There are many terms used to describe skin tags, including fibroepithelial polyps, fibroma, cutaneous tag and acrochordon (acrochorda in the plural).
It is estimated that nearly half the population is affected at one time or another in their lifetimes.
Luckily, these growths are benign, and many options now exist for skin tag removal.
The primary cause is believed to be flesh rubbing together, as they mostly appear in folds such as armpits, under the breasts, neck, groin, and eyelids.
Obese individuals are more likely to develop them, likely because they have more fleshy folds.
They also occur in pregnant females, though these types generally disappear a few months after the pregnancy.
Type 2 diabetes also tends to increase their appearance.
Some have linked illegal steroid use to development of these growths.
Illegal steroids cause a bonding of collagen fibers.
Heredity is also a factor.
These polyps are most often found in middle aged and older individuals.
Children have developed them, though this is rare.
Microorganisms may also cause these growths, such as the wart virus.
As they are considered harmless, they have not been given any priority in the scientific research arena, so specific causes are still mostly unknown.
The growth can vary in size and shape, though they are usually about the size of a rice grain.
They start out very small and grow over time.
In some cases, the growth can be larger than a rice grain.
In very large tags, it is possible they will burst under pressure, but this is unusual.
They are usually flesh colored, but are sometimes darker in light skinned individuals.
They look like bits of hanging flesh.
Though some medical providers may order a biopsy, diagnosis is generally made based on their appearance.
Though usually painless, if the acrochordon is constantly rubbing, such as between the legs, they can become irritated.
They can also get pulled by jewelry, seatbelts or clothing.
While they are generally considered harmless, they can be annoying and embarrassing.
While harmless, these growths can become irritated or be unsightly and embarrassing.
While some tags may simply fall off, this is generally not the case.
There are now many options for removal.
There are medical procedures which include cutting, freezing or burning.
Acrochorda on the eyelids can prove more problematic for this type of removal.
There are also many products available on the market today.
Before spending your money, check for any customer reviews of these products.
Also check to see if the product is doctor recommended, and offers any type of money back guarantee.
Also, for many, the process of removing these growths will need to be repeated, as the tags are prone to grow back.
For those who choose medical treatment for removal, this may become a lifelong medical expense.
There are no known treatments that guarantee against future polyp formation.
With many removal options to choose from that can be done in the comfort of your own home, skin tags removal may be a wise investment.