Skin Tags On Kids: Causes, Treatment And Removal Methods

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Acrochordons or skin tags are soft and small skin bumps often seen on skin folds such as armpits, groin, buttocks, or eyelids (1). Self-treatment for skin tags on children is not recommended due to the risk of skin infections. Skin tags are harmless, painless, non-cancerous (benign growths), but some children may not be comfortable with them. Usually, these tiny skin lesions can be from 1mm to 2mm in size.

If there is an esthetic concern or any discomfort, you may connect with a specialist in pediatric dermatology to seek help for skin tag removal. Read on to know the causes and treatment options for skin tags on children.

Causes Of Skin Tags In Children 

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Skin tags are a collection of blood vessels and collagen fibers surrounded by skin layer (thin epidermis). The causes of skin tags are not entirely known, but the following conditions and situations seem to increase their occurrence.

• Chafing and friction in the skin folds: Some parts of the body with skin folds, like neck, groin, eyelids, and armpits, are susceptible to skin tags (2).

• Genetic disorders: Although rare, conditions such as tuberous sclerosis and Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome increase the possibility of skin tags (2).

• Obesity: Obese or overweight children could be at a higher risk because of friction of the skin.

• Chronic problems: Health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, seem to increase the risk of developing skin tags (3).

• HPV infection: Contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may increase the possibility of developing skin tags (4).

• Defects in body functions: Sometimes, skin tags may be related to defects in body functions, such as impaired lipid metabolism and abnormalities in liver enzyme (5). 

• Children who have diabetes.

Did you know?

A study highlighted that multiple skin tags are associated with insulin resistance independent of other risk factors (14).

Symptoms Of Skin Tags In Children

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Skin tags are neither harmful nor painful by themselves. Any pain in a skin tag is often due to friction or when the skin tag twists, causing a blood vessel to clot.

Quick fact

Skin tags are loosely arranged collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by thickened or thinner epidermis (4).

• In children, tags commonly appear on the face, stomach, chest, groin, arms, and legs.

• The skin tag could be a bump or have a long stalk to hang from the skin.

• Some tags could be darker than the surrounding skin and appear as tiny dark bumps.

• Skin tags often appear in clusters. If you spot a tag, look for the skin around it for more of them.

Quick fact

Genital and non-genital warts may resemble skin tags. Pediatric evaluation is necessary for correct diagnosis (15).

How Are Skin Tags Diagnosed?

There are no significant tests required to diagnose skin tags in children. A physical examination is usually enough for a doctor to diagnose skin tags. They may check the size and location of the tag to determine its cause. If the doctor suspects the bump to be some other skin condition, then a biopsy may be performed. Biopsy for skin tags is seldom needed.

Treatments To Remove Skin Tags In Children

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Based on the skin tag’s size or form, child’s age, and health condition, the doctor may suggest any of the following treatment options.

1. Freezing: This technique is also called cryotherapy or liquid nitrogen method. The doctor uses a spray or swab to apply liquid nitrogen on the skin tag. The frozen skin tag is then removed with a pair of medical tweezers. Sometimes, the frozen tag comes off in a few days by itself. There might be a small blister after the procedure, but the recovery will be on its own. (7) (8).

2. Cutting: In some cases, doctors may use clean, sharp scalpel to remove the skin tag from the skin gently. (9) (10).

3. Burning: A heated wire is used by the doctor to burn the stem of the skin tag. There is minimal bleeding with this method. But the doctor will decide if this treatment method can be used for the child (11).

4. Ligation: It involves tying a surgical thread to the stalk of a skin tag and thus cutting off its blood supply. It causes the skin tag to fall on its own. This procedure may be slow and may only be suitable if the child has a few skin tags.

5. Laser therapy: It is very simple and painless. However, it is quite expensive.

Quick tip

Moisturize the affected area after removing a skin tag for proper skin regrowth and reduced irritant dermatitis risk (possible side effect of tag removal) (15).

Are There Home Remedies To Remove Skin Tags In Children?

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People apply salicylic acid, apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, or garlic to the tags every day until the tag falls off, but there is no scientific backup to prove it.

Trying to remove skin tags at home with nail clippers or other tools, or pastes and lotions may result in infection, scarring, or bleeding.

If your child wants the skin tags to be removed, you may consult the doctor to know about the treatment options.

Is It Possible To Prevent The Spread Of Skin Tags?

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It is not possible to prevent skin tags. It is not contagious. However, children can be taught measures to avoid the factors that increase the risk of developing skin tags.

• Dress the child in clothes that minimize the friction between skin folds.

• Maintain good hygiene to avoid HPV and related issues like verrucae or plantar warts. Washing hands and not sharing towels is also essential. There are vaccines available for a few types of HPV. Speak to a doctor about immunizing your child and other family members if there is a high risk of contracting the infection.

• Proper management of congenital conditions may help in reducing the risk of skin tags.

Infographic: What Disorders Cause Skin Tags In Children?

Skin tags in children can occur due to various reasons. Identifying the disorders linked to skin tags is vital since some reasons require treatment. Go through the infographic to learn about the disorders linked to skin tags in children.

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Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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References:

14. Andréia de Almeida Tamega et al.; (2010); Association between skin tags and insulin resistance.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20464083/
15. Amarendra Pandey and Sidharth Sonthalia; (2022); Skin Tags. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547724/

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Dr. Mubina AgboatwallaMBBS, DCH, MCPS

Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla is a well-known pediatrician, practicing paediatrics since the last 20 years in Karachi Pakistan. She is the head of the department of Pediatrics in Karachi Liaquat Hospital, as well as her private practice in three specialist clinics in Pediatrics. She is also a Public Health Specialist specializing in preventive health including nutrition, breastfeeding and infectious diseases especially...more

Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor

Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert. Her interest in digital medical education and patient education...more