
Is Skin Tag Growing Bigger, Painful And Red A Cause Of Concern?

Question: Hi.I have had a skin tag under my arm for almost 15 years or so but in ladt month or so it is seemingly grown a little bigger and red and it hurts too when touched also it seems to have some discoloration. Is that a cause of concern?
Brief Answer:
Oral and topical antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you.
I am Dr kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern.
Most like the skin tag has got infected. I suggest you to take an oral antibiotic e.g either Amoxicillin or Cephalexin for a week.
In addition to this I suggest you to apply a topical antibiotic e.g either Neosporin ointment or Mupirocin 2% ointment, twice daily. You may also take an oral anti-inflammatory e.g Ibuprofen tab for symptomatic relief from pain and swelling.
Regards
Oral and topical antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you.
I am Dr kakkar (Dermatologist and Venereologist). I have noted your concern.
Most like the skin tag has got infected. I suggest you to take an oral antibiotic e.g either Amoxicillin or Cephalexin for a week.
In addition to this I suggest you to apply a topical antibiotic e.g either Neosporin ointment or Mupirocin 2% ointment, twice daily. You may also take an oral anti-inflammatory e.g Ibuprofen tab for symptomatic relief from pain and swelling.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


This is how it looks as of now
Brief Answer:
Infected skin tag
Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have viewed the images.
Yes, it is eroded at the distal end and that is the reason it must have got infected. Perhaps the erosion is due to rubbing.
Regards
Infected skin tag
Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have viewed the images.
Yes, it is eroded at the distal end and that is the reason it must have got infected. Perhaps the erosion is due to rubbing.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Ok.thank you very much.So there is no conern of it being malignant as that was what inwas worried about since sudden changes to it
Brief Answer:
Not a malignancy
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
No. This is not a malignant change. This is expected to resolve in about a week on oral and topical antibiotics.
Regards
Not a malignancy
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
No. This is not a malignant change. This is expected to resolve in about a week on oral and topical antibiotics.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana


Thank you very much.I feel much better knowing that its not something too bad. Looking up online, eveeything was pointing towards skin cancef.Appreciate your advice.Thank you
Brief Answer:
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us.
Regards
You are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
