Skin tags are harmless, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect yourself against them. But how do you protect yourself from them if you don’t even know how they form?
These unsightly, uncomfortable, and embarrassing skin growths are caused by a variety of things like friction, obesity, and hormones. In this blog, we’ll explain what causes skin tags and how to prevent them from forming, so you never have to deal with one again.
Skin tags are benign growths that are commonly caused by constant friction or irritation from other skin, clothing, or jewellery. They can also be caused by genetics or hormonal changes.
It is not clear what causes skin tags to form, but they are more common in older adults, people who are overweight or obese, and people with diabetes.
Tight-fitting clothing or rough fabrics are one of the most common causes of skin tags. Over time, the friction between your skin and your clothes create a buildup of skin cells. A tight-fitting t-shirt won’t cause skin tags all over your chest & back, though.
They’re most likely to occur in areas with sensitive skin, like the neck, underarms, and groyne. And more importantly, they won’t show up overnight. But if you continue to wear tight-fitting shirts or underwear, you may notice a skin tag develop within a few days. As such, don’t make a habit of wearing these types of clothes. Dress comfortably with loose-fitting, soft clothes, especially while sleeping and relaxing in your home.
Jewellery is another common cause of skin tags, especially pieces that are tight-fitting or abrasive. Similar to clothing, this type of jewellery, if worn consistently over time, can cause friction against the skin and cause the skin cell buildup.
The most common types of jewellery that cause skin tags are earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, which rub against sensitive skin on the earlobes, neck, and wrist, respectively. One day of wearing your favourite jewellery won’t cause skin tags, but a continued pattern might. If one forms, it may be irritating or uncomfortable, but it’s harmless. Skin tags are purely a cosmetic issue. But to save yourself the trouble, avoid wearing jewellery that irritates your skin for long periods of time. This eliminates the possibility of friction and thus, the formation of skin tags.
Sometimes, your own skin can cause skin tags. When two parts of your skin rub together long enough, the buildup of friction and irritation will cause the growth. This is most common on body parts that constantly rub together and chafe, especially if heat is also trapped in the area by clothing.
The underarms, groyne, and under the breasts are most susceptible to skin tags caused by skin-on-skin contact. These areas face constant friction as you walk and use your arms, two unavoidable functions of daily life. Oftentimes, these types of skin tags arise during the summer, when heat is trapped between the skin.
And while these skin tags can be removed, they’ll quickly return if the friction isn’t eliminated. The best way to prevent them from returning (and developing them in the first place) is by wearing loose-fitting clothing, using anti-chafing creams, and losing weight if necessary.
Scientists still are not exactly sure what causes skin tags, but it appears that certain hormonal changes and genetic dispositions place certain individuals at a greater risk for developing skin tags.
Hormonal changes affect the growth and behaviour of cells in the skin, especially oestrogen and progesterone, placing women at a greater risk than men.
Pregnant women may be at an increased risk of developing skin tags due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
Hormonal imbalances caused by certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the risk of skin tags.
Certain medications that affect hormonal levels, such as hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, and corticosteroids, may also increase the risk of skin tags.
Skin tags can be removed using a variety of methods like radiosurgery, electrocautery, excision, and cryotherapy. It is strongly recommended that you do NOT attempt to remove your own skin tags using any method; visit a medical professional to ensure your safety. If you’re ready to remove your skin tags, get in touch with us today!
Are skin tags a symptom of anything?
Generally speaking, no, skin tags are not a symptom of any serious medical condition. They may cause slight discomfort, but you don’t need to have them urgently removed.
Do skin tags fall off on their own?
Skin tags typically do not fall off on their own, though this isn’t common. However, if you recently had an electrocautery or cryotherapy procedure, your skin tag will likely fall off in the few hours or days after the operation.
