Ever been icked out by tiny growths on your body? Have they left you wondering what they are and whether they’re cancerous? For those who are curious, these are harmless growths called skin tags, medically termed acrochordons. According to research published by StatsPearls Publishing, an estimated 50–60% of adults will develop skin tags in their lifetime, with a higher probability in people in their 40s. But the question we’re going to tackle in this article is whether or not skin tags have a genetic link. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Cosmetologist Ritu Khariyan, Skinlogics, Noida, shared insights.
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What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small, benign growths that occur on the skin's surface. They are described as these soft, hanging protrusions that mostly grow in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, torso, beneath the breasts, or in the genital region.
Both males and females can develop skin tags equally, and once they have developed, they're likely to increase in size or number with advancing age, as per StatsPearls Publishing.
Common Causes And Risk factors
Khariyan said, “There is no clear study that tells us exactly what causes skin tags, but it generally happens when clusters of collagen and blood vessels become trapped inside thicker pieces of skin.”
Some of the common causes include:
- Friction between skin surfaces leads to chafing and irritation
- Elevated growth factor levels, especially prevalent in pregnancy or acromegaly (gigantism)
- Insulin resistance, associated with syndrome X
- Presence of human papillomavirus (wart virus)
Additionally, people who have diabetes or metabolic syndrome, such as high blood pressure, unhealthy blood sugar levels, extra fat around the waist, or unhealthy cholesterol levels, are at a greater risk of developing skin tags, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
But can skin tags also occur if blood relatives have them too?
Can Skin Tags Run In Families?
While skin tags are mainly caused by skin rubbing against skin, in some cases, they also occur due to genetic issues or if your family has a history of developing skin tags, said Khariyan, adding that some people inherit an increased susceptibility to skin tags.
Research also suggests that certain genetic disorders may have a predisposition to skin tags. This includes patients with the Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome, a hereditary condition associated with multiple non-cancerous (benign) skin tumours, and tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic condition that causes non-life-threatening tumours.
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How To Safely Remove Skin Tags?
Skin tags are usually harmless, but if they become irritated, start to bleed, or if they develop on the eyelid and affect your eyesight, then you can consult an expert regarding the removal procedure.
According to Khariyan, the removal of skin tags is normally for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons.
“Skin tags, which are large in shape, especially in areas of the skin where they may rub against clothing, jewellery, or skin, may be removed due to irritation,” she said.
She added, “There are many home remedies and Over-The-Counter (OTC) solutions available in the market.”
One of the procedures is cryosurgery, wherein your dermatologist can help freeze the skin tag with an extremely cold substance like liquid nitrogen, and within 7–10 days, it is likely to fall off.
Conclusion
While skin tags are generally benign and pose no significant health risks, there appears to be a familial association with their development. Many factors, such as genetics, shared lifestyles, and hereditary predispositions, may contribute to the occurrence of skin tags within families. Although not a cause for concern, individuals with a family history of skin tags may consider regular skin examinations and consult with healthcare professionals for personalised guidance on prevention and management strategies.