Skin Tag question

I am a 29 year old female. Two or three years ago I noticed that I had what I thought to be a small, flesh-colored skin tag on the inside of my upper thigh, close to my bikini line. Recently in the last week or so, the skin tag has grown, becoming almost 1/2 centimeter long and becoming irritated when I walk because of the friction of my thighs. This friction also causes redness. However, the tag is not tender or red when I haven't been walking for a while. The tip of the tag now appears discolored, a dark brown or black. Is it normal for tags to grow like this without being exposed to the sun? Can I remove it on my own or should I see a physician?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be a skin tag or a HPV wart. Skin tags are tiny skin growths that generally cause no symptoms unless they are repeatedly irritated. The commonest area where they occur are armpits, groins, neckfolds etc. Treatment options include removing with scissors, freezing (using liquid nitrogen), and burning (using medical electric cautery at the physician's office). You should consult a dermatologist to find out which treatment is the best one for you.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.