Skin Tags

What is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag is a small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin by a connecting stalk. Skin tags are not dangerous. They are usually found on the face, neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area. Skin tags appear most often in women, especially with weight gain, and in elderly people. Skin tags usually don’t cause any pain. However, they can become irritated if anything, such as clothing or jewelry, rubs on them.

How do you treat Skin Tags ?
Dr. Jackson can remove a skin tag by cutting it off with a scalpel or scissors, with cryotherapy (freezing it off), or with electrosurgery (burning it off with an electric current). Skin Tag removal is not generally covered by insurance is considered to be a cosmetic procedure.

What Causes a Mole?
Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black in color. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Many moles generally appear in early childhood and during the first 20 years of a person’s life. It is normal to have between 10-40 moles by adulthood. As the years pass however, these moles usually change slowly, becoming raised or even change color. Often, hairs develop on the mole. Most moles are not dangerous and are more annoying than problematic.

Seborrheic Keratoses (DPN’s/ Facial Moles)
Seborrheic keratoses are brown or black growths usually found on the chest and back, as well as on the head. They originate from cells called keratinocytes. As they develop, seborrheic keratoses take on a warty appearance. They do not lead to skin cancer and simply appear as people get older.

How Are Seborrheic Keratoses Treated?
Seborrheic keratoses are benign (not harmful) and are not contagious. If you decide to have seborrheic keratoses removed because you don’t like the way they look, or because they are chronically irritated by clothing, they can definitely be removed.

How Do I Know if a Mole Is Cancerous?
Most moles are not dangerous. The only moles that are of medical concern are those that look different than other existing moles. If you notice changes in a mole’s color, height, size or shape, you should contact a dermatologist immediately. Any mole that bleeds, oozes, itches, appears scaly, or becomes tender or painful needs to be evaluated.
Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you. Pay special attention to areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, chest, neck, and ears. If you see any signs of change in an existing mole, if you have a new mole, or if you want a mole to be removed contact Dr. Jackson for a consultation. He would be happy to evaluate you and advise you on your options.

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