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Six Facts on Cutaneous Skin Tags

Skin tags are a pesky skin imperfection that affects many people. With warm weather approaching, it’s good to know your options with skin tags. They are raised, small in size and come out of the skin in a thin, stalk shape. Though typically harmless, at times they can be cancerous, but the chances are slim. Here are six facts you need to know if you have recently had a skin tag appear:

Skin tags usually appear due to friction.

Skin tags typically appear after the constant friction between a fold. Therefore, they are most common to appear under the arms and other areas of constant contact.

Skin tags are typically only cosmetic

Skin tags don’t usually come with any ill side effects other than appearance.

They should be painless

With the minor exception of skin tags that are twisted on their blood supply or scratched, your skin tags should be painless. Those that do get irritated may end up turning red or black or bleed in general.

It starts small

They start as a small bump on the skin that you may think is a mole. They attach themselves under the skin and then expand to be a skin tag.

They can be removed

Though skin tags are a cosmetic imperfection, removal by a doctor is possible. Removal can vary by freezing off, tying off, burning off or cutting off. a Doctor or professional should perform these processes.

You should not do an at home removal 

At home removal may sound tempting as the spot may be of extreme bother to you; however, it is important to know that skin tags are not easily removed. They are known for their ability to grow back after improper removal.

If you notice something that looks like a skin tag, call Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865-690-9467 and we will ensure it is safe and can discuss the removal process.

How to Handle Skin Tags

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So you’re doing your skin check, making note of new moles, freckles and growths. You notice a small piece of skin on your arm or on your neck. Before going into a frenzy and speed-dialing your dermatologist, compare it to the characteristics of skin tags.

Does it look like a bump or mole? Does it hurt to touch? If your answer is yes, then call your dermatologist and schedule that appointment. If not, then you are dealing with a skin tag. Skin tags are benign growths caused by friction of skin rubbing against itself. When skin on your arm, neck, armpits or even eyelids frequently rubs against itself, it can cause a thin stalk of skin to form and hang off your body. Other than the growth, there are no additional symptoms or dangers from skin tags. Bear in mind that repetitive friction and wearing tight clothes contribute to skin tag formation.

Skin tags are very common, affecting roughly 25 percent of the population. They can be removed by one of our certified dermatologists. Call and schedule an appointment today!

If you have any questions about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Skin Tag 101

These pesky little growths are more annoying than harmful, but it’s reassuring to know what they are and aren’t. Your Knoxville Dermatology team is here to give you the 101 on skin tags.

It’s worth repeating that skin tags are not harmful. They are benign and have  no additional symptoms. . These growths, or cutaneous skin tags, are usually caused by skin areas rubbing against each other. This forms a thin stalk of skin that hangs off the body. Typically, areas prone to skin tags are the eyelids, the neck, the groin area and the armpits.

Skin tags are very  common. Roughly 25 percent of people develop them,  and they are often seen in adults over the age of 50 or in people with diabetes.  They are also a frequent issue for those who are overweight. Repetitive friction and wearing tight clothes may also contribute to skin tag development.

Most people seek removal for cosmetic reasons.  Irritation and bleeding can also be  treated. For any skin tag issues,  please call us and we will connect you with one of our certified dermatologists. Skin tags need not cause you frustration, and we’re here to help!

If you have any questions about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

A Not-So Fun Game of Tag

Tag, you’re it! That’s how it can feel with skin tags. They seem to pop up and it can feel like you’re stuck with them.

A little friction seems to be the culprit – skin rubbing against skin pushes the excess skin into a “bud” or “tag”. These tags show up on your neck, underarms or eyelids and can form multiple growths at a time. Yes they are harmless, but they can be cumbersome.

If they are particularly cumbersome, removal is an option. One of our dermatologists can talk to you about the best methods for removing skin tags so feel free to schedule an appointment today!

If you have any questions about skin tags or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Is Your Skin Budding?


Of course we’d all like to think our skin is as fresh and colorful as a flower bloom, but that’s not the kind of budding that happens to your skin. Friction-caused skin growths can appear as buds of skin on your body. These are known as skin tags.

Cutaneous skin tags are harmless growths typically found on the neck, underarms or eyelids. It’s thought that these growths are caused by skin rubbing against skin, pushing excess skin into a “bud”. You could have a couple here and there or even up to a hundred. And although they are harmless, sometimes skin tags can get irritated by your clothing.

If they continuously bother you, the best way to get rid of skin tags is to consult one of our certified physicians. There are several ways to get rid of them and you can discuss the best option for you. And don’t worry, another “bud” won’t spring up after removal.

If you have any questions about skin tags and removal options, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.