Skin Tag Removal

Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center

Dermatologists & Mohs Surgery located in Elgin, Huntley & Crystal Lake, IL

Skin tags are quite common, affecting an estimated 46% of the general population. Although they’re not cancerous or harmful, they can be an incredible nuisance or grow in an area that affects your appearance. The doctors at the Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center are experts at removing all types of skin lesions, including skin tags. To have your skin tags examined or removed, book an appointment online or call one of the offices in Elgin, Huntley, Crystal Lake, and Fox Lake, Illinois.

Skin Tag Removal Q & A

What is a Skin Tag?

A skin tag is a common name for a type of non-cancerous lesion called an acrochordon. These lesions are small flaps of skin that stick up from the skin’s surface like a stalk.

Your skin tags may be flesh-colored or a little darker. You could have just one skin tag, but it’s more common for multiple lesions to appear.

What Causes Skin Tags?

While experts haven’t pinned down an exact cause of skin tags, they believe there may be a hereditary component. Skin tags also typically grow in areas where there’s friction between folds of skin or between clothing and skin. As a result, common sites for skin tags include the:

Neck
Underarms
The area beneath the breasts
Groin folds
Eyelids
Chest

You’re more likely to develop skin tags if you’re overweight or have diabetes. Children may have skin tags, but these lesions most often develop as you get older.

When Should a Skin Tag Be Removed?

Most patients choose to have their skin tags removed for cosmetic reasons or when the lesion is in an area where it gets caught on clothing or jewelry. You may also want to get rid of skin tags in areas where you shave, like your underarms.

If your skin tag begins to bleed for any reason, your doctor at Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center may recommend having it removed.

A skin tag with a long stalk may become twisted, which cuts off the blood supply to the lesion. You’ll recognize the problem because the skin tag changes color, usually turning black. Since the tissue is dead or dying, the skin tag should be removed.

How are Skin Tags Removed?

After examining your skin tag and verifying that it’s not any other type of skin lesion, your doctor at Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center may recommend one of several removal methods, including:

Excision: cutting it off with a scalpel or scissors
Electrodesiccation: burning it off with an electric needle
Cryotherapy: freezing it off with liquid nitrogen

If you have an annoying skin tag or one that bleeds or has changed color, call Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center or book an appointment online.

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