Skin Tags and Pregnancy FAQ

One of the side-effects of pregnancy is the potential appearance of skin tags.

Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that can appear on any part of the body. They are caused by a buildup of collagen and other skin proteins and they can often appear on skin which is hot, moist or where there is friction, causing the skin growth to be overactive.

Skin tags are common in adults, and they are more likely to develop during pregnancy.

Why are skin tags more common in pregnancy?

There are several reasons why you may be getting skin tags during pregnancy.

1. Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, your body produces high levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can stimulate the growth of skin tags.
2. Weight gain. As you gain weight, your skin stretches. This can put pressure on certain areas of your skin, which can lead to the development of skin tags.
3. Friction. If your skin rubs against clothing or other objects, this can also lead to the development of skin tags.

Where do skin tags appear during pregnancy

Skin tags can appear anywhere on the body. However, they are more common in areas where there is friction. Common places for skin tags to appear in pregnancy are in folds of skin, such as:

• Neck
• Armpits
• Torso, beneath the breasts
• Groin/genital area

Are skin tags harmful?

The good news is that skin tags are not medically harmful in any way. They are not contagious and don’t hurt unless they become trapped or infected. This means that there is no medical reason for treating skin tags and that’s why the NHS does not tend to offer treatment, unless they become infected.

However, if they are bothersome or embarrassing, you may want to have them removed.

Where and when can I get skin tags removed?

Skin tag removal treatment is available at Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery & Laser Clinic based in London and Bristol.

We would not recommend treatment during pregnancy, as they are not harmful and even a light local anaesthetic is best avoided until you’ve given birth and finished breastfeeding.

However, once you are recovered and have finished nursing, skin tag removal is quick, straightforward and effective.

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.