Skin Tags in Embarrassing Areas!!

I have a rather embarrasing problem - I have developed what I believe is a skin tag in my anal area. It's a short piece of skin that looks like a very thin tube, though the color is like the surrounding skin. Occasionally, and probably because of it's location, it gets irritated and bleeds a tiny bit.

I also developed a similar, but smaller growth on my vulva (does not get irritated).

Should I have these removed? Can I do it myself? I noticed several dermatology web sites where the recommended removal process is either snipping or freezing. I imagine it would be painful to snip them myself.

What causes this, and in the genital area? What is the chance of recurrence?

Thanks for your advice.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Lynn:

See a dermatologist.  If they are skin tags, or similar pieces of flech, he or she can burn them off in a jiffy, under local anesthesia.  If they are viral (much less likely), they can be treated differently.

Choose a woman dermatologist if you will feel more comfortable.  Don't be embarrassed--it's just part of your body.  

Don;t try to do it yourself--you may bleed profusely.

Best.

Dr. R

[ejones]

are skin tags a form of a virus?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Nope.

[trg]

I am developing skin tags on my eyelids, neck and face.  The one on my neck increased in size and then broke off!  the small remaining piece hurts.  Is this a form of skin cancer?  Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, just extra skin.  Get them removed if they bother you.  Dr R

[MArk Wells]

Say Doc

I have read certain Articles that Claim Taking Chromium Picolinate will prevent the reoccurence of, or even Diminish existing SKIN tags. Is this Accurate??