As you age, your skin can change in many ways. You may notice more moles or other bumps and wonder what they are. One common growth that appears is a skin tag.

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag is a benign growth of skin that typically appears in areas with folds of skin such as the armpit, groin, eyelids, and neck. They are usually small in size and are raised, soft, and fleshy. They do not cause any symptoms unless repeatedly rubbed or scratched, so are typically only removed for aesthetic purposes. Although anyone can develop skin tags, there are people who may have a genetic predisposition to developing them. Skin tags are common in people who

• have Diabetes
• are obese
• have human papilloma virus (HPV)
• are pregnant
• have imbalances in estrogen or progesterone

Does it need to be removed?

There is no need for skin tags to be removed, but they can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they are causing discomfort. The following procedures may be used for removal:

• Cryosurgery – freezing prior to removal
• Ligation – cutting off blood supply
• Cauterization – burning off the skin tag
• Excision – using a scalpel to cut out

These procedures should only be performed after consulting with an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology. Dr. Vaillant helps patients with cosmetic issues, as well as other common skin, hair, and nail conditions like acne, dandruff, skin cancer, eczema, hair loss, and nail fungus. For compassionate care, please contact us by calling our office in Old Bridge, NJ at (732) 679-0222 and schedule an appointment today!