Tiny skin tags popping up everywhere? So annoying! Let’s dive into the causes and treatments of skin tags. (Infographic)

by | 8 月 10, 2024

Skin Tags: Causes and Treatment Explained (Infographic)

Skin tags are a very common type of epidermal change. They appear as small, soft protrusions and are sometimes described as “fleshy bumps.” Skin tags typically have a larger “head” and a narrower “neck” connecting them to the skin’s surface. Most skin tags are about 0.2 to 0.5 cm in size. Some remain the same size, while others may grow larger over time, becoming more noticeable. Rarely, they can grow to more than 1 or 2 cm.

Skin tags usually match the skin color but can become darker, turning brown or even black over time. If the tag’s head and neck are similar in color, it might be mistaken for a raised mole.

Skin tags are quite common, and people often develop multiple tags rather than just one. They frequently appear on areas prone to friction, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and beneath the breasts. These areas are prone to friction and skin irritation, which can lead to the development of skin tags.

In most cases, skin tags don’t cause discomfort, but some larger ones may be painful due to friction or may bleed slightly.

Skin tags are benign growths and not cancerous. They are mostly an issue of appearance and do not typically affect health. However, many people wonder, “Why me? Why do I have so many small tags on my neck? It’s so unattractive!”

Factors contributing to the development of skin tags include aging and genetic predisposition (if family members have them). High levels of growth hormones during pregnancy can also contribute. Research shows that people who are overweight, have diabetes, insulin resistance, or high insulin levels in the blood are more prone to skin tags. This suggests a potential association between skin tags and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you notice many skin tags, it’s a good idea to check your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to assess for metabolic syndrome.

Do not self-diagnose skin tags. Other skin conditions, such as moles, viral warts, or seborrheic keratoses, may look similar. It is best to have a doctor examine any concerning skin changes. Usually, skin tags don’t require special testing, but if another skin issue is suspected, a biopsy might be needed for diagnosis.

If skin tags affect your appearance or are in a location prone to friction, causing pain or bleeding, consider removal. There are home remedies, but they are not always safe and can lead to scarring, excessive bleeding, or infection.

At a clinic or hospital, doctors can remove skin tags using liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), electrosurgery, laser removal, or surgical excision, which are safer and more effective methods.

To prevent new skin tags, maintain good skin hydration, avoid wearing jewelry that causes friction around the neck, and if overweight, focus on weight loss and regular exercise.

Skin tags are small growths on the epidermis that can affect appearance when numerous. Consider seeing a doctor for removal if needed. Additionally, those with many skin tags should check their blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.

追蹤照護線上

最新文章 搶先收看

白內障術後眩光怕開車?新一代長焦段人工水晶體純折射式科技降低術後光暈、眩光,夜間駕車更安全,眼科醫師圖文解說

白內障術後眩光怕開車?新一代長焦段人工水晶體純折射式科技降低術後光暈、眩光,夜間駕車更安全,眼科醫師圖文解說

「那是一位60多歲的男士,左眼在幾年前接受白內障手術,使用傳統多焦點人工水晶體。」陳怡豪醫師表示,「術後患者覺得白天的視力很好,但是晚上駕車時,對向車燈會造成明顯的光暈、眩光,讓他相當困擾,甚至不敢在夜間開車,因此遲遲沒有接受右眼的白內障手術。」

隨著右眼的白內障惡化,視力明顯下降,影響日常生活,患者才決定接受白內障手術。當時正好有新一代長焦段人工水晶體問世,採用純折射式設計,光學面上沒有任何圈圈,能夠大幅降低光學干擾,提供更高品質視覺。經過詳細討論後,患者選擇使用新一代長焦段人工水晶體。術後,患者覺得白天視力相當穩定,夜間的光暈、眩光也比傳統多焦點人工水晶體減少許多。終於又能在夜間開車上路,讓患者非常開心。

結締組織疾病易併發!世界肺動脈高壓日 邀您關心「心臟的癌症」 合併治療與多專科診治改善預後 專科醫師圖文解說

結締組織疾病易併發!世界肺動脈高壓日 邀您關心「心臟的癌症」 合併治療與多專科診治改善預後 專科醫師圖文解說

「有位紅斑性狼瘡的女性患者,因為在夜裡感到胸痛而到急診室,進一步檢查後,發現有肺動脈高壓的問題」李克仁醫師表示,後來發現,患者容易感到喘其實已經有一段時間,但是都沒有放在心上,自己也不覺得跟紅斑性狼瘡有關,所以沒有就診。

部分自體免疫疾病會併發肺動脈高壓,例如紅斑性狼瘡、乾燥症與皮肌炎等患者病程中出現肺動脈高壓,病情進展快且複雜,需密切追蹤與早期處置。

新一代口服BTK抑制劑突破治療困境,原發性中樞神經系統B細胞淋巴瘤PCNSL標靶治療解析,腫瘤專科醫師圖文懶人包

新一代口服BTK抑制劑突破治療困境,原發性中樞神經系統B細胞淋巴瘤PCNSL標靶治療解析,腫瘤專科醫師圖文懶人包

「那是一位70歲的男士,因為經常頭痛而就醫,進一步檢查後確診為原發性中樞神經系統B細胞淋巴瘤,並開始接受一線化學治療。」沈俊佑醫師表示,「高劑量化學治療導致多種副作用,讓患者難以承受,腦部腫瘤也持續擴大。」

經過討論後,醫療團隊決定為患者申請使用標靶藥物–新一代口服BTK抑制劑。因為新一代口服BTK抑制劑的副作用較少,且治療方式從住院化療轉為門診口服,大幅改善了生活品質,也讓患者願意繼續接受治療。