Skin Tags During Pregnancy

The rice-grain looking hanging outgrowths on the skin surfaces are called skin tags. In appearance, skin tags are small, smooth and slightly wrinkled. The shape is somewhat irregular and are soft to touch. The color of the skin tags is either similar or slightly darker than the skin tone. They hang from the skin by a small stalk. They mostly occur on the skin that frequently rubs against clothing, jewelery or another area of the skin. Most common places of skin tag appearance are folds of the neck, eyelids, armpits, groin folds, torso, upper chest (particularly beneath the breasts in female) and in the genitals. Skin tags are completely benign in nature and can occur in anyone. Nearly half of the population suffers from skin tags at any time.

Skin tags are most prevalent in overweight adults approaching their middle ages. Even children or toddlers can develop skin tags in the neck and underarms. Women, especially expecting mothers, are quite prone to it. Appearance of skin tags during pregnancy is a common phenomenon and generally do not shed off after childbirth. Let's learn more about the pregnancy skin tags.

Skin Tags and Pregnancy: Pregnancy skin tags can occur on any one of the above-mentioned body regions. Genital skin tags during pregnancy are the most common. The most likely place of their occurrence is the vulva, which is the fold in the outer layer of the vagina. The appearance of vaginal skin tags are the same as normal skin tags. They are small, smooth skin folds, which are a little darker than the skin tone. Non-pregnant women can also develop vaginal skin tags. In some females, the size of the vaginal skin tag increases during menstruation. After the menstrual period is over, the skin tag resumes to its usual size. Most females acquire skin tags after pregnancy.

Genital or more specifically vaginal skin tags during pregnancy, are easy targets for pathogenic microbes. Therefore, genital hygiene must be maintained and any fluid discharge should be cleaned from the surrounding areas. This would minimize the risk of microbial infection.

Cause of Pregnancy Skin Tags: According to medical professionals, the most probable cause of pregnancy skin tags is the hormonal elevation during pregnancy. There is an overactive growth on the superficial layer of the skin. Skin tags are harmless and has nothing to do with any major medical complication. They produce pain only when they get twisted, inflamed or rubbed against something rough. There is hardly anything you can do to prevent the occurrence of skin tags during pregnancy. Though the skin tags are harmless, at times they become annoying and irritating. If you notice any change in the shape of the skin tag, size or color or have a feeling of pain or discomfort, you must consult a medical practitioner and get the necessary treatment done.

Treatment for Pregnancy Skin Tags: The best pregnancy skin tags treatment is their removal. The skin tags can be removed both during or after pregnancy. Dermatologists follow a standard method for skin tag removal. The process is simple and accomplishes in a few minutes. The tag is first frozen using liquid nitrogen and then cut off with a scissor. The tag can also be burned or cauterized instead of cutting off. Topical creams similar to "wart removal creams" are also effective in getting rid from skin tags. The creams work by disintegrating the stalk that keeps the skin tags attached to the skin surface. Plant or chemical-based skin tag removal creams should be avoided as there is always a risk of foreign substances penetration into the skin.

Women acquiring skin tags during pregnancy is quite common and is absolutely not dangerous. If you feel their presence annoying or they have become painful, you can easily get rid of them. Do consult a registered medical practitioner for the removal of pregnancy skin tags.