Prevention

“I’ve got skin tags”

Good news: skin tags may be annoying, but they’re not dangerous, says Kosterich. “These tags are often genetic and usually appear on your neck, arms and chest,” he says. They’re common in people who are obese or diabetic (experts don’t yet know why), but they can also be due to excess friction, such as repeated rubbing.

See your GP if you want to get rid of them. Women in their 50s and 60s may see more skin tags, but they can opt to have them removed. A specialist can either trim them or freeze them with liquid nitrogen. (Your dermatologist will determine the best method for you.) A genetic disorder called Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome can also result in tags, among other skin problems, “but this condition is incredibly rare”, says Artemi.

Jul 11, 2012