Skin Tags on Your Eyelid
Skin tags are a common annoyance in various parts of the body, including the eyelids. A skin tag on the eyelid can cause discomfort and may require removal. It is important to understand what skin tags are, what causes them, and what their removal entails.
What is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag is a benign growth of skin cells that forms an elevated nodule or extends out from the surface of the skin. The cells are usually connected to the skin by a small stalk, referred to as a pedunculated papilloma. Skin tags are more common in people who are overweight, pregnant, or have Type 2 diabetes. They can occur anywhere on the body but are more frequent in areas where the skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpit, groin, and, in some cases, the eyelids.
Causes
While there are many reasons why skin tags might develop, no unique cause has been found for a particular skin tag. Rubbing of the skin, age, and exposure to the sun are typical culprits. Frequent rubbing or scratching around the eyes can cause a skin tag to appear on the eyelid. A lack of proper eyelid hygiene or sun protection may also increase the risk of skin tag development on the eyelid.
Effect on Vision
Skin tags rarely cause issues except when they are on the eyelids. Most skin tags appear on the upper lid rather than the lower lid and can cause extra weight on the upper eyelid. This extra weight can cause eyelid drooping, a feeling of dryness, irritation, corneal abrasions, and decreased vision. Suppose the skin tag is heavy enough to pull the upper eyelid down and make the eye look droopy. In that case, it may require a visit to a specialist who can surgically remove it.
Treatment
It is essential to have a professional remove a skin tag on the eyelid rather than attempting to remove it at home. Home removal could cause additional damage to the eye and may lead to it recurring in the same location. Optometrists are qualified to remove skin tags on the eyelids in some states, and in other instances, a specialist may be the preferred option based on the skin tag’s size and position. The procedure can be done in-office or, in some cases, on an outpatient basis in a hospital or surgical center.
Before scheduling the removal of the skin tag, the optometrist or specialist will conduct a thorough eye examination to rule out any other issues that may be contributing to eyelid irritation. After that, the removal itself should be relatively fast and straightforward.
After the procedure, patients may experience a mild discomfort and should follow any additional post-operative instructions provided. Over-the-counter medicated drops or an ointment may be prescribed to help minimize itching and discomfort during the healing process. Rubbing or touching the affected area should be avoided, and sunglasses should be worn to protect the eyes from the sun.
Our eye doctors at GHEye excel in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrists at (571) 445-3692 to schedule your appointment today to be evaluated for skin tags on the eyelids. Our eye doctors, Dr. Ally Stoeger and Dr. Jennifer Sun provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in the Gainesville VA, and Haymarket VA areas.
Skin tags are a common annoyance in various parts of the body, including the eyelids. A skin tag on the eyelid can cause discomfort and may require removal. It is important to understand what skin tags are, what causes them, and what their removal entails.
What is a Skin Tag?
A skin tag is a benign growth of skin cells that forms an elevated nodule or extends out from the surface of the skin. The cells are usually connected to the skin by a small stalk, referred to as a pedunculated papilloma. Skin tags are more common in people who are overweight, pregnant, or have Type 2 diabetes. They can occur anywhere on the body but are more frequent in areas where the skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpit, groin, and, in some cases, the eyelids.
Causes
While there are many reasons why skin tags might develop, no unique cause has been found for a particular skin tag. Rubbing of the skin, age, and exposure to the sun are typical culprits. Frequent rubbing or scratching around the eyes can cause a skin tag to appear on the eyelid. A lack of proper eyelid hygiene or sun protection may also increase the risk of skin tag development on the eyelid.
Effect on Vision
Skin tags rarely cause issues except when they are on the eyelids. Most skin tags appear on the upper lid rather than the lower lid and can cause extra weight on the upper eyelid. This extra weight can cause eyelid drooping, a feeling of dryness, irritation, corneal abrasions, and decreased vision. Suppose the skin tag is heavy enough to pull the upper eyelid down and make the eye look droopy. In that case, it may require a visit to a specialist who can surgically remove it.
Treatment
It is essential to have a professional remove a skin tag on the eyelid rather than attempting to remove it at home. Home removal could cause additional damage to the eye and may lead to it recurring in the same location. Optometrists are qualified to remove skin tags on the eyelids in some states, and in other instances, a specialist may be the preferred option based on the skin tag’s size and position. The procedure can be done in-office or, in some cases, on an outpatient basis in a hospital or surgical center.
Before scheduling the removal of the skin tag, the optometrist or specialist will conduct a thorough eye examination to rule out any other issues that may be contributing to eyelid irritation. After that, the removal itself should be relatively fast and straightforward.
After the procedure, patients may experience a mild discomfort and should follow any additional post-operative instructions provided. Over-the-counter medicated drops or an ointment may be prescribed to help minimize itching and discomfort during the healing process. Rubbing or touching the affected area should be avoided, and sunglasses should be worn to protect the eyes from the sun.