Concerns About Facial Skin Tags
At 26 years old, I stand at 5 feet tall and weigh about 105 pounds, which has been quite stable over the last several years within the 100 to 110-pound range. I've been grappling with health anxiety, and I'm presently undergoing therapy to manage it. It's been a while since my last doctor's visit, but I am gradually preparing to see a medical professional again as part of my therapeutic process. Recently, I've been under a lot of stress, and I can feel the adverse effects on my anxiety levels and hormonal balance. This has resulted in several physical symptoms, many of which are familiar to me, and my menstrual cycles have become irregular, a common occurrence when I'm feeling overwhelmed. However, I’ve noticed a sudden increase in acne, along with a few dry patches around my eyes that resemble eczema. More alarmingly, I've discovered four small skin tags on my face that I somehow overlooked until today. While I've occasionally noticed similar tags on my shoulders and neck, finding them on my face is unprecedented for me. They are not large, but their unexpected appearance is quite unsettling. I regret searching online for information about skin tags; most sites suggested potential links to diabetes and insulin resistance, which has sent me into a spiral of anxiety. Regarding my health metrics, my blood pressure readings have been consistently around 105/80. I've monitored my blood glucose levels a few times since my mother, who is pre-diabetic due to her weight, has been tracking hers. During the past two weeks, my fasting glucose levels were 68 and 82, while readings two hours post-meal were 105 and 86. My resting heart rate varies between 70 and 85, influenced by my anxiety or menstrual cycle.
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 2:10:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about new skin changes like tags, especially when they appear unexpectedly. Skin tags on the face can be concerning, but they are usually benign and caused by factors like friction, hormonal changes, or genetics.
Explanation
Skin tags are common and can occur in many areas of the body, including the face. They are typically harmless and painless, often appearing more frequently with hormonal changes or stress, which you might be experiencing due to your recent anxiety and stress levels. The irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms of anxiety can influence hormonal fluctuations, which might contribute to skin changes like acne or the development of skin tags.
Your monitored blood glucose levels are within a normal range, which is reassuring. While it’s true that skin changes can be associated with certain health conditions, the presence of skin tags alone does not indicate serious concerns like diabetes, especially with your stable glucose readings.
Next Steps
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Observe Changes: Keep an eye on the skin tags. If they change in size, color, or if you experience any discomfort, note these changes.
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Skin Care Routine: For your acne and dry patches around the eyes, consider a gentle skincare routine that includes:
- A mild cleanser to keep your skin clean.
- A moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin.
- Avoiding picking or squeezing acne to prevent further irritation.
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Stress Management: Since you’ve noted increased stress, continuing with therapeutic strategies to manage anxiety will be beneficial. Techniques such as mindfulness, regular physical activity, or talking to a therapist can help alleviate stress and its impact on your skin.
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Plan to See a Professional: Since you're already preparing for a return to a healthcare provider, consider mentioning your skin tags, acne, and any other symptoms you're facing during your visit. They can provide further evaluation and management options.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis: Given your anxiety about health information online, it's best to avoid searching symptoms and instead focus on discussions with your healthcare provider.
Remember, many individuals experience skin tags and similar symptoms, especially during times of stress. You're taking positive steps by preparing to see a medical professional, which is fantastic for your peace of mind.
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