When are Skin Tags and Cysts Cause for Concern?

Since skin cancer is by far the most common form of the disease, you’re wise to be on the lookout for changes occurring on your skin, often the first sign of trouble. Some changes, like skin tags and epidermoid cysts, are usually benign. 

The stakes of cancer mean that it’s never safe to assume that a skin growth is harmless. Visit Dr. Clement Banda and his team at MD Vein & Skin Specialists for skin cancer screening and the reassurance of knowing that your skin tag or cyst is indeed benign. 

Skin tags

Also called acrochordons, skin tags generally form in areas where skin rubs against itself, such as the armpits, eyelids, thighs, and under the breasts. These growths are quite common, and it’s estimated that about half of all adults will have one or more skin tags at some point in their lives. 

Usually the same color as your skin, skin tags often have a teardrop shape and are attached to your body by a thinner stem. There’s no nerve tissue in the tag itself, so you won’t feel anything when you touch or squeeze it except perhaps tugging against your regular skin. 

Skin tags can grow up to several centimeters in diameter, but most are between one and five millimeters. You won’t suffer direct symptoms from skin tags, but they can cause certain complications. 

Epidermoid cysts

Cysts are growths that form sacs where a body substance or debris collects. Acne cysts are common in the teen years, while epidermoid cysts can affect anyone at any time. Many other types of cysts form in different parts of the body, including internal organs. 

Epidermoid cysts generally present as small bumps on the face, neck, and abdomen. They may seem like slow-growing whiteheads that cause no pain or pressure. Some of these cysts could display blackheads or leak their thick filling of keratin. In rare cases, epidermoid cysts could become infected or inflamed. 

The difference between skin tags and epidermoid cysts

Skin tags form on the surface of your skin, while epidermoid cysts develop below the surface when epidermis cells become trapped in pores or follicles. 

When are skin tags and cysts cause for concern?

Though skin tags and cysts rarely cause problems, cancerous or precancerous conditions that look like these two more common skin issues could fool you. Epidermoid cysts may also lead to skin cancer in rare cases. 

Skin tags aren’t cancerous and won’t turn into skin cancers, but some skin cancers can mimic the appearance of skin tags. 

Usually, skin tags and cysts create only minor complications if they show any problems at all. Skin tags can become irritated by the same friction conditions contributing to their formation. 

A tag might become twisted, causing a blood clot that causes pain, or the skin at the base of the tag may become red and sore. If you’re concerned about the appearance of skin tags, you might want to have them removed by Dr. Banda. Home removal of skin tags is not recommended. 

Epidermoid cysts can suffer from inflammation, which can create pain whether an infection is present or not. Cysts can also rupture, creating an infection that resembles a boil. This, too, requires medical treatment. 

Contact MD Vein & Skin Specialists any time you develop new or changing conditions on your skin. You can reach our office by phone or online to schedule an examination or cancer screening now.