Skin Tags Neck

Skin tags, or acrochordons, are benign, non-cancerous growths on the skin that are estimated to affect almost 50% of adults at some point in their lives. Composed of a bundle of fibers, tissues, and blood vessels, skin tags often appear in clusters of small growths that can be skin-colored or brown and of various sizes. While skin tags can occur anywhere on the body, they typically grow in areas where skin friction occurs, including the neck. Skin tags on the neck can rub against tight clothing or jewelry, resulting in irritation, itching, and even bleeding. Skin tags on the neck can also be unsightly, causing feelings of frustration and self-consciousness. Luckily, Dr. Michele Green offers various removal methods for skin tags in her private NYC dermatology office.

Skin tags are very common in adulthood, and their prevalence significantly increases with age. While many patients are worried about the development of skin tags, they are harmless and do not require removal for medical reasons. Although the exact cause of skin tags is unknown, certain risk factors can increase the chance of developing them, including obesity, metabolic conditions, PCOS, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. If you are experiencing skin growth that resembles a skin tag, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green for a proper diagnosis. If your skin tags are irritating or itchy, or you want to have them removed for cosmetic reasons, skin tag removal methods such as electrodesiccation, excision, and cryotherapy can be used to remove them permanently. These removal methods are quick, painless, and require little downtime or side effects, making them an excellent option for skin tag removal. After an assessment of the size and location of your skin tags, Dr. Green will determine the best removal method to leave you with clear, smooth skin.

Dr. Michele Green is a world-renowned dermatologist with over 25 years of experience treating her patients with non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including methods for skin tag removal. An expert in her field, Dr. Green is consistently rated as one of New York City’s top dermatologists by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times. Dr. Green embraces a holistic approach to dermatology, tailoring each patient’s treatment plan to their specific skin concerns and needs. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private New York City office, you can guarantee that your skin tag removal plan is safe and effective.

What are skin tags?

A skin tag, also known as an acrochordon or a fibroepithelial polyp, is a benign, non-cancerous skin growth. Skin tags are typically brown or skin-colored and appear in clusters as small growths, often hanging from the skin by a thin stalk. Skin tags often grow in skin folds or areas where skin rubs against itself, including the neck, groin, and armpit, as well as the eyelids, upper chest, and underneath the breasts. Some skin tags are itchy and can be irritated by friction from clothing or jewelry. Skin tags are composed of a collection of fat cells, collagen fibers, and blood vessels covered by thick, epithelial skin. While typically small, some skin tags can grow up to five centimeters in diameter.

What causes skin tags to develop?

Researchers have not yet determined any specific cause of skin tag development. Some studies have suggested that there is a genetic component to skin tags, as patients with skin tags often have a family history of skin tags and may be genetically predisposed to developing them. Skin tags may also have a hormonal association, as they have been linked to hormonal conditions such as obesity, hypertension, certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), high growth factor levels, metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, and changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. While there are medical conditions associated with the development of skin tags, many individuals grow skin tags normally without any specific cause. Researchers estimate that roughly half of all adults will develop a skin tag at some point in their lives, with more developing with increased age.

Can wearing a necklace cause skin tags?

Yes, wearing necklaces can cause skin tags to develop on the neck. Tight-fitting or abrasive necklaces can rub against the skin, creating skin cell buildup and increasing the risk of developing skin tags.

Are skin tags a symptom of anything?

Two syndromes are associated with skin tag development: Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome is a very rare genetic condition associated with skin tumors, including trichodiscomas and fibrofolliculomas. Patients with Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome can also develop cancers in the kidneys and colons. This condition is typically found in children and is associated with skin tag development. PCOS is a condition characterized by enlarged ovaries with small cysts due to hormonal imbalances. Patients with PCOS can suffer from dermatologic conditions, including acne, abnormal hair growth, and skin tag development.

Why am I getting skin tags on my neck?

Many patients in Dr. Green’s private dermatology office wonder, “Why do I get skin tags on my neck?”. The neck is one of the most common areas where skin tags develop. Skin tags are more likely to develop in areas where the skin rubs against itself, and skin friction is very common in the neck, especially in patients who are overweight, have skin laxity, or wear tight-fitting or abrasive clothing or necklaces. Additionally, patients with obesity, diabetes, PCOS, HPV, or Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome are more likely to develop skin tags.

