Skin tags are small, benign, and harmless growths that simply consist of collagen tissues that attach to the skin. They can form anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on your eyelids, neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Although it’s not known exactly what causes them to grow, there is a theory that obesity may increase the risk for skin tags.
Often times when people think of skin tags, they think they’re weird and unattractive because of stereotypes about the appearance of people who have them. If that is the case, you can consider a skin tag removal procedure from kingsway medispa & wellness center.
Let us now see the main factors that increase the risk for skin tags.
- Overweight or obesity
Obesity is a major risk factor that increases the risk of developing skin tags. Being overweight causes excess fat deposits in the body and excessive fat cells may clog pores and lead to breakouts. Obesity can also slow down the lymphatic system, which means nutrients are not properly distributed in the body. A sluggish lymphatic system can lead to poor circulation and can contribute to skin tag development.
- Diabetes
People who have diabetes are more likely to develop skin tags because of the high blood sugar levels in their bodies. High sugar levels in the blood can also cause breakouts, so this is another possible cause for the development of skin tags.
- Pregnancy or other hormonal changes
Although skin tags are not related to any kind of hormonal imbalance, they may develop during pregnancy or when the body is going through hormonal changes. Hormonal changes can also lead to excess growth of bacteria on the skin, and this can cause breakouts, which may lead to the development of skin tags.
- Human papilloma virus or HPV
HPV is a group of related viral infections that cause different types of skin conditions. Genital warts often develop from HPV infection and they are believed to be the single most curable infection known today. One of the possible reasons for developing skin tags is HPV infection, as it is believed that some types of skin tags may grow from HPV infection.
- Genetics
Skin tags may develop due to your genetic makeup. For example, if your parents or siblings have been diagnosed with skin tags, it’s possible that you will be at risk for developing them too.
- High cholesterol
High cholesterol levels may also increase the risk of developing skin tags. Increased cholesterol levels are related to fatty deposits, and this may lead to clogged pores, which can cause the development of skin tags.