Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesComplicationsRemovalTreatment RisksTreatments to AvoidOther Causes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Complications
Removal
Treatment Risks
Treatments to Avoid
Other Causes
Acrochordons, also known as skin tags, are common, harmless skin growths that are usually the same color as your skin. A skin tag on theeyelidcan cause irritation and, in some cases, interfere with your vision.
Althoughskin tagsrarely cause major health problems—and sometimes disappear on their own—a skin tag removal may be needed if it causes these eye problems.
This article discusses skin tags of the eyelid. It explains why skin tags on the eyelid may need treatment, and describes how skin tags are removed and the possible risks of treatment.
DermNet NZ
What Causes Skin Tags on Eyelids?
Skin tags can develop on many parts of the body but are especially common in folds of skin or areas of the skin that frequently rub together.
The exact cause of skin tags is unknown, but they are common. Factors that make it more likely to develop skin tags include:
Common sites for skin tags include:
Skin tags also can occur in the groin, genital, and anal areas. They don’t necessarily have to be removed, but they can be uncomfortable or unsightly.
A skin tag looks like a cluster of normal tissue extending out from a narrow stalk. Skin tags typically range in size from 1 millimeter (mm) to 5 mm, but some can be larger. Roughly 50% to 60% of adults will develop a skin tag in their lifetimes.
20 Types of Skin Lesions and What They Look Like
Complications of Skin Tags on Eyelids
Skin tags on the eyelids are usually harmless and do not affect vision or eye health. But there are some instances where they can become problematic and require removal, such as:
Removing Skin Tags From Eyelids
There are several techniques used to remove a skin tag:
A Word From Verywell
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Treatment Risks and Side Effects
Although the risks of skin tag treatment are small, there are side effects to be aware of:
If an infection occurs, it can cause significant, irreversible damage to the eye. See your healthcare provider right away if you experience fever, chills, increasing pain and redness, changes in vision, a pus-like discharge, or any other signs of infection.
Dangerous or Ineffective Treatments
Somehome remedies, such as using nail clippers to cut off skin tags, can cause significant bleeding, increase the risk of infection, and cause greater scarring.
Ligation (e.g., tying dental floss around a skin tag) may work elsewhere on the body but isn’t practical for the eye.Avoid home remedies presented with claims that apple cider vinegar (or other ingredients like herbs and oils) can safely remove a skin tag from your eyelid overnight.
Getting treatment from a dermatologist will minimize the risks and side effects.
Other Causes of Skin Bumps Around the Eye
One reason to have a healthcare provider diagnose the skin tag on your eyelid is to ensure that it doesn’t have another cause. Similar growths on your eyelid can be due to:
Keep in mind that eyelid cancer is rare but possible. Let your healthcare provider know if you have concerns about other skin changes to an eyelid, including a chronic infection or sore that won’t heal.
Eyelid Cancer: What It Looks Like and How It’s Treated
Summary
Skin tags (acrochordons) are harmless skin growths that typically occur in skin folds or areas where the skin rubs together frequently. The cause of skin tags is unknown but they’re more common in people over 40. Diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and pregnancy are other risk factors.
