An honors graduate of the New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Shilesh Iyer serves as physician with New York Dermatology Group. He has also co-founded organizations such as myDoqter.com, a professional social physicians network. Over the course of a career in dermatology spanning nearly two decades, Shilesh Iyer treats a variety of cosmetic and medical dermatology conditions, such as skin tags.

The term skin tag is used to describe minor growths on the upper layer of skin, usually in areas where loose skin folds together. Tags are typically between 2 and 5 millimeters in size, though some may grow up to half an inch. Older adults and individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop skin tags, though anyone can develop one or more of these growths anywhere on their person.

Skin tags are not symptomatic of a virus, like warts, nor do they have the potential to develop into melanoma, like moles. In fact, skin tags are benign in nature and pose little harm beyond mild irritation when caught by jewelry or clothing.

Conversations about the removal of one or more skin tags will often center around irritation. A dermatologist will remove a skin tag that has become irritated and will likely remove tags that cause general irritation. Individuals and dermatologists can discuss several removal options, including surgery, cryotherapy, and cauterization.