Overview

Skin tags are small, soft pieces of skin that stick out on a stem. They are often the same colour as your skin. They often grow on the eyelids, neck, armpit, and groin. Skin tags are not moles and usually do not turn into cancer.

Children are more likely to get skin tags if they are overweight. Skin tags also tend to run in families.

Skin tags may be removed if they bother your child. The doctor can remove an unwanted skin tag by cutting it off. However, new skin tags often form.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If clothing irritates a skin tag, cover the skin tag with a bandage to prevent rubbing and bleeding.
• If your child has a skin tag removed, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash around the wound with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
• If you see a change in a skin growth, contact the doctor. Look for:
  • A mole that bleeds.
  • A fast-growing mole.
  • A scaly or crusted growth on the skin.
  • A sore that will not heal.