What do skin tags on the neck mean?

Skin tags on the neck are often a result of skin friction or genetic predisposition. Wearing tight-fitted clothes around the neck or jewelry on the neck can cause the skin to rub together, causing the development of skin tags. Hormonal changes such as during obesity, pregnancy, PCOS, and diabetes have been shown to increase the risk of developing skin tags. Having skin tags on the neck specifically, however, is not a sign of any health issue. If you are concerned about developing a large number of skin tags, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider for proper management.

Do skin tags on the neck mean diabetes?

While having skin tags on the neck can be completely benign, the appearance of skin tags can be an indication of a hormonal condition, including diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance in the body, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Abnormal hormonal levels and fluctuations with type 2 diabetes can affect skin cell turnover and the production of healthy skin cells, which can cause skin tags to develop. Skin tags may continue to form until insulin levels stabilize and the body is regulated. It is important to note, however, that while diabetes can cause skin tags, not every patient with diabetes develops skin tags, and skin tags should not be used as a diagnosing tool for diabetes.

How to stop skin tags from growing on the neck

Many patients with skin tags want to know how to prevent skin tags on the neck. The best way to prevent skin tags from developing is to maintain a standard of wellness through healthy eating and engaging in regular exercise. Patients should avoid clothing or jewelry that is tight fitting or abrasive against the neck, as skin friction can cause increased development of skin tags. If you have any health

Should skin tags be removed?

Skin tags do not need to be removed, as they are not cancerous and will not become cancerous in the future. However, patients may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons, as they often develop in clusters and can resemble warts. Additionally, since skin tags tend to form in areas where skin friction occurs (like the neck or underarms), patients may want to remove them if they are itchy and bleed when scratched.

Who does skin tag removal?

The only person who should perform a skin tag removal is a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green. Dermatologists have the knowledge and expertise to assess any skin growth and determine that it is indeed a skin tag. Many other skin conditions, like seborrheic keratoses, can resemble a skin tag, so it is essential to consult with a dermatologist who knows the difference. Additionally, while skin tags are benign, there have been rare cases in which skin cancer was developing within a skin tag. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green will ensure that your skin tag removal is both safe and effective. During your appointment, Dr. Green will assess the skin growth based on its shape, location, color, and size to determine if it is a skin tag or other skin lesion. If the growth looks atypical or suspicious, Dr. Green will take a biopsy and send it for further examination and a proper diagnosis.

How do you get rid of skin tags on the neck?

The first step in getting rid of skin tags on the neck is consulting with Dr. Green in her private NYC dermatology office. Dr. Green is a board-certified dermatologist who can assess the skin growth, confirm it is a skin tag, and provide safe and effective treatment. Depending on the appearance of the skin tag, it can be removed via electrodesiccation, excision, or cryotherapy. These procedures are quick and require little to no downtime, making the accessibility of skin tag removal easier than ever.

Electrodesiccation

Electrodesiccation is a popular method for removing skin tags from the neck. During the procedure, a tiny needle delivers an electric current or heat to remove the skin tag. The current cauterizes the growth, ensuring that no bleeding occurs. A small scab will form at the site, which will heal and fall off on its own within a week of treatment. Bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor should be applied to the site two to three times daily until the area is fully healed.

Excision

Excision is a popular removal method for skin tags that are large or are hanging from a thicker stalk. The skin is first prepped with a topical or injected anesthetic to numb the area and minimize discomfort during the procedure. Once numbed, surgical scissors or a scalpel will be used to snip or excise the skin tag. Cauterization may additionally be used to seal the blood vessels and eliminate bleeding after the procedure. Excision is the best method for skin tag removal when sending a sample to the laboratory, as this removal method does not destroy the skin tag tissue.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, also known as cryosurgery, uses liquid nitrogen to freeze skin tags. At a temperature of -320°F, liquid nitrogen can freeze and destroy a skin tag on contact. A blister or scab may form in the area for several days before the area completely heals. Cryotherapy should only be performed by a board-certified dermatologist, as improper application of liquid nitrogen can result in severe burns. Additionally, cryosurgery is not a preferred method for skin tag removal due to the risk of scarring after treatment.

