Often a source of complexes, these skin growths called skin tags or also “molluscum pendulum”, are generally located in the armpits and neck. They can also appear on the rest of the body, especially on areas of skin folds. Painless and soft, these pieces of flesh color skin or slightly darker than the complexion, are harmless to humans. Do you have skin tags? Find out how to get rid of it and also find all our explanations on its causes and risk factors.

If they are commonly called “skin teats”, doctors dermatologists speak of “pedicled wart”, that is to say that hangs outward. Even if they are safe, it is recommended that you show your skin growths to a dermatologist who can confirm whether they are skin tags.

Skin tag or wart: how not to confuse them?

Be careful to differentiate them to adapt the treatment and prevent a possible risk of contagion. Skin tags are characterized by a soft, smooth, and rather round surface. Warts are generally harder, rougher, and can be spread by contact. 

The causes of the appearance of skin tags remain unknown, but specialists observe a part of heredity to this physiological phenomenon. Other factors highlighted by doctors include:

• Overweight and obesity;
• Age: People over 40 are more likely to see skin tags;
• Diabetes ;
• The pregnancy ;
• Disruption of the sebaceous glands, the role of which is to secrete sebum to limit dryness of the skin;
• High blood pressure.

The removal of skin tags is most often motivated by a complex because they are considered unsightly, even if they are completely benign.

Dermatologists recommend that these “bits of flesh” be removed when: 

• They are located on a friction zone: bra strap, collar, belt;
• Their sensitivity bothers you;
• You hang in there regularly to the point of making them bleed.

Non-prescription treatments

Products like Excilor or Dr. Scholl’s, available without a prescription, propose to rid the epidermis of these “skin teats” thanks to a local application of liquid nitrogen. As the product is less potent than in a healthcare professional, repetition of treatment will often be necessary, which may cause irritation or even discoloration of the skin. Before using these medicines, always seek advice from a doctor or healthcare professional.

Professional treatments

More effective and faster, the professional treatments performed by the dermatologist vary according to the characteristics of the skin tag and the area on which it is positioned:

• Cryotherapy: the application of liquid nitrogen allows the skin tag to be burnt by cold;
• Electrocoagulation: an electric current emitted by a needle heats the area on which the piece of flesh is positioned in order to burn it;
• Cauterization: the hook is heated and burned under local anesthesia thanks to an electrocautery. A crust will then form and fall naturally after a few days;
• Surgical extraction: the area is surgically removed under local anesthesia.
  

Beware of alternative methods touted on the internet

Some sites and Internet users offer dangerous, or at best unnecessary, homemade methods to remove a skin tag yourself. Apple cider vinegar, baking soda, castor oil or even cut the piece of flesh yourself with scissors, etc. 

Decried remedies that can damage the skin or cause irremediable scars.