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Skin Tags

The Dermatology Unit provides specialist treatment for skin conditions such as skin tags. Tags are small, soft, skin or brown coloured growths that hang off the skin and resemble tiny warts.

What causes skin tags?

Skin tags usually occur on the neck, armpits and around the groin and can measure from a few millimetres up to about two inches wide.

They can develop in men and women and incidence increases with age and it is estimated that half the population will get a skin tag at some stage of their lives. They occur more regularly in pregnancy and are particularly common in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Their cause is not fully understood but it is believed that human papillomavirus (HPV), insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome may play a part.

Treatment for skin tags

They are not malignant or contagious but can cause irritation and chaffing. They are easily diagnosed by a GP but removal should be conducted by a dermatologist.

Skin tags can be snipped off with surgical scissors or treated with photodynamic therapy which involves an application of a chemical which is activated by a strong light resulting in the destruction of the skin tag.

They can also be frozen off or surgically removed under local anaesthetic.

Contact us

If you would like to know more about our skin tags treatment then contact us today by phone on 0203 370 1026 or email [email protected].

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Dermatology Clinic

Our London-based Dermatology Unit is led by the UK’s top dermatology specialists. We offer consultation, diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin conditions in clean, comfortable surroundings.

A patient speaking to a receptionist

Patient information

Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.

Make an enquiry

If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0203 370 1026.

Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.

If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.

If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.

If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.

*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.

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