Management of Skin Tags Associated with Pregnancy
For skin tags that develop during pregnancy, observation and deferring treatment until after pregnancy and breastfeeding is the recommended approach, as they are benign growths that do not require immediate intervention. 1
Understanding Skin Tags in Pregnancy
Skin tags (acrochordons) are common benign skin growths that may develop or increase during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. They are part of the physiological skin changes that occur in up to 94.8% of pregnant women. 2
Characteristics:
- Small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker pedunculated growths
- Common locations: neck, axillae, under breasts, groin areas
- Usually asymptomatic but may become irritated if rubbed by clothing
Management Approach
During Pregnancy:
- Observation is the primary management strategy
- Document the location, size, and appearance of skin tags
- Reassurance that these are benign and often resolve or decrease post-pregnancy
- Avoid manipulation or home removal attempts
When to Consider Medical Evaluation:
- Rapid growth or change in appearance
- Bleeding or pain
- Unusual color or texture
- Large size (>1 cm)
Post-Pregnancy Options:
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends deferring treatment options until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. 1 Treatment options include:
- Simple excision: Cutting the skin tag at its base with sterile scissors
- Electrodesiccation: Using electric current to remove the skin tag
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen
- Ligation: Tying off the base of the skin tag to cut off blood supply
Important Considerations
Safety Precautions:
- Avoid home remedies or self-removal during pregnancy
- Keep the area clean to prevent infection
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction and irritation
- Report any concerning changes to healthcare provider
Common Pitfalls:
- Misdiagnosis of other skin conditions as skin tags
- Unnecessary concern about malignancy (skin tags are benign)
- Attempting removal during pregnancy which may lead to infection or scarring
- Failure to distinguish between skin tags and other pregnancy-related skin changes
Follow-up
- Routine prenatal visits are sufficient for monitoring skin tags
- Document any changes in size or appearance
- Reassess at postpartum visit to determine if treatment is desired after pregnancy
While skin tags may be cosmetically bothersome, they pose no risk to maternal or fetal health and can be safely managed with observation during pregnancy, with definitive treatment deferred until after delivery and completion of breastfeeding. 1, 3