11 Skin Tag Facts For Aging Skin

AGE RELATED SKIN TAGS: WHAT TO DO?

The appearance of skin tags on aging skin can be alarming and annoying. What should you know about these little growths that mysteriously appear on your skin like miniature mushrooms?

11 Skin Tag Facts

1. Can you get skin tags at any age?

Skin tags are common for both men and women after the age of 50, though they can also appear on those who struggle with obesity or with preexisting conditions, such as diabetes.

2. Why do skin tags appear as you age?

Skin tags can appear at any time, though they most commonly show up on more mature adults. Since they are typically found in sections where the skin folds, you can assume that growing older, which will cause the skin to sag and crease, also results in the repeated friction that will become a skin tag.

3. What causes skin tags to form?

While there is no exact cause behind the growth of skin tags, you can assume that the extra cells that form over the top layers of the skin when it is continuously rubbed against each other is the primary factor.

4. Where do skin tags grow?

Skin tags tend to develop on the parts of the body that crease and fold, so watch out for them on your armpits, thighs, eyelids, neck, and for women, underneath the breasts.

5. Are skin tags painful?

Typically skin tags are not painful. Because of where they appear, however, (neck, armpits, under breasts) they occasionally may be irritated as clothing or other items rub against them.

6. Are skin tags hereditary?

Certain families may be genetically predisposed to skin tags and may get them more easily and at a faster rate than other people.

7. Are skin tags dangerous?

Despite what some people may initially fear, skin tags are not cancerous and are usually harmless and not painful. They also do not grow in size, which is what ultimately differentiates them from a tumor. As a general rule, they do not usually cause discomfort as well.

8. How can you prevent skin tags?

Because skin tags are naturally occurring with no clear causation, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to preventing them. If you are overweight, then losing some extra pounds will help reduce the creases on your skin. You should also keep any skin folds dry and immediately remove jewelry when worn to avoid irritation.

9. How do you get rid of skin tags?

Skin tags may be removed by medical professionals, though the reason people often choose to do so is purely cosmetic. There are several surgical options available to get rid of them, such as cryosurgery, in which the skin tag is frozen off with liquid nitrogen, or cauterization, where the skin tag is then burned off. Doctors may also simply excise the skin tag from the surface using a scalpel to cut it out.

10. Can I remove skin tags myself?

You might have seen some home remedies on how to remove skin tags yourself, but it is not advisable to do so because of the possible risks of infection. However, you can also consider checking out some over-the-counter medications at pharmacies that are similar to the ones for wart removal. These include DIY kits that help to freeze the skin tags off. Consult with a professional before moving ahead with using any of them.

11. Are skin tags moles?

Though skin tags and moles are equally as harmless, they are not exactly the same. A skin tag simply rests on the surface of the skin, while moles usually go deeper than that. Unlike skin tags, they can also pop up in areas that are frequently exposed to the sun. Skin tags are usually colorless, while moles are brown and round in shape. They also develop earlier in life as opposed to skin tags.