What should you know about skin tags in genital area?

A skin tag, also called an acrochordon or fibroepithelial polyp, is a small piece of extra skin that may hang from a narrow base. Friction, moisture and skin-to-skin contact can make the groin or external genital skin more prone to irritation. A wart, mole, cyst or another lesion can look similar, so appearance alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Keep the area gently clean and dry, choose breathable underwear, and avoid rubbing or shaving directly over the growth. Do not cut, tie off or apply household acids to it; genital skin is delicate and an injury can become infected. If it catches on clothing, bleeds after friction or bothers you cosmetically, a dermatologist can discuss Skin Tag Removal, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal) or Electrosurgery.

Arrange a prompt examination if the growth changes quickly, becomes persistently painful, develops an ulcer, bleeds without clear friction, or is associated with discharge or a new cluster of lesions. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, spreading redness, fever or severe pain. A new lesion after sexual exposure also deserves an examination because not every genital bump is a skin tag.

Ask whether the lesion has features of a skin tag, whether testing is needed to distinguish it from a wart, and which removal method best fits its location and base. Ask how to protect the area while it heals and which changes should trigger a review.