The Small Bumps on the Neck That Weren't There Before – Why Do They Appear?

Sometimes we feel a small, soft bump on the neck, in the armpit, or under the chest.

At first it's almost unnoticeable, but over time we notice another one, and sometimes a few more.

These bumps are called Skin Tags.

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are benign skin growths composed of skin tissue, sometimes connected to it by a kind of small stalk.

They are usually soft, skin-colored or slightly darker, and appear mainly in areas where skin rubs against skin or against clothing.

They are not contagious, and in most cases are not dangerous.

Why do they appear?

There are several factors that can affect their appearance.

Genetic tendency, age, repeated friction between skin folds, and changes in weight.

Skin tags are also more common in people with obesity, diabetes, or insulin resistance.

What is the connection to insulin?

Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells use the glucose found in the blood.

In a state of insulin resistance, the cells respond less well to its activity, and the body may produce higher amounts of it.

Studies have found a connection between an abundance of skin tags and insulin resistance and certain metabolic disorders.

But it's important to understand that skin tags are not a diagnosis of insulin resistance.

Completely healthy people can develop them, and not everyone who has skin tags suffers from a metabolic problem.

If many skin tags appear, especially alongside additional risk factors, it's possible to consult a doctor about the need for tests.

Can they be removed at home?

I do not recommend it.

An attempt to tie, cut, or burn a skin tag at home can cause bleeding, infection, and scars.

In addition, not every bump that looks like a skin tag is necessarily one.

A dermatologist can identify the lesion and remove it by appropriate cutting, freezing, or another treatment.

Can creams make them disappear?

There is no good proof that regular cosmetic creams are able to make existing skin tags disappear.

If they don't bother, there is no medical need to remove them.

My daily recommendation

Sometimes we see a small change on the skin and treat it only as an aesthetic matter.

But the skin is part of our body, and sometimes changes in it can also be related to internal processes.

That doesn't mean we should panic over every small bump.

I simply believe it's worth knowing our body, paying attention to changes, and knowing when there is a reason to check them.

Nurit Rozenblat

With love,
Nurit Rozenblat
OrOrgani

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