Is skin tag removal permanent?

Yes, once a skin tag is removed, it will not grow back. However, removing skin tags will not prevent new ones from forming in the future.

How to remove skin tags from the neck naturally

There are many websites, videos, and DIY home remedies online that claim to remove skin tags from the neck naturally. Two common home remedies used for skin tag removal are apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. Some claim that applying apple cider vinegar to a skin tag will break down the tissue surrounding the skin tag, causing it to fall out. Apple cider vinegar should not be applied to the skin, as its acidity can actually cause chemical burns. Others claim that applying tea tree oil can remove skin tags by drying out the skin. Tea tree oil can be incredibly irritating to the skin, especially for individuals with sensitive skin, and has been shown to cause allergic skin reactions in some individuals. While it may be enticing to use home remedies, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green to ensure that the skin tag is safely removed without the risk of irritation, scarring, hyperpigmentation, or inflammation.

How to remove skin tags on the neck at home

Some over-the-counter products claim to be effective at removing skin tags, including ligation bands, skin tag removal pens, and skin tag removal patches. These products need more clinical data supporting their efficacy in skin tag removal. Additionally, these devices can result in unwanted side effects like hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and infection. Freezing kits use low temperatures to eliminate skin tags and may be effective in removing small, soft skin tags. However, these kits should not be used on the face or by individuals with blood conditions or diabetes. The temperature used by the freezing kit may not be low enough to destroy the skin tag, and multiple treatments may be necessary for full removal.

However, one of the main reasons not to remove skin tags at home is that a skin tag can look like other types of skin lesions, including skin cancer. When considering skin tag removal, it is essential to consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green, who has the knowledge and experience to diagnose your skin growth properly. After assessing the growth and confirming that it is a skin tag, Dr. Green will then remove the best skin tag removal method to help you safely and effectively get rid of skin tags on your neck.

How to remove small skin tags on the neck

Electrodesiccation is a popular skin tag removal method for small skin tags on the neck. The procedure involves using a small electric needle to cauterize and remove the growth. Afterward, a small scab may grow in the area that will fall off on its own, typically within a week of treatment. If the growth looks suspicious and further testing is necessary, an excision may be performed to send a biopsy to a laboratory for further testing. If you are experiencing small skin tags on the neck and are interested in removing them permanently, the first step is consulting with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. After careful assessment of the skin tags, Dr. Green will recommend the best skin tag removal to rid your neck of unwanted skin tags.

How to get started with removing skin tags on the neck

Skin tags on the neck are benign growths that often don’t require any treatment. Their development often increases with age and can increasingly develop in patients with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, PCOS, metabolic syndromes, and hormone imbalances. While harmless, skin tags on the neck can create feelings of insecurity and can cause discomfort, irritation, and bleeding. Thankfully, Dr. Green is an expert in skin tag removal and offers various removal methods based on the size and appearance of your skin tags. Treatment options such as electrodesiccation, excision, and cryotherapy can all remove skin tags permanently and painlessly with little downtime or side effects. Depending on the presentation of the growth, a skin tag may require further examination and testing. The best way to get a proper diagnosis of your growth is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Green. After an assessment and confirmation of a skin tag diagnosis, Dr. Green will determine the best skin tag removal method for you and your specific skin concerns.

Dr. Michele Green is a world-renowned, board-certified dermatologist who has treated some of the most discerning men and women across the world with non-invasive cosmetic procedures. With over two and a half decades of experience in dermatology, Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, New York Magazine, and The New York Times consistently rate Dr. Green as one of NYC’s top dermatologists. She is known for her “less-is-more” philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and tailored treatment plans for each patient’s aesthetic goals and skin concerns. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private New York City dermatology office, she will choose the best skin tag removal method to help you remove your skin tags and achieve clear, radiant skin. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and find out the best skin tag removal treatment option for you.