Causes of skin tags on the neck
"Skin tags are small, benign growths on the skin that commonly appear on the neck. They usually develop in areas where the skin has folds or creases, leading to friction," says Dr Vichitra Sharma, Consultant Dermatologist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, India.
- Skin aging process.
- Genetics.
- Diet too much fast food, food containing toxic substances.
- Use cosmetics with ingredients that damage the skin.
- Frequent exposure to sunlight or electromagnetic waves.
- Hormonal changes, especially in pregnant women.
- Using drugs not prescribed by a doctor causes hormonal changes.
Who is most at risk?
“Skin tags on the neck can be associated with a number of underlying health conditions or risk factors, including:
- Obesity: People with high body weight are more susceptible to skin tags because the skin has many folds, leading to friction on the skin.
- Diabetes: Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are often linked to the development of skin tags.
- Metabolic syndrome: Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance are often associated with skin tags.
Can skin tags be prevented?
Some changes to your lifestyle and skin care routine can reduce the likelihood of them occurring:
- Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce skin folds and friction, thereby reducing the risk of skin tags forming.
- Keeping your skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to friction, can help prevent skin tags. Moisturizers or powders can reduce friction in skin folds.
- Regular skin checks can help you detect and treat skin tags early.
- Regular health check-ups for people with diabetes and metabolic diseases as advised by their doctor.
