Are Skin Tags Contagious?
If you have skin tags, then you’re probably wondering where they came from – whether they were ‘caught’ somehow and if not, how they developed.
The good news with skin tags is although they can look odd, they are completely harmless in medical terms. They are not indicative of cancer (although it is always important to be vigilant for signs of change).
Skin tags are not ‘caught’ from another person – they are benign growths. That means that they are not caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. This also means that you won’t pass them onto another person, as they can’t be transmitted through bodily contact.
Diagnosing skin tags
When you have skin lesions or blemishes, it’s always important to understand what they are as this can have a number of implications.
The first and most important question to be answered is to establish whether they’re harmful in anyway i.e. whether they are cancerous, pre-cancerous or totally benign. If there is any doubt or concern, then it’s important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and rule out any underlying medical conditions, particularly skin cancer.
Skin tag appearance
Skin tags are usually small, coloured growths that hang off the skin. They can be found anywhere on the body, but they are most common in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, neck, and groin.
They generally occur due to friction or rubbing of skin against skin or clothing. However, they may be more common in individuals who are obese due to the expanded amount of skin and potential for rubbing. They are also more common among those who have diabetes, which may be due to changes in hormone levels or weakened immune system.
Skin tags are usually harmless and do not require treatment.
Skin tag treatment options
If the diagnosis of skin tags is correct, then they can be ignored if the patient is not bothered by them. However, if they are causing discomfort from the protrusions of skin, or embarrassment due to their appearance, then they can be removed by a doctor who has been trained in minor skin procedures.
There are a variety of methods for removing skin tags, including:
- Surgical removal: This is the most common method for removing skin tags. The tag is cut off with a scalpel or scissors.
- Cryotherapy: This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the tag, which causes it to fall off within a few days.
- Laser/electrocautery: This method uses heat to destroy the tag, so that it shrinks or falls off.
Skin Surgery & Laser Clinic
Fast & Pain-Free Skin Tag Removal
Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic was established by Dr Ross Perry, a qualified and experienced London NHS GP. It is an independent company specialising in skin treatments such as removal of lesions/blemishes. This includes treatment for skin tags on the face, body and even the embarrassing genital/anal/penile/vaginal areas.
The team of expert doctors and surgeons offers private skin tag removal with outstanding results. This can be carried out quickly and effectively using a variety of methods including cryotherapy, laser or surgery; according to the lesion. A local anaesthetic makes the treatment painless. The team also offer mole removal at their medical clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.
Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, warts and lipoma using freezing, laser or surgical techniques.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
