What Are Skin Tags? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, soft, benign skin growths that commonly appear in areas where skin rubs together. While they are harmless, many people choose to remove them due to irritation or cosmetic concerns.
This article will explain what skin tags are, their causes, symptoms, risk factors and the best treatment options for safe removal.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tag are non-cancerous skin growths made of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels. They attach to the skin via a thin stalk and typically appear in areas of friction or skin folds, such as:
- Neck – Often caused by clothing, jewellery, or constant movement.
- Armpits – Develop due to frequent skin-to-skin contact.
- Groin – Form where friction occurs from movement or tight clothing.
- Under the breasts – More common in women, particularly those with larger breasts.
- Eyelids – Can be irritating if they interfere with vision.
Skin tag usually remain small (1-5mm in size), but some may grow larger. They do not cause pain unless irritated by friction, shaving, or external pressure.
What Causes Skin Tag?
While the exact cause of skin tags remains unclear, research suggests several contributing factors:
Friction and Skin Rubbing
Skin tags most commonly form where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This friction may trigger excess skin growth, leading to tag formation.
Age and Genetics
Middle-aged and older adults develop skin tag more frequently. If you have a family history of skin tag, you may be more prone to them.
Obesity and Weight Gain
Excess weight creates more skin folds, increasing friction and irritation, which can lead to the development of skin tags.
Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
Studies show a strong link between skin tags and insulin resistance. People with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes tend to develop skin tags more frequently.
Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes
Many pregnant women develop skin tag, particularly around the neck, chest and underarms. Doctors believe hormonal changes may contribute to their growth.
Metabolic Syndrome and High Cholesterol
People with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance may develop multiple skin tags as part of metabolic syndrome.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Connection
Some studies suggest a potential link between HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and skin tag, although more research is needed.
Symptoms and How to Identify Skin Tags
Skin tags are soft, painless and flesh-coloured. You can easily identify them by their unique features:
- Small and Smooth – They range from 1-5mm in size but can grow larger.
- Attached by a Thin Stalk – Unlike moles or warts, they dangle from the skin rather than being flush against it.
- Non-Itchy and Non-Scaly – Unlike other skin conditions, they do not cause irritation unless rubbed.
If a skin tag changes in size, shape, or colour, or starts bleeding without reason, consult a doctor to rule out other skin conditions.
Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
Skin tag are harmless and do not pose any health risks. However, they can cause issues when they:
- Get caught on clothing or jewellery, leading to irritation.
- Become inflamed due to shaving or scratching, causing pain or bleeding.
- Affect appearance, particularly on visible areas like the face or neck.
Doctors recommend removing skin tag only if they cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns.
Best Skin Tag Removal Treatments
If a skin tag causes irritation or affects appearance, dermatologists offer safe and effective removal treatments.
Professional Skin Tag Removal Methods
Doctors use the following procedures to remove skin tag quickly and safely:
- Cryotherapy (Freezing) – A doctor applies liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag, causing it to fall off within a few days.
- Cauterisation (Burning) – A specialist uses heat energy to burn off the tag safely.
- Surgical Excision (Cutting) – A doctor snips off the tag using sterile surgical tools.
- Ligation (Tying Off) – A small thread or suture ties around the base of the tag, cutting off blood supply and causing it to dry up and fall off.
These treatments are quick, effective and performed under sterile conditions to prevent infection.
Can You Remove Skin Tags at Home?
Some people attempt to remove skin tags at home using scissors, nail clippers, or DIY freezing kits. However, this can lead to bleeding, infection, or scarring. It is always best to seek professional removal to avoid complications.
How to Prevent Skin Tags
Although you cannot always prevent skin tag, you can reduce your chances of developing them by:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight – Reducing excess skin folds minimises friction.
- Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothing – Prevents rubbing and irritation.
- Keeping Skin Clean and Dry – Reduces excess moisture in friction-prone areas.
- Managing Blood Sugar Levels – If you have diabetes or insulin resistance, controlling blood sugar may help lower your risk.
If you notice multiple new skin tag appearing frequently, ask a doctor about possible underlying metabolic conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Skin tags are harmless but can cause discomfort if irritated.
- Common causes include friction, age, obesity, diabetes and pregnancy.
- Safe removal options include cryotherapy, cauterisation, excision and ligation.
- Avoid home removal methods, as they can lead to complications.
- Maintaining healthy skin and weight may help prevent new skin tags.
Conclusion
Skin tags are common, harmless skin growths that tend to develop in areas of friction. While they do not pose a health risk, they can become irritating or aesthetic concerns for some individuals.
If you have a skin tag that is bothering you, causing discomfort, or changing in appearance, seeking professional removal is the safest option. A doctor can ensure proper removal with minimal risk of infection or scarring. If you notice multiple skin tags developing rapidly, it may be a sign of an underlying metabolic condition such as insulin resistance or diabetes, which should be evaluated by a medical professional.
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