Pregnancy skin problem mistaken for warts could indicate high cholesterol

Acommon skin condition that often appears during pregnancy could be a warning sign of high cholesterol and other health issues. Skin tags, harmless flesh-coloured growths that usually appear in areas where the skin rubs together like the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin, are generally harmless but can sometimes signal underlying health problems.

The NHS advises that skin tags can often be mistaken for warts or moles. However, they're different as warts are typically found on the hands and feet with a firm surface, while moles are usually a different colour to the rest of the skin and remain flat and round.

Read on for a comprehensive rundown of the health conditions that could be indicated by skin tags....

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Possible red flags associated with skin tags

Friction and changes in weight

Most skin tags develop in skin folds, making them more prevalent in individuals with a higher body weight. Rapid weight loss can also render existing tags more visible.

Insulin resistance and diabetes risk

Numerous studies suggest that skin tags are more frequent in individuals with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. However, there is not yet enough evidence to strongly say that skin tags are an indicator of diabetes.

One studyalso highlighted that the number of people with skin tags were more frequent in overweight people, rather than those with diabetes or insulin resistance issues.

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy and hormonal shifts can instigate the formation of new tags. It is not clear what exactly causes a higher risk of skin tags in pregnant women, however, it's hypothesised that it could be due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy.

In many cases, skin tags can disappear on their own after the pregnancy has concluded.

High cholesterol and metabolic syndrome

Yellowish skin tags or clusters around the eyes, known professionally as xanthelasma, may be associated with higher cholesterol levels. If this is sustained, it could also be a sign of metabolic syndrome, a term that refers to a group of health problems that can put you at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes or other conditions that can affect your heart or blood vessels, according to guidance from the NHS.

If you are seeing xanthelasma around your eyes, you could be at risk of higher cholesterol and metabolic syndrome; however, you are also more at risk if you are obese, eat a high saturated-fat diet, smoke, or drink a lot of alcohol.

When to speak with a professional

"Most skin tags are harmless, but sudden changes – such as rapid growth, colour change, or irritation, should always be evaluated by a GP or dermatologist," advises a skin specialist on Fresha.

Skin tags can be effortlessly removed in-clinic with swift, non-surgical treatments booked through Fresha. However, it is generally recommended that removal should be accompanied by a health check if you're frequently developing them.

"Clients often want skin tags removed for cosmetic reasons, but we encourage them to view tags as potential health clues too. They can be the body's way of flagging changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, or hormone level," explains Fresha.