Skin imperfections can be frustrating, especially when they interfere with daily comfort or confidence. At a professional skin clinic, one of the most common enquiries we receive is about small, soft growths that suddenly appear on the skin—often in places like the neck, underarms, or eyelids. These growths, though harmless, can cause irritation or concern. In this blog, we’ll explore what they are, why they develop, and the safest ways to manage or remove them with insights from a dermatologist’s perspective.
Understanding What These Growths Are
These soft, fleshy protrusions are known as skin tags, or medically, acrochordons. They are benign, non-cancerous skin growths made up of collagen fibres and blood vessels encased in skin. Typically, they form in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as underarms, groin, neck, eyelids, and under the breasts.
While they may look unusual or feel bothersome, they are not dangerous. Their appearance is usually more of a cosmetic or comfort issue than a medical emergency.
Recognising the Common Signs
Most people don’t notice these growths until they become irritated or catch on clothing or jewellery. They can:
- Be flesh-toned, brown, or slightly darker
- Feel soft or rubbery to the touch
- Dangle on a small stalk
- Range from a few millimetres to over a centimetre in size
They are usually painless unless subjected to friction or trauma. That said, when a skin tag becomes twisted, inflamed, or bleeds, it’s best to consult a specialist to rule out other skin conditions.
Why Do I Keep Getting Them?
Several factors contribute to the development of these growths. The most common reasons include:
- Friction: Repeated skin-to-skin or skin-to-fabric contact increases the likelihood of formation.
- Genetics: A family history can make some individuals more prone.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and certain hormonal conditions, such as insulin resistance, may trigger growths.
- Age: They are more common in middle-aged and older adults.
- Weight: Increased body mass can lead to more skin folds, which raises the risk of friction-related growths.
They are not contagious and typically develop gradually. If you notice multiple growths appearing in a short period, it’s wise to have them evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out underlying issues.
Should You Consider Removal?
Most of the time, these benign growths don’t require medical intervention. However, removal may be considered when:
- They are frequently irritated or bleeding
- Their location causes discomfort or embarrassment
- You’re concerned about appearance, especially if they are on visible areas like the neck or face
From a dermatological point of view, removal is generally safe and straightforward. It’s a personal decision often driven by cosmetic preference or convenience.
What Happens During Dermatologist-Performed Removal?
When performed at a reputable skin clinic, removal procedures are fast, minimally invasive, and require little to no downtime. Here are the most common techniques used:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen so it falls off naturally.
- Excision: Using sterile tools to carefully snip the growth at its base under local anaesthesia.
- Electrosurgery: Using an electric current to dry out and remove the growth.
Each method is performed in a sterile clinical setting by trained professionals, significantly reducing the risk of infection or scarring. It’s best to avoid DIY methods, which often lead to skin damage or incomplete removal.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Them?
While it’s difficult to completely prevent these growths, especially if you’re genetically predisposed, there are ways to reduce your risk:
- Keep your skin dry and clean, particularly in areas where friction is common.
- Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing to reduce irritation.
- Maintain a healthy weight to minimise skin folds.
- Manage blood sugar levels if you’re insulin resistant or diabetic.
These steps may not eliminate the chance entirely but can lower the likelihood of new growths forming.
What About Home Remedies?
Many websites and social media platforms promote home remedies such as using dental floss to tie off the growth or applying apple cider vinegar or essential oils. While these may seem simple, they come with risks:
- DIY methods can cause infections, bleeding, or skin irritation.
- Misidentifying a lesion could lead to untreated skin cancer or other skin conditions.
- Home remedies typically lack the precision and hygiene of clinical treatments.
For safety and peace of mind, it’s always best to seek professional advice before attempting removal.
Caring for Skin After Removal
After a professional removal procedure, proper aftercare ensures smooth healing and reduces the chance of infection:
- Gently clean the area daily as instructed.
- Avoid direct sun exposure to minimise scarring.
- Refrain from scratching or picking at the healing site.
- Apply any topical treatments prescribed by your practitioner.
Healing time varies depending on the removal method but is generally quick and uneventful when proper care is followed.
Looking for Safe and Professional Removal?
Whether your concern is cosmetic or comfort-based, seeking the advice of an experienced skin professional is the safest path to clarity and confidence. For residents searching for a trusted skin clinic in Keysborough, Hallam, or Lyndhurst, expert care is just around the corner.
At Greensthetics, we offer medically guided skin solutions tailored to your needs, including safe and effective removal of benign skin growths. Our clinic combines dermatological expertise with advanced treatment methods to help you achieve clear, healthy skin in a supportive environment.
Call us today on (03) 9087 8351 to book your personalised consultation and take the first step toward comfortable, confident skin.