This article discusses genital skin tags, their symptoms, and causes. It also covers treatment options.
Genital Skin Tag Symptoms
Genital skin tags do not usually cause symptoms. When they do, symptoms can include:
Pain and irritation from rubbing on clothingSoreness from being scratchedBleeding from being scratchedPain from being twisted
If a skin tag becomes twisted, it may develop a blood clot beneath it that can be painful.
Skin tags may develop as early as in your 20s. Most people stop getting new ones after age 70.
Genital Skin Tags vs. Warts
It can be fairly simple to tell the difference between skin tags and warts.
Skin tags
Skin tags start out as a small, soft bump on the skin. They develop into an extended piece of skin. A skin tag is rooted to the skin’s surface by a thin stalk. Skin tags are fast-growing. They average 2mm to 5mm in size. They can sometimes grow larger, up to a few centimeters. Skin tags stop growing when they reach their maximum size. They don’t tend to change over time. Skin tags start as skin-colored. Later, they may change to a dark brown color.
Warts
Warts are usually skin-colored, brown, or pink. They sit flush against your skin. Warts are flat or bumpy.
Warts are not cancerous. They can signal an infection or virus, though, such as human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV warts can crop up and disappear over time. They may reappear in another spot. Sometimes clusters of several warts will form which may look like cauliflower.
What Causes Genital Skin Tags?
Researchers are not sure what causes skin tags. They’re more likely to occur where the skin folds. Since your skin folds in your genital area, they can appear there.
Skin tags aren’t contagious. They can’t be transmitted through sexual contact. Some conditions may increase your chances of getting skin tags, though. These include:
Family history of skin tags Obesity Insulin resistance Pregnancy Acromegaly, an excess growth hormone disorder Type 2 diabetes Skin chafing Aging and loss of skin elasticity Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
Diagnosis of Genital Skin Tags
See a doctor as soon as possible if you see anything out of the ordinary in your genital area. You need the right diagnosis before you can get the right treatment.
Skin tags usually grow in dry, folded areas surrounding the vagina and penis. They are often found where underwear or other clothing rubs against the skin.
Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history. You may be asked:
If you have a family history of skin tags About your sexual activity If you’d like a blood test to check for a sexually transmitted infection
Note that you will need to get undressed so the doctor can examine your skin.
Speak to your doctor if you notice the skin tag:
Is firm and can’t be moved easilyChanges color or is multicoloredContains any areas that are raw or bleeding
If your doctor can’t tell whether your skin growth is a skin tag, you may need a biopsy. During a biopsy, a small piece of the skin is removed and examined in a laboratory.
How Genital Skin Tags Are Treated
Skin tags on the genitals are benign, which means they are not cancerous. If you want them removed due to appearance or discomfort, it’s best left to a professional.
At-home treatment or removal of skin tags in the genital area is risky. This is because the skin is so sensitive. At-home removal could cause infection, pain, and scarring.
A medical professional can remove your skin tags with one of these options:
Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the growth. A small blister might form where the nitrogen was applied. Scarring is rare. Excision uses a scalpel or surgical scissors for removal. You will receive a local anesthetic for this procedure. It may burn or sting for a moment. Cauterization uses an electric current passing through a wire. This burns off the skin tag at the stem. The heat of the wire helps limit bleeding.
All three of these options are outpatient procedures. This means you can have them done in a medical office and leave afterward. You may be able to get multiple skin tags removed at once. Ask your healthcare provider about this in advance.
Prognosis for Genital Skin Tags
Skin tags aren’t something you need to medically worry about. If you do get them removed, keep in mind that you may still get more in the future. Always make sure to have a doctor check any changes to your skin in the genital area.
Summary
Genital skin tags are harmless growths that appear in the genital area. They usually don’t cause symptoms.
Researchers don’t know what causes skin tags. Some people are more prone to getting them, including people who are obese, pregnant, or have a family history of skin tags.
You don’t usually need to have skin tags removed. If they bother you, a doctor can use cryosurgery, excision, or cauterization to remove them.
A Word From Verywell
Any skin growth can cause concern, and genital skin growths may be embarrassing, too. If you are concerned about potential infections, they can also cause anxiety.
Genital skin tags are relatively harmless, though. If they bother you, you can have them removed by a professional.
Skin tags aren’t contagious or sexually transmitted. Still, it is always worth having any changes to your skin in your genital area checked.
