Why Do Skin Tags Form On Your Eyelids?

If you've noticed an unusual growth on your eyelid, it's possible that you might have a skin tag. The American Academy of Dermatology Association describes skin tags, also known as "acrochordons," as harmless skin growths. They further state that the color of skin tags may vary with some being the same color as your skin and others being darker, pink, or even red if they become irritated. Also, they can dangle from a stalk or be fixed to the skin.

Skin tags can appear anywhere on your body. However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association notes that the neck, underarms, and eyelids are the most common locations. Skin tags on the eyelids can be particularly bothersome for people since they are in a highly visible location and may be considered to be cosmetically undesirable. They can also potentially block a person's vision or may become irritated. But, what causes skin tags on your eyelids?

Providence writes that it's not clear exactly why people develop skin tags. Sometimes irritation and tight clothing might play a role, so people with obesity may be more likely to have them because of skin rubbing together. Also, hormones could factor in since pregnant women are prone to developing skin tags. Skin tags also become more likely as people age and their skin sags, says Providence.

Contemporary Clinic speculates that skin tags could be more than a simple annoyance, however. They have been associated with a variety of conditions, such as acromegaly, colonic polyps, Crohn's disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acanthosis nigricans. They further state that research has also linked them to metabolic syndrome and they have been associated with high leptin, C-reactive protein, and fasting insulin. On the other hand, many skin tags have been found to contain human papillomavirus (HPV), although the strains identified are deemed to be low risk. While they say the research on these connections is still in its early stages, they suggest that doctors should probably screen patients for metabolic disorders if they have multiple skin tags.

Medical News Today explains that skin tags are considered to be harmless, however, you might opt to have skin tags on your eyelids removed if they are blocking your vision. You might also want to remove them if you don't like how they appear.

If the stalk of your skin tag becomes twisted, this could cut off the blood supply causing the skin tag to fall off. However, you should not try to remove them at home unless you have first spoken with your doctor. Your doctor can easily remove it for you. This will reduce your risk for infection, pain, and bleeding. The Cleveland Clinic adds that scarring, incomplete removal (which will allow the skin tag to grow back after treatment), and overlooking a condition that isn't actually a skin tag are other risks associated with DIY removal of skin tags. Among the methods for removing skin tags are: cryotherapy (freezing), scissor excision (cutting them off with sterile scissors), and electrosurgery (using an electric current to burn them off).

To prevent skin tags from forming in the first place, the Cleveland Clinic suggests keeping a healthy weight, exercising, and avoiding clothing and jewelry that rubs against your skin.