Skin tags usually do not need treatment but may be removed if they are unsightly or obscure vision. Dermatologists can remove skin tags with ligation, cryotherapy, electrocautery, or surgery.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Platsidaki E, Vasalou V, Gerodimou M, Markantoni V, Kouris A, Vryzaki E, Gregoriou S, Rigopoulos D, Kontochristopoulos G.The Association of Various Metabolic Parameters with Multiple Skin Tags.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(10):40-43.Ridlo M, Putra IB, Jusuf NK.Analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in skin tags patients.Bali Medical Journal. 2021 Apr 30;10(1):296-9. doi: 10.15562/bmj.v10i1.2214Harvard Health Publishing.Skin tag removal: optional but effective.Europe PMC.Skin Tags.MedlinePlus.Cutaneous skin tag.University of Michigan.Removing Moles and Skin Tags.UF Health.Eyelid bump.American Academy of Family Physicians.Warts.American Academy of Ophthalmology.HPV and Conjunctival Papilloma.Tronnier M.Melanotic Spots and Melanocytic Nevi.Braun-Falco´s Dermatology. 2020. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-58713-3_104-1Medline Plus.Neurofibroma.Barthelmann S, Butsch F, Lang BM, Stege H, Großmann B, Schepler H,et al.Seborrheic keratosis.J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2023 Mar;21(3):265-277. doi:10.1111/ddg.14984.Kim ES, Afshin EE, Elahi E.The lowly chalazion.Surv Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul-Aug;68(4):784-793. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.11.002.The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.How to lower your eyelid cancer risk.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Platsidaki E, Vasalou V, Gerodimou M, Markantoni V, Kouris A, Vryzaki E, Gregoriou S, Rigopoulos D, Kontochristopoulos G.The Association of Various Metabolic Parameters with Multiple Skin Tags.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(10):40-43.Ridlo M, Putra IB, Jusuf NK.Analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in skin tags patients.Bali Medical Journal. 2021 Apr 30;10(1):296-9. doi: 10.15562/bmj.v10i1.2214Harvard Health Publishing.Skin tag removal: optional but effective.Europe PMC.Skin Tags.MedlinePlus.Cutaneous skin tag.University of Michigan.Removing Moles and Skin Tags.UF Health.Eyelid bump.American Academy of Family Physicians.Warts.American Academy of Ophthalmology.HPV and Conjunctival Papilloma.Tronnier M.Melanotic Spots and Melanocytic Nevi.Braun-Falco´s Dermatology. 2020. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-58713-3_104-1Medline Plus.Neurofibroma.Barthelmann S, Butsch F, Lang BM, Stege H, Großmann B, Schepler H,et al.Seborrheic keratosis.J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2023 Mar;21(3):265-277. doi:10.1111/ddg.14984.Kim ES, Afshin EE, Elahi E.The lowly chalazion.Surv Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul-Aug;68(4):784-793. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.11.002.The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.How to lower your eyelid cancer risk.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Platsidaki E, Vasalou V, Gerodimou M, Markantoni V, Kouris A, Vryzaki E, Gregoriou S, Rigopoulos D, Kontochristopoulos G.The Association of Various Metabolic Parameters with Multiple Skin Tags.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(10):40-43.Ridlo M, Putra IB, Jusuf NK.Analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in skin tags patients.Bali Medical Journal. 2021 Apr 30;10(1):296-9. doi: 10.15562/bmj.v10i1.2214Harvard Health Publishing.Skin tag removal: optional but effective.Europe PMC.Skin Tags.MedlinePlus.Cutaneous skin tag.University of Michigan.Removing Moles and Skin Tags.UF Health.Eyelid bump.American Academy of Family Physicians.Warts.American Academy of Ophthalmology.HPV and Conjunctival Papilloma.Tronnier M.Melanotic Spots and Melanocytic Nevi.Braun-Falco´s Dermatology. 2020. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-58713-3_104-1Medline Plus.Neurofibroma.Barthelmann S, Butsch F, Lang BM, Stege H, Großmann B, Schepler H,et al.Seborrheic keratosis.J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2023 Mar;21(3):265-277. doi:10.1111/ddg.14984.Kim ES, Afshin EE, Elahi E.The lowly chalazion.Surv Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul-Aug;68(4):784-793. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.11.002.The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.How to lower your eyelid cancer risk.
Platsidaki E, Vasalou V, Gerodimou M, Markantoni V, Kouris A, Vryzaki E, Gregoriou S, Rigopoulos D, Kontochristopoulos G.The Association of Various Metabolic Parameters with Multiple Skin Tags.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(10):40-43.
Ridlo M, Putra IB, Jusuf NK.Analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in skin tags patients.Bali Medical Journal. 2021 Apr 30;10(1):296-9. doi: 10.15562/bmj.v10i1.2214
Harvard Health Publishing.Skin tag removal: optional but effective.
Europe PMC.Skin Tags.
MedlinePlus.Cutaneous skin tag.
University of Michigan.Removing Moles and Skin Tags.
UF Health.Eyelid bump.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Warts.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.HPV and Conjunctival Papilloma.
Tronnier M.Melanotic Spots and Melanocytic Nevi.Braun-Falco´s Dermatology. 2020. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-58713-3_104-1
Medline Plus.Neurofibroma.
Barthelmann S, Butsch F, Lang BM, Stege H, Großmann B, Schepler H,et al.Seborrheic keratosis.J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2023 Mar;21(3):265-277. doi:10.1111/ddg.14984.
Kim ES, Afshin EE, Elahi E.The lowly chalazion.Surv Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul-Aug;68(4):784-793. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.11.002.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.How to lower your eyelid cancer risk.
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