What should you know about skin tags on body?

Skin tags are also called acrochordons or fibroepithelial polyps. They often appear in folds such as the neck, underarms, groin or beneath the breasts, where rubbing and moisture can irritate the surface. They may be smooth or slightly wrinkled and can hang from a narrow stalk. Moles, warts and other growths can look similar, so a new or unusual lesion should be checked.

Leave an uncomplicated tag alone, protect it from jewellery, shaving and tight clothing, and clean the surrounding skin gently. Do not burn, freeze, cut or tie it at home. A dermatologist can confirm what it is and discuss Skin Tag Removal, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal) or Electrosurgery when snagging, bleeding from friction or appearance makes treatment worthwhile.

Arrange an appointment if a growth changes rapidly, becomes painful, firm, dark, crusted or ulcerated, or bleeds without being rubbed. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever after an injury. A clinician should also inspect any lesion that appeared suddenly or does not resemble your other skin tags.

Ask how confident the diagnosis is, whether the site makes one removal option preferable, and how to prevent rubbing afterward. Discuss whether a removed lesion should be examined and what healing changes are expected.