Skin Tags

Skin tags are excessive bits of tissue that grow on the outer surface of the skin. They are relatively common and become more common as one gets older. They are usually soft and typically quite small and are attached to the skin by a stalk.

Skin tags usually form in and around folds in the neck, groin, under arms and breasts, although they can be found in other places as well. Skin tags usually form in an area where friction is caused by skin rubbing together, which is why they are often found in areas where there are folds.

Although skin tags are benign, non-cancerous lesions, they can often be uncomfortable, if catching on clothing for instance. Some people may also feel conscious as to their appearance which can subsequently effect a persons self confidence.

There are various ways of removing skin tags. We undertake shave excisions where the skin tag is surgically removed under local anaesthetic by excising the tag at the base of the stalk. We advise against people trying to remove skin tags at home as they can bleed when removed. There is also a higher risk or recurrence, infection and unfavourable scarring when not done properly. We therefore recommend that skin tags are removed in a professional, clinical environment.