Skin tags are a common skin problem that nearly half of the people in the United States deal with. While these growths are relatively harmless, they can be aesthetically unappealing or physically uncomfortable for the people that have them.
If you’d like more information about skin tags or are interested in having some of yours removed in the Orlando area, we can help. Contact Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today to schedule a consultation appointment.
What are They?
Skin tags are small, narrow stalks of soft skin that bulge out at the end. They are typically flesh-colored and hang loosely off the surface of the skin. These benign growths usually appear on areas of the body that rub together, like the neck, armpit, torso, and groin, but they can develop on any area of the body.
While the National Institute of Health estimates that forty-six percent of the United States’ population has skin tags, certain risk factors can make people particularly predisposed to developing them. Individuals who are pregnant, overweight, or have diabetes are the most likely to have them. The risk of developing them also increases with age.
Are They Dangerous?
Skin tags are a form of benign tumors, meaning that they do not have the potential to develop into skin cancer. However, that is not to say that they’re entirely harmless. If these growths frequently rub against clothing or are twisted, they can become inflamed and painful. Other individuals who don’t experience any physical discomfort because of their skin tags are embarrassed by the way that they look.
Dangerous growths can also be occasionally mistaken for skin tags, allowing the growth more time to develop and go unnoticed. If you have a skin tag that is bleeding, inflamed, or otherwise irritated, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.
Can They be Removed?
Whether your reasons are aesthetic or medical, the process of removing skin tags is quick and simple. The way that Dr. Hudgens removes each patient’s skin tag is slightly different. Long tags can usually be cut off with medical scissors, while others have to be frozen off.
If you’re interested in learning more about the development of skin tags, would like to have your skin tags examined, or are searching for a way to get rid of them, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center of Windermere, Florida can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.
