Skin tags are small, benign growths that appear on the skin. They are often flesh-colored or slightly darker and can be smooth or irregular in shape. While they are not harmful, many people find them aesthetically displeasing and want to remove them. In this article, we will discuss ten causes of skin tags. If you are experiencing skin tag growth, it is essential to determine the cause to receive appropriate treatment.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances are a cause of skin tags. Skin tags are small, flesh-colored growths that can appear on the skin. They are usually benign but can occasionally become irritated or infected. Hormonal imbalances occur when there is an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for regulating the growth of the womb lining during the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone helps to prepare the womb for pregnancy. However, when these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to an overgrowth of tissue, resulting in skin tags. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by various factors, including menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and pregnancy.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that can cause various skin problems, one of which is the formation of skin tags. Skin tags are growths of skin that protrude from the surface and can vary in size, shape, and color. While they are typically harmless, they can be a nuisance for people who have them. It is ideal to consider skin tag removal in such a condition.
Diabetes can cause multiple skin tags due to high blood sugar levels. When the sugar level in the blood is high, it can cause the collagen in the skin to break down. This breakdown of collagen leads to the formation of skin tags.
Obesity
Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of skin tags. It is because obese individuals are more likely to have excess skin folds, which provide an ideal environment for skin tags to form. In addition, obesity is associated with insulin resistance, which can also contribute to the development of skin tags.
Obesity can cause most skin tags because of the extra skin created by someone obese. The extra skin can rub together and create friction. This friction can cause the skin to break down and form a tag. If you are obese and struggling with skin tags, weight loss may help reduce their occurrence
Family History
Family history is a significant factor in the development of skin tags. Studies have shown that people with relatives who have had skin tags are more likely to develop them themselves. There are several possible explanations for this link. one is because family members share specific genes that can predispose them to the condition.
Family members may also share common lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of skin tags, such as spending time in humid environments or regularly wearing tight clothing. Whatever the cause, the association between family history and skin tags is clear. If you have relatives who have had skin problems, you may be more likely to develop them yourself.
Hygiene
One potential cause of skin tags is poor hygiene. If you don’t regularly wash your skin, clean it, and moisturize it, you’re more likely to develop skin tags. The dirt, oil, and grime on your skin provide a perfect environment for skin tags to form.
In addition, if you have any cuts or scrapes on your skin, they can also provide an entry point for bacteria that can lead to skin tags. To avoid this, practice good hygiene by washing your skin daily and keeping it clean and moisturized. You should also avoid picking at any cuts or scrapes you may have.
Excessive Sun Exposure
Excessive sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin tags. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage the DNA of skin cells, causing them to grow out of control and form bumps or growths on the skin’s surface. As a result, skin tags are more likely to form in areas exposed to sunlight for long periods, such as the neck, armpits, and groin.
In addition, sun-exposed skin is more susceptible to friction and irritation, which can also contribute to the formation of skin tags. Therefore, if you are concerned about skin tags, you must limit your sunlight exposure and wear sunscreen outdoors.
Chronic Skin Conditions
Many people with chronic skin conditions have tag-prone areas on their skin that are subject to repeated rubbing and scratching. It can occur due to chronic inflammation and the breakdown of collagen associated with the condition. The result is a collection of loose skin cells that can form a tag. Chronic skin conditions associated with an increased risk of developing skin tags include eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
These conditions can cause the skin to become dry and cracked. When the skin is dry and cracked, it is more susceptible to injury. When the skin is injured, it can form a scar. A scar can also form over a chronic skin condition. It forms when the body produces too much collagen to heal wounds or injuries. The excess collagen creates a raised area on the skin. A raised area on the skin can also be a sign of a skin tag. People who have any of these conditions should be sure to keep the affected area well-moisturized and protected from further irritation by skin rubs.
Aging
Aging is a significant cause of skin tags. As we age, our skin ages as well. The collagen and elastin fibers that give our skin strength and elasticity weaken. The fatty tissue beneath our skin decreases, resulting in a loss of plumpness. And the skin becomes thinner and less able to protect against damage from the sun and other environmental factors.
All of these changes affect the ability of our skin to stretch and recover from being stretched. The result is that wrinkles, creases, and sagging occur. In addition, you can find skin tags in areas where the skin has been stretched repeatedly, such as on the neck or under the arms.
Medications
Medications are one of the many causes of skin tags. Medications can cause skin tags in two ways: by increasing the growth of skin cells or by irritating the skin. Medications that increase the growth of skin cells include corticosteroids, birth control pills, and certain anti-seizure medications.
Medications that can irritate the skin and lead to skin tags include topical corticosteroids, neomycin (an antibiotic), and quinine (a medication used to treat malaria). In addition, medications that are injected into the skin, such as insulin, can also irritate and lead to the formation of skin tags.
Immunosuppression
Immunosuppression is a condition in which the immune system is compromised and unable to protect the body from infection or disease adequately. Immunosuppression can be caused by several factors, including certain medications, infections, and cancer. In addition, people with immunosuppression are more susceptible to developing skin tags.
Immunosuppression interferes with the body’s ability to fight against viruses and bacteria, which can cause skin tags to form. In addition, people with immunosuppression often have weakened immune systems, making it difficult for the body to heal from minor injuries. As a result, skin tags are more likely to form in areas where the skin is damaged
Conclusion
Skin tags are benign growths that can occur for a variety of reasons. Some causes of skin tags include aging, medications, immunosuppression, and repeated injury to the skin. Skin tags are usually harmless, but they can be irritating. If you have a skin tag that is causing you discomfort, there are several options for treatment. You can remove skin tags yourself, have them removed by a doctor, or wait for them to fall off on their own.
