Have you ever spotted a small, soft, flesh-coloured bump dangling gently from your skin and wondered what it was? You’re far from alone. These harmless growths, commonly called skin tags, are among the most frequent minor skin concerns that people experience. They can appear at any age, on almost any part of the body, and are often first discovered by accident perhaps while getting dressed, shaving, or simply running your hand across your neck or shoulder.
Skin tags are technically tiny pieces of excess skin made up of collagen fibres, blood vessels, and a thin outer layer of epidermis. They usually feel soft to the touch and may be attached to the skin by a small stalk. Their size can range from barely noticeable specks to larger bumps that are a few millimetres wide. Because they are non-cancerous and typically painless, many people live with them for years without any problems. However, their location can sometimes cause frustration. Tags that form around the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin may snag on jewellery, get caught on clothing seams, or become irritated during shaving, which can make them more noticeable and uncomfortable.
Despite being so common, the exact reason skin tags develop isn’t completely understood. Dermatologists believe that several factors such as genetics, friction from skin rubbing against skin, hormonal changes, and even certain medical conditions like insulin resistance can increase the likelihood of getting them. They often appear more frequently in areas where the skin folds or experiences regular movement, which is why people who are overweight or who wear tighter clothing may see them more often. Pregnant women also tend to notice new tags due to hormonal shifts and increased skin friction.
What Exactly Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop on the surface of the skin. They are made up of normal skin tissue, including collagen fibres and small blood vessels, and are typically attached to the underlying skin by a thin, soft stalk called a peduncle. This little stem allows the tag to hang slightly away from the skin, giving it a characteristic “flap” or “polyp” appearance.
Most skin tags are tiny, often measuring just a few millimetres in length about the size of a grain of rice. However, some can grow larger over time, occasionally reaching the size of a small grape or even more. Their colour can also vary slightly. While they’re usually flesh-toned and blend with the surrounding skin, they may appear slightly darker or lighter depