procedures

Skin tags are most common in adults, particularly those over the age of 50, though they can also occur in younger individuals. Obesity, diabetes, and hormonal changes (such as pregnancy) can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags. While they do not pose any serious health risks, some people may choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons or to avoid discomfort.

Why Do Skin Tags Form?

The exact cause of skin tags is not entirely understood, but several factors appear to contribute to their development. One key factor is friction, as these growths are often found in areas where skin frequently rubs against itself or clothing. Skin tags may also be linked to genetic predisposition, meaning that people with a family history of skin tags are more likely to develop them themselves. Additionally, conditions such as obesity and insulin resistance have been associated with a higher incidence of skin tags. Some researchers believe that hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or with certain medical conditions, can also increase the likelihood of their formation.

Skin tags are composed of skin, collagen fibers, blood vessels, and sometimes fat cells. They develop when excess skin grows in certain areas of the body, often in response to friction or irritation. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, several factors are believed to contribute to the formation of skin tags:

• Friction: The most common cause of skin tags is friction or rubbing between two surfaces of skin. This is why skin tags tend to appear in areas where skin is constantly rubbing against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, groin, and under the breasts.
• Genetics: A genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags. If your parents had them, you might be more prone to getting them as well.
• Age: Skin tags are more common in adults, particularly those over 40, as the skin loses elasticity and collagen production declines with age.
• Obesity: People with excess weight are more likely to develop skin tags due to the increased friction in skin folds and the potential for higher insulin levels, which may play a role in skin tag formation.
• Hormonal Changes: Skin tags are also more common during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal changes that affect the skin's structure and growth.
• Other Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or metabolic syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of developing skin tags.

Common Areas for Skin Tags

Skin tags are most commonly found in areas where skin rubs together or is subject to frequent movement:

• Neck: Especially in the folds or around the collar area.
• Armpits: Where skin and clothing or skin and skin make contact.
• Under the Breasts: In women, especially those with larger breasts.
• Groin Area: Due to friction between the legs or from clothing.
• Eyelids: Skin tags can appear near the eyes or on the eyelids, which is more common as people age.
• Chest and Back: Skin tags can also form on the upper chest or upper back, particularly in people who are overweight.

Treatment of Skin Tags

Most skin tags are harmless and don't require treatment unless they become irritated, painful, or cosmetically undesirable. However, if you want to remove them, there are several treatment options. One increasingly popular method is the use of a plasma pen.

Plasma Pen Treatment

The plasma pen is a non-invasive treatment that uses ionized gas (plasma) to target and treat the skin. It works by creating a small electrical arc that is applied to the surface of the skin, which causes a "microtrauma" to the tissue. This controlled energy stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself.

Here's how the plasma pen treatment works for skin tags:

1. Precision Application: The plasma pen is used to target the skin tag directly. The ionized gas creates a small, precise point of thermal energy, which is used to cauterize or dry out the tissue. This process destroys the skin tag tissue without damaging the surrounding skin.
2. Treatment Duration: The treatment itself is quick and typically requires only a few minutes per skin tag. Depending on the size and number of skin tags, the procedure might take longer.
3. Healing Process: After the plasma pen treatment, the skin tag will usually darken and shrivel over a period of days to weeks. It will eventually fall off as the skin heals. There may be mild redness or swelling around the treated area, but this typically resolves within a few days.
4. Minimal Downtime: One of the benefits of using a plasma pen is that it's non-invasive with little to no downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities the same day or the next day.
5. Effectiveness: Plasma pen treatment is often effective for removing skin tags, particularly those on the face or smaller, more delicate areas. However, larger or deeply rooted skin tags may require additional treatments or may need to be removed by other methods like excision or cryotherapy (freezing).
6. Safety Considerations: The treatment should only be performed by a licensed professional, as it involves the use of electrical energy that could potentially cause damage if misapplied. It's also important to ensure that the skin tag is not malignant before opting for any cosmetic procedure.

Other Treatment Options for Skin Tags

If the plasma pen is not suitable for you or you're seeking alternative treatments, other options for skin tag removal include:

1. Cryotherapy (Freezing): Involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag to freeze and destroy the tissue.
2. Excision: A healthcare provider can remove the skin tag by cutting it off with a scalpel or scissors. This method may require a local anesthetic.
3. Cauterization: Uses heat to burn off the skin tag, similar to plasma pen treatment but may be done using electrical devices or lasers.
4. Over-the-Counter Treatments: There are also some topical treatments available that claim to help remove skin tags by gradually drying them out. However, these are generally less effective than professional treatments.
5. Banding: A small rubber band can be placed at the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply. Over time, the skin tag will wither and fall off.

These removal procedures are usually quick and can be done in a doctor's office. Over-the-counter treatments, such as topical creams, are also available, but they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid any adverse reactions or complications.