Health Library

A skin tag (acrochordon) is a soft, extra growth of skin. Most skin tags are skin-coloured and rarely bigger than a pencil eraser. They often form in areas where there is frequent rubbing, or friction, on the skin. This may be where there are folds in the skin, such as:

1. The eyelids.
2. The neck.
3. The armpit.
4. The groin.

Skin tags are not dangerous, and they do not spread from person to person (are not contagious).

Generally, skin tags are not found in very young children. When skin tags occur, they usually develop in children who have gone through puberty. Your child may have one skin tag or many. Skin tags do not need treatment. However, your child's health care provider may recommend removing a skin tag if it:

1. Gets irritated from clothing or jewellery.
2. Bleeds.
3. Is visible and unsightly.

What are the causes?

This condition is linked to:

1. Genetics.
2. Diabetes.
3. Obesity.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Skin tags usually do not cause symptoms unless they get irritated by items touching your child's skin, such as clothing or jewellery. When this happens, your child may have pain, itching, or bleeding.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with an evaluation from your child's health care provider. No testing is needed for diagnosis.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on whether your child has symptoms. A skin tag can be removed by your child's health care provider with:

1. A simple surgical procedure using scissors.
2. A procedure that involves freezing the skin tag with a gas in liquid form (liquid nitrogen).
3. A procedure that uses heat to destroy your child's skin tag(electrodessication).

Follow these instructions at home:

1. Watch for any changes in your child's skin tag. A normal skin tag does not require any other special care at home.
2. Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only asinstructed by your child's health care provider.
3. Keep all follow-up appointments.

Contact a health care provider if:

Your child has a skin tag that:

1. Becomes painful.
2. Changes colour.
3. Bleeds.
4. Swells.

Summary

Skin tags are soft, extra growths of skin found in areas of frequent rubbing or friction.Skin tags usually do not cause symptoms. If symptoms occur, your child may have pain, itching, or bleeding.Your child's health care provider may remove your child's skin tag if it causes symptoms or is unsightly.This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.