Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, flesh-colored growths that protrude from the surface of the skin.

They are typically:

• Soft and flexible
• Attached by a small stalk (pedunculated)
• Skin-colored or slightly darker
• Smooth or slightly wrinkled in texture

Skin tags can occur as single lesions or in clusters and often increase in number over time.

Skin tags are thought to develop as a result of friction and skin-on-skin contact.

Common contributing factors include:

• Areas of repeated rubbing or friction
• Genetic predisposition
• Hormonal influences
• Weight changes

They are more commonly seen in adults but can occur at any age.

Skin tags are not contagious and do not pose a medical risk.

Skin tags are most often found in areas where skin folds or rubs together, including:

• Neck’
• Underarms
• Groin
• Under the breasts
• Eyelids

Because of their location, they may become irritated with clothing, shaving, or daily activities.

Clinical Examination

Skin tags are typically diagnosed through a visual examination.

Their characteristic appearance—small, soft, and pedunculated—makes them readily identifiable in most cases.

Dermoscopy

In some instances, dermoscopy may be used to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish skin tags from other types of growths.

Biopsy When Needed

If a lesion appears atypical or uncertain, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

This is uncommon but ensures accuracy when there is any question.

Observation

Because skin tags are benign, treatment is not medically necessary.

Many patients choose to leave them untreated once reassured of their harmless nature.

Removal for Comfort or Cosmetic Reasons

Treatment is commonly performed when skin tags:

• Become irritated or inflamed
• Catch on clothing or jewelry
• Bleed or become painful
• Are cosmetically bothersome

Removal is quick and can typically be completed in a single visit.

Treatment Options

Skin tags can be removed using several simple in-office techniques, including:

• Snip removal with sterile instruments
• Electrocautery to precisely remove the lesion
• Cryotherapy (freezing) in select cases

The choice of method depends on the size, location, and number of lesions.

Skin tag removal is performed in the office and usually takes only a few minutes. Local anesthesia may be used for comfort, depending on the size and location of the lesion. Most patients tolerate the procedure well.

Multiple skin tags can often be treated during the same visit.

Recovery is minimal.

Patients may experience:

• Mild redness or irritation at the treatment site
• Formation of a small scab
• Healing over several days

Most patients are able to return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Scarring is typically minimal, particularly when lesions are small and treated carefully.

Evaluation is recommended when:

• A new growth appears and diagnosis is uncertain
• A lesion changes in size, color, or shape
• A growth becomes painful, irritated, or bleeds

Accurate diagnosis is important to ensure that the lesion is benign.

At Treiber Dermatology, skin tag treatment is approached with a focus on efficiency, safety, and cosmetic outcome.

Patients are provided with clear guidance and straightforward treatment options, allowing for quick resolution of a common concern.

Patients throughout New York and Connecticut choose Treiber Dermatology for skin tag treatment because of the practice’s expertise in diagnosing and removing benign skin growths.

Care is known for being:

• Efficient and minimally invasive
• Precise and cosmetically focused
• Tailored to individual needs
• Comfortable and patient-centered

The emphasis is on delivering smooth, natural-looking results with minimal disruption.