Vaginal skin tags are small growths of extra skin there. You don’t have to remove it, but if you want to, you can consider a few options.
Seeing flesh growth on any part of the body can be alarming. Imagine you notice a small tumor on the inside and outside of your vaginal lips or near your vaginal opening. These are vaginal skin tags that are often associated with obesity but are usually harmless. Although these are non-cancerous in nature, if they cause cosmetic concerns, you may want to explore vaginal skin tag removal options. Let’s talk about how to remove skin tags.
Vaginal skin tags are small benign (non-cancerous) extra skin growths that appear in or around the vaginal area but not inside the vagina. They are usually soft, flesh-colored, and painless. These skin tags under the skin are usually harmless growths made of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels. Although medically harmless, it can cause cosmetic problems and mild discomfort, especially when shaving or having sex.
What are the symptoms of vaginal skin tags?
Below are some of the signs of skin tags in the genital area.
- Vaginal skin tags usually appear as small (usually less than 5 mm) soft bumps that match the tone of the surrounding skin.
- It is usually painless.
- It can rub against clothing and cause discomfort and itching during sex or shaving.
- They often hang from the skin in small stalks, distinguishing them from flat lesions.
What causes vaginal skin tags?
Common causes include:
1. Friction
This is one of the most common causes of vaginal skin tags, especially where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Tight underwear, leggings, or regular shaving can cause constant friction in the vagina and groin area, causing the skin to react and form small growths like skin tags. Over time, this repeated stimulation causes the skin to form soft, saggy extensions as a protective response.
2. Hormone fluctuations
Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause, can lead to the development of vaginal skin tags. Hormonal changes can affect skin elasticity, thickness, and oil production. These changes can stimulate the growth of benign skin tags in sensitive areas such as the vaginal area. Pregnant women often find these tags forming due to the combined effects of weight gain, friction, and hormonal changes.
3. Obesity
Excess weight increases the amount of skin folds and moisture in the genital area, which increases friction and sweating. Obesity is directly related to increased formation of skin tags not only in the genital area but throughout the body. Increased skin-to-skin friction makes the delicate vaginal skin more vulnerable. People who are obese may also have insulin resistance, which is another risk factor for skin tags.
4. Skin irritation caused by shaving or waxing
Frequent hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, and using hair removal creams can irritate the vaginal skin. Repeated microtraumas cause the skin to thicken and grow abnormally in some areas. Using a dull razor there can make the risk worse.
5. Genetics
Some people are genetically predisposed to developing vaginal skin tags, regardless of their lifestyle or skin care habits. If your parents or other members of your family tend to develop skin tags, you are more likely to develop them too, even in intimate areas such as the vaginal area.
6. Aging
As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity, making it more prone to folds and chafing. As we age, the structure of our skin changes. These subtle changes can result in the formation of small skin bumps in areas such as the neck, armpits, and genital area. A decrease in the skin’s ability to repair minor damage also plays a role in the development of age-related tags.
How can I diagnose a vaginal skin tag?
Diagnosing vaginal skin tags is usually easy.
- A gynecologist or dermatologist can identify it just by looking at your vaginal skin tag. These tags are usually characterized by a soft, fleshy appearance and hang loosely from the skin. Your doctor will assess their size, texture, and color to rule out other conditions such as genital warts or moles.
- Dermatoscopic evaluation helps rule out malignancy. A dermascope is a special magnification tool that allows you to view the skin surface under magnification. This can help doctors examine the internal structure of the tag and confirm that it is benign. This non-invasive tool helps differentiate skin tags from lesions such as warts, moles, and melanoma.
How to remove vaginal skin tags?
Skin tags are often benign and asymptomatic, so no treatment is usually needed unless they interfere with daily life or self-esteem. Depending on your needs, you can consider the following removal methods:
1. Cryotherapy
This means freezing the tag in liquid nitrogen, which kills the tissue and causes it to fall off over several days. It is a quick and painless procedure. This is safe and effective, but may require multiple sessions, especially for large or thick tags.
2. Cauterization
The vaginal skin tag is burned with electricity. This method uses electricity to burn out the skin tag, seal the wound, and minimize bleeding. It is done under local anesthesia and usually takes only a few minutes. It closes blood vessels during removal, making it ideal for people who are concerned about bleeding.
3. Surgical resection
The tag is cut using sterile surgical instruments under local anesthesia. This allows for precise deletion, especially if the tag is large or has a wide base. Excision provides immediate results and is suitable for vaginal skin tags that are inflamed, twisted, or frequently traumatized.
4. Laser removal
It uses a focused beam of light to vaporize vaginal skin tags with great precision. This technique is bloodless, leaves virtually no scars, and is especially suitable for intimate or hard-to-reach areas such as the genitals.
Vaginal skin tags are harmless, but in some cases they can affect hygiene, clothing comfort, and sexual activity. In these cases, your doctor may advise you to choose a removal method such as laser or surgery.
