Yes, skin tags can go dark.
Why Skin Tags Might Darken
A skin tag, also known as an acrochordon, is a small, benign skin growth that typically appears in areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. Several reasons may cause a skin tag to darken:
- Twisting or Torsion: If a skin tag has a long, narrow stalk, it can become twisted. This twisting can cut off the blood supply to the skin tag. Without blood flow, the tissue dies, causing the tag to turn dark, often appearing black or very dark brown. This is similar to what happens with a strangulated hemorrhoid or a twisted ovarian cyst.
- Irritation or Trauma: Constant rubbing or irritation from clothing, jewelry, or even shaving can inflame a skin tag. Inflammation can sometimes lead to hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin.
- Inflammation: A skin tag can get irritated or inflamed, making it appear red or darker than usual.
- Necrosis: If blood supply is severely compromised, the skin tag tissue can die (necrosis), leading to discoloration.
What to Do If a Skin Tag Turns Dark
If a skin tag changes color, especially if it becomes dark, it's generally a good idea to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional. While a darkened skin tag is often the result of a benign process like torsion, it's essential to rule out other possibilities, such as:
- Moles (Nevi): Dark moles can sometimes be mistaken for skin tags. A dermatologist can examine the growth and determine if it's a mole or a skin tag.
- Seborrheic Keratosis: These are common, non-cancerous skin growths that can be brown or black and may resemble skin tags.
- Skin Cancer: Although rare, certain types of skin cancer can mimic the appearance of a skin tag.
Removal of Dark Skin Tags
A dermatologist can safely and effectively remove a darkened skin tag using various methods, including:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag off with liquid nitrogen.
- Surgical Excision: Cutting the skin tag off with a scalpel.
- Electrocautery: Burning the skin tag off with an electric current.
- Ligation: Tying off the base of the skin tag with surgical thread to cut off the blood supply.
It's not generally recommended to attempt to remove a skin tag at home, especially if it has changed color, as this could lead to infection or scarring.
