Genital skin tags appear on genitals, i.e. the penis (penis
in men) and vagina (vaginal
skin tags in women). They may be the cause of more
embarrassment than skin tags on other parts of the body.
The reason is that genital skin tags are felt during sex
and it is not uncommon for both the person and his/her
sex partner to suspect them of any contagious disease,
especially of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Another
reason for concern over genital skin tags is their risk
of hosting infections. But on the whole, groin
skin tags themselves are not infectious or malignant.
They are just skin tags of the genitalia in men and women
of various age groups.
Penile Skin Tags
In men, genital skin tags appear mostly on the shaft
of the penis. These appear most commonly in men who
are sexually active which seems to confirm the general
idea that skin tags develop where skin rubs against
skin. Penile skin tags are a little raised above the
skin level and are either the same color as the surrounding
skin or somewhat darker in tone. In some cases, very
young children also get penile skin tags and the explanation
seems to be circumcision. Penile skin tags in children
are mostly found in children that were circumcised at
birth or shortly afterward. Penile skin tags may increase
in size at times.
Vaginal Skin Tags
In women, genital skin tags appear mostly in the vagina,
especially in the folds of the outer layer called vulva.
Unlike men, women mostly get female skin tags in the
vaginal area after pregnancy. However, in some women
they may appear at any age, more during the adult life.
Their appearance is the same as other skin
tags on the body i.e. small floppy growths of skin
that are a little darker in color than the surrounding
skin. In some women having vaginal skin tags, the size
of the tags is increased during menstrual period. However,
after the period is over, the tags resume their normal
size.
Health Risks and Treatment
Genital skin tags, like other skin tags on the body,
are mostly harmless growths
of skin. They do not cause any annoying symptoms
unless they are irritated manually or by clothing items,
especially by underwear or (in men) condoms etc. In
addition, genital skin tags are irritated by sexual
activity. It is important to clean the genitals and
the surrounding area of any fluids soon after sex so
as to minimize the risk of infection by any microbes
present in the fluids. If there is a notable change
in the color, shape, and/or size of genital skin tags
or if there is any feeling of irritation or discomfort
that lasts longer than a moment, one should visit the
doctor for a physical examination. If required, the
doctor will have the genital skin tags removed by one
of a number of skin tag removal techniques like freezing
skin tags - also knows as cryosurgery - ligation,
or cauterizing as well as topical treatments.
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