What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are tiny pieces of skin that develop during pregnancy. They are small, soft, and benign growths that often appear on your skin. These growths are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker and can vary in size. In medical terms, they are commonly known as acrochordon. They appear in different parts of the body during pregnancy. Skin tags appear mostly on frictional body parts, that is, the parts that rub on your skin or your clothes. However, it is important to note that they are non-cancerous skin growths. They are soft because they contain fat cells, nerve cells, and fibre, covered with skin.Skin tags mostly appear during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, they may also appear in the third trimester.
Common Areas of Skin Tags
Pregnancy and weight gain are interconnected. Skin tags typically occur in areas where you gain weight. These include your breasts, neck, armpits, and your thighs closer to your private parts. However, not everyone gains weight in the same areas. So, the areas where skin tags appear may also vary for you. They don't usually bother you unless they come in contact with your clothes or jewellery.Causes of Skin Tags During Pregnancy
There are many reasons for skin tags to arise during pregnancy. However, the causes may vary depending on your daily routine and genetic factors. Common causes include:- Weight gain: Weight gain is a common physiological change during pregnancy. According to ACOG, gaining between 11 and 40 pounds is fine, based on your pre-pregnancy body weight. However, too much weight gain can bring other complications during and post-pregnancy periods.
There are multiple reasons for weight gain. However, as your pregnancy progresses, different skin conditions may occur. Increased weight often causes friction between the skin and the underlying tissue, resulting in skin tags.
- Pregnancy hormones: Your body encounters drastic changes due to hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy. The sudden rise of female sex hormones like oestrogen and progesterone can also cause skin tags. Leptin is one of the most common hormones that can cause skin tags. This hormone helps promote skin cell division and development. During pregnancy, your fat tissues secrete leptin, which is also responsible for sudden skin growth.
There may be other reasons for skin tags, based on multiple factors. Since there is no specific reason for the growth of skin tags, it is recommended to consult your doctor for the best treatment options.
Treatment of Pregnancy Skin Tags
Skin tags cause no harm to your body. However, they can be irritated due to friction with clothing and jewellery. If they cause a hindrance in your daily life, there are certain ways to remove them. It is recommended that you use these methods only after your pregnancy.Medical Remedies
Consider medical remedies only under supervised conditions. There are multiple medical ways to treat these skin tags. Some of these popular medical remedies involve:- Cryosurgery: This treatment is mainly used to remove small skin tags. It involves freezing and eliminating the skin tags using liquid nitrogen.
- Excision: It is a method of eliminating the skin tag by cutting or physically snipping it. The treatment is mainly done with scalpels or scissors. However, larger skin tags may require stitching.
- Cauterisation: This method involves using electrical energy or burning the tag with a high-heat flame. However, this process can be tricky.
Home Remedies
Any kind of chemical or physical treatment can be risky during or post-pregnancy. You can also choose home remedies to treat your pregnancy skin tags. However, it is imperative to consult your doctor before considering any of these home remedies. Some of the effective home remedies include:- Tea Tree oil: It is a widespread treatment for skin problems like bacterial infections. However, it is also considered helpful in removing skin tags. Tea tree oil helps reduce irritation and swelling.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The sour and acidic properties of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) have a drying property. This property helps dry off the skin tags if applied correctly and regularly. However, the acidic nature causes a burning sensation. Applying this with a cotton swab can help avoid such situations.
- Garlic: This amazing ingredient is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. A small amount of raw garlic juice is effective. Once applied, the area should be protected with a daily clean bandage. No matter which type of treatment you choose, you should always consult with a doctor to determine the right course of action.
Skin tags are one of the most common physical occurrences during pregnancy. They are not harmful and sometimes tiny in size. Moreover, the sudden appearance of these skin tags helps you identify the causes. For example, when sex hormone synthesis increases, it can cause other internal changes in your body.
Understanding the real reason is important. However, you can always undergo treatment to remove these skin tags. All you need to do is consult the doctor before taking any steps.
FAQs on Pregnancy and Skin Tags: Why They Appear and What to Do
- How do you stop skin tags from coming?
A balanced diet and exercise can help maintain your weight. A healthy body is less likely to develop skin tags, but they cannot be fully prevented. - Why do sudden skin tags appear during pregnancy?
Experts suggest that sudden skin tags appear due to frequent skin friction. Two reasons behind this can be fluctuating pregnancy hormones and weight gain.
