Skin tags are harmless, but can be frustrating and unsightly. It also occurs frequently in people with type 2 diabetes. In this article, we will explain how the two conditions are connected and what to do about them.
What is a skin tag?
According to daily health, skin tags – dermatologists call them Acrocord – “Extra skin protruding beyond the surface of the body.” These small growths or flaps are usually soft (softer than warts). They may be hanging like they are from the stems away from the skin, or they may be raised slightly.
Skin tag:
- It can be as small as 1 mm
- Can be made larger than 1 cm
- It may be flesh or dark
- Most common in neck, eyelids, gro diameters, under the armpits, under the chest, or where the skin rubs against the skin
The skin tags may not be pretty, but usually there are no additional issues. If you have unidentified skin problems with redness, itching, or other troublesome symptoms, you may not have a skin tag, but you should check with your doctor or dermatologist if you want to do so.
Skin tags and diabetes
Skin tags appear to occur more frequently in people with insulin resistance and diabetes. According to more recent reviews, this link was identified from ancient times until 1951. A 2007 study found that the more skin a person tagged, the more likely they are to develop diabetes.
Today, skin tags are commonly seen as a mean sign of undiagnosed diabetes. A 2015 case study, which found that people with skin tags were much more likely to develop diabetes, suggested that clinicians were “highly suspected of diabetes among acrocordon patients.” Similarly, the formation of skin tags can be a warning sign that prioritizes glycemic control in people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
Skin tags are just one of many skin problems common in diabetes. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and many of its blood vessels and nerves experience dysfunction when they receive hyperglycemia, just like the rest of the body. Diabetes can lead to many other skin problems, including dry skin, shin spots, and diabetic blisters.
Skin tags can be the result of hyperglycemia as well as common metabolic health problems. A 2020 study found that skin tags are associated with both diabetes, high A1C and high blood pressure. In contrast, a 2011 study found that skin tags are likely caused by obesity, but not type 2 diabetes itself. Skin tags can have physical and metabolic causes in people with diabetes. The body can rub more against the skin.
It is unclear whether skin tags are common in type 1 diabetes.
Skin tags treatment and prevention
Skin tags usually do not require treatment – they are harmless in themselves. But it’s easy to understand why you want to get rid of these unsightly little issues or prevent more formation.
There is no established treatment for skin tags, but there is a reason that addressing metabolic risk factors may be helpful if metabolic health is insufficient. Making healthy diet and exercise decisions, and as prescribed by your doctor, careful use of medications can help improve blood sugar, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Lifestyle changes and optimal glucose management are generally recommended for other skin problems that are thought to be associated with diabetes.
In the thrivedailywellness, a community member recently reported that skin tags had resolved after losing weight and controlling blood sugar levels.
Deleting skin tags
Skin tags are described as medically harmless, but can be a problem, especially if you get frustrated with clothes, backpacks, handbag straps, or seat belts. This can cause redness, pain, or bleeding.
Other skin tags may be unsightly enough to consider removal, especially if they are in visible areas. This is considered cosmetic surgery and is less likely to be covered by health insurance.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), dermatologists have many options for removing skin tags, such as:
- Freezing surgery to kill and remove skin tags using extreme cold
- Electrical polarity to achieve the same results with current
- Surgical scissors (don’t try this at home!)
There are many over-the-counter products that promise skin tags removal, but AAD recommends them for use.
Conclusion
Skin tags are soft skin flaps, or flaps, that occur more frequently in people with associated metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes or obesity or hypertension. For some adults, they may even be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes.
Skin tags usually do not require treatment, but can be removed by a dermatologist.
(TagstoTranslate) Diabetic complications (T) Skin disease
