Skin Tags

Skin tags are soft, noncancerous skin growths that are typically found on the neck, armpits, around the groin, on your eyelids, or under the breasts. They can vary in size and usually develop where the skin rubs together or is irritated through rubbing against items such as clothing or jewellery.

They are usually small and harmless and do not need to be treated, however, they can become irritated if rubbed or scratched. They should be removed if irritation or pain develops, or if the skin tag has developed on your eyelid and is impacting your vision. Some people also seek treatment for cosmetic reasons due to the appearance of a skin tag which may be impacting their self-esteem.

The causes of skin tags are not fully understood and they can be developed by anyone anywhere on the body. They are, however, more likely to occur in some instances, with some common skin tag causes being:

• Friction from skin rubbing against skin, jewellery or clothing
• Obesity, which increases folds in the skin and creates more opportunities for skin tags to develop
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy which abnormal growth
• Genetics, with skin tags tending to run in some families
• Diabetes, with insulin resistance being thought to cause more skin tags to grow

It is important to understand the nature of any skin tags in deciding whether treatment or further examination is required. At RENA, we offer a full skin check service conducted in-house by one of our expert consultant dermatologists. This skin check may include examination using a dermatoscope, and in rare cases a biopsy may be performed if there is concern about the nature of the skin tag growth.

We understand the concerns and issues people face when dealing with skin issues and offer safe and effective solutions to help you achieve the appearance and outcome you desire. If you are considering skin tag removal or just want to understand your condition better, our team will thoroughly assess your individual situation, discuss the available options, and guide you towards the best treatment plan to address your unique needs and concerns.

Potential treatment will depend on the size and location of the skin tag. Most will not need treating, however, may still be removed for cosmetic purposes. At RENA we offer a range of options to give you the best results for skin tag removal, including cryotherapy and surgical removal, either through a snip excision or a shave excision.

A snip excision is a quick and minimally invasive procedure used to remove small, protruding skin lesions, such as skin tags. During this procedure, the area is numbed with a local anaesthetic, and the lesion is snipped off at the base using a small surgical tool. This method is typically used for lesions that are raised above the skin surface.

A shave excision is a technique used to remove raised moles, warts, or other skin growths that are slightly elevated above the surrounding skin. After numbing the area with a local anaesthetic, the lesion is carefully shaved off at the skin level using a sharp blade. This procedure leaves a flat surface and may result in a small pink mark that fades over time.

Throughout your treatment journey, our team will closely monitor your progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcome. Our goal is to help you achieve clear, healthy skin and restore your confidence.