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Skin Tags
Skin tags can be a bit alarming or annoying when you first notice them, but the good news is they’re usually nothing to worry about. At the Mole Institute, we often reassure our patients that skin tags are benign (non- cancerous) growths and are not contagious.
Specializing in skin tag removal in Hamilton, the Mole Institute empowers patients from Oakville, Ancaster, Mississauga, Toronto, St. Catherines, and nearby areas to move on with their lives with renewed confidence.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small, soft pieces of skin that protrude from the surface on a thin “stalk” of tissue. They are usually the same color as your skin (though some can be slightly darker) and typically only a few millimeters in size – about as big as a grain of rice. These little growths are extremely common; researchers estimate that roughly half of all adults will develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime. Skin tags are benign growths, meaning they are not cancerous and generally not harmful. You might notice a skin tag and feel concerned or self-conscious about it, but medically speaking, it’s usually harmless.
Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
In almost all cases, skin tags are not dangerous. They are benign, meaning they won’t turn into cancer and usually don’t pose any health threat. Unlike some other skin growths (like warts), skin tags are not contagious, so you don’t have to worry about them spreading to other people or other parts of your body by touch . Most skin tags cause no pain or symptoms at all. In fact, you might not even notice you have one unless it’s in a spot that catches on something.
If you have a skin tag that suddenly changes in appearance – for instance, it becomes very dark, irregular, or grows quickly – it’s important to have a physician examine it to make sure it really is just a skin tag and not something else.
Your best C.A.R.E. is our priority
To meet with our team of physicians at the Mole Institute, follow our 4 step C.A.R.E. process. Book a consultation online or by calling (905) 906-SKIN (7546).
No referral is needed.
Connect
Call our office or book a free consultation online
Assess
Your condition will be assessed by a trained physician
Remove
Procedures can be done on the same day as your consultation
Enjoy
Enjoy your results with minimal downtime
Risks of Skin Tag Removal at Home
Seeing a skin tag, you might be tempted to remove it yourself – perhaps by tying it off with a piece of thread, cutting it with scissors or nail clippers, or trying one of many home remedy kits. However, dermatologists and physicians strongly discourage at-home removal of skin tags. Removing a skin tag may seem straightforward, but doing it yourself can lead to several issues and complications.
For more information on why you should not try to remove skin tags at home, please read this article in our blog.
Should You Remove a Skin Tag?
Since skin tags are generally harmless, removing them is usually optional and considered a personal choice. That said, it’s also completely valid to want a skin tag removed for comfort or peace of mind. You might consider removal if the skin tag gets irritated, catches on clothing or jewelry, or bleeds easily, or if you simply don’t like how it looks.