Skin tags are on the list of major annoyances during pregnancy. If you noticed any soft and fresh growths on your skin while you are pregnant, there’s likelihood that they are skin tags. They usually appear on skin surfaces that are hot, moist or even rubbed frequently. There are some skin tags that may not disappear even after the pregnancy. If this is the case then you are supposed to seek the help of your dermatologist.
How common are skin tags during pregnancy?
According to studies, 90% of the women faces skin changes during pregnancy and skin tags is one of them. However, the chances of developing skin tags increases with women who are obese, above the age of 40 and those that are diabetic.
Common Characteristics
Skin tags in pregnancy are usually darker than normal. The other characteristic is that they are likely to develop on areas that are moist and hot.
Skin tags are often neglected because they are unnoticeable and to some extent can disappear after delivery.
The frequency of appearance increases as the pregnancy develops. What this means is that you are likely to get more skin tags as the months of your pregnancy increase. In fact they usually appear during the second and the third trimester.
Reasons for pregnancy skin tags
There are several factors that lead to the development of skin tags during pregnancy. Some of them are closely related to hormonal changes. Here are some of the reasons why women develop skin tags during pregnancy.
1. Hormonal Fluctuations
This is the leading reason why you are likely to develop skin tags during your pregnancy. During pregnancy, your hormonal balance is affected. Thus hormonal fluctuations can lead to excessive growth of the superficial layer of your skin.
2. Overactive hormones
According to Diane Berson (MD) a dermatologist in New York City skin tags during pregnancy are linked to a combination of overactive hormones and friction that happens as the belly stretches in the last months.
3. Hereditary components
The other reason is hereditary components. Although, this cause is not very common, there are some evidences that hereditary components are involved in the formation of skin tags.
In simple terms, skin tags are caused by the hyper sensitive growth of the outer layer of the skin. They are usually common in pregnancy mothers and older people.
Risks of pregnancy skin tags
There are no known risks of skin tags during the pregnancy. However, you need to take care while you attempt to remove them. This is the stage where you can make the situation worse. In order to remove them properly you can use essential oils for skin tags as they are the safest way to get rid of them.
On the other hand, there are some things that you are not supposed to do. One of them is that you are not allowed to use OTC chemicals on your skin. These chemicals can enter the skin and eventually affect your pregnancy.
You are also not supposed to tie a thread on them to prevent their growth. This can lead to a bacterial infection. Lastly, you should contact your dermatologist in case they become red and painful.
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