Skin tags, sometimes called acrochordons, soft fibromas or fibroepithelial polyps, are small noncancerous, or benign, skin growths. Usually, they are bumps of tissue connected to the skin’s surface by a narrow stalk. The colour, texture, size and width of the base can vary.

The technique for removing skin tags is simple and usually effective. To avoid unnecessary health risks, however, skin tag removal should be performed under the guidance of a trained professional. Friction can play a role in the development of skin tags. Commonly, they are located where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Frequently, they develop on the neck, underarms and eyelids, as well as within body folds, such as under the breasts or in the groin area. In some cases, skin tags seem to be associated with obesity, and genetic factors also appear to play a role. Unfortunately, there’s no way to minimize the risk of developing skin tags.

Most skin tags don’t cause symptoms, unless they are repeatedly irritated by rubbing against jewelry, clothing or other items. The tags are harmless, but they won’t go away without treatment. Reasons for treatment include irritation of a skin tag or if you don’t like the way the skin tag looks.

In some cases, after removal, a specimen may be submitted to a pathology laboratory to rule out the possibility of skin cancer.

If you’re interested in having skin tags removed, talk to Mr Sridhar about the best option for you. Perhaps the condition can be treated immediately after the consultation (as a see and treat patient).

Cysts are noncancerous small bumps beneath the skin. They can appear anywhere on the skin, but are most common on the face, neck and trunk. They are collections of fluid or sometimes solid material. Cysts are slow growing and often painless, so they rarely cause problems or need treatment. You might choose to have a cyst removed by Mr Sridhar if its appearance bothers you or if it is painful, ruptured or infected.

Xanthelasma are yellowish plaques that occur most commonly near the inner canthus of the eyelid, more often on the upper lid than the lower lid. Xanthelasma palpebrarum is the most common cutaneous xanthoma.
Xanthelasma can be soft, semisolid, or calcareous. Frequently, they are symmetrical, and all four lids are sometimes involved. Xanthelasma tends to progress, coalesce, and become permanent. Many individuals with xanthelasma have a lipid disorder. Many xanthelasma occur in normolipemic persons who may have low HDL cholesterol levels or other lipoprotein abnormalities. Uncontrolled diabetes is a common cause of secondary hyperlipidemia.
Numerous options are available for the removal of xanthelasma, including surgical excision, laser ablation, chemical cauterization, electrodesiccation, and cryotherapy. Mr Sridhar will discuss the best option with your based on your other medical conditions and presentation.