dermatologica 1987; 174:180.
- Boza JC, Trindade EN, Peruzzo J, et al. Skin manifestations of obesity: a comparative study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2012; 26:1220.
- Ragunatha S, Anitha B, Inamadar AC, et al. Cutaneous disorders in 500 diabetic patients attending diabetic clinic. Indian J Dermatol 2011; 56:160.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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