Skin tags are often described as fragments of skin that hangs out from the surrounding skin. Skin tags can appear almost anywhere on the body but are found on the eyelids, armpits and neck. Although having a skin tag is a benign condition, they can be bothersome and are not very nice looking. Skin tags typically don't cause any serious medical troubles; however they do create aesthetic concerns or can become irritated. Skin tags are not skin cancer and will not become skin cancer. Because these pesky little skin pieces can rub against clothing they can become irritated causing them to worsen and even cause the removal process to be more difficult and uncomfortable.

Skin tags can affect people of all ages but the tendency to get them increases with age. They also occur more frequently after a pregnancy.

• Self-Removal - Some people have "jiggled" a tag until it fell off. There are stories of people tying a string around a skin tag tightly until it has fallen off. Nail clippers have been used by those less queasy people. I have even heard of stories about the use of super-glue. One must be very careful to use any of these tactics as it may make things worse by creating an infection or severe irritation.
• Cryotherapy (freezing) - This is accomplished using a liquid nitrogen solution There may be pain involved and it may cause scarring.
• Surgical/Physician Removal excision (often with scissors) - Although probably the safest way to get rid of a skin tag it can be costly. Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of skin tag removal as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
• Electro surgery (diathermy) Ligation (a suture is tied around the neck of the skin tag) See number 1 above but this is generally performed by a physician.
• Herbal Remedies - Some have been reported to work, some not. Many can be expensive.
• Chromium Picolinate - There are random reports that by taking 200 mcg twice a day can get rid of skin tags. There is no scientific data to support this. Chromium Picolinate can be found in large discount stores like Wal-Mart and most vitamin stores.

If you notice that you have a skin growth that seems too firm to be wiggled easily, or is a different color than skin around it, is multicolored or has reddened or bleeding areas, seek your doctor's advice. Overall other than the unsightly appearance they may cause, skin tags are no reason for alarm. Unfortunately, even after removing them another one can pop up in another place. Generally if you're susceptible to them, it will be a bit of a battle. Being overweight or diabetic can increase the chances of having a skin tag. Don't forget though that if you have an unusual skin defect, always check with your physician.