​Skin Tags

Skin tags (acrochordons) are commonly occurring, small and benign skin growths that can measure up to half an inch in length. They are usually the same colour as the skin or a bit darker. Skin tags are made of blood vessels and collagen fibres surrounded by skin and attached to the rest of the skin by a stalk. They mostly appear on the eyelids, neck, breast, armpits, stomach and groin, and are harmless. People are more prone to developing skin tags if they are obese, pregnant, elderly and/or diabetic. The exact reason behind skin tags is unknown but it is widely believed that friction between skin folds or skin and clothes can cause their growth.

Apart from their appearance, skin tags do not exhibit any symptom. They are harmless and painless but may become irritated at times due to rubbing by clothing and other materials.​​

You can visit one of our highly skilled doctors at the Teeth and Skin Services line at The Aga Khan University Hospital Pakistan, for advice about skin tags.​​

Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​​

A simple examination of the skin tag is enough for diagnosis. Your doctor may order a skin biopsy to confirm that the growth is harmless.​​

Your doctor may offer you a number of treatment options if you want to remove your skin tags due to irritation or a cosmetic concern. These options include:

  • Cryotherapy in which the skin tag is frozen using liquid nitrogen

  • Cauterization in which the skin tag is burned using electric current

  • Removal of skin tags by scissors or other sharp tools

Your doctor may apply anaesthetic cream/injection to ease your pain in case the skin tag is large.​​

​The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.
 
The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.
 
The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​​

​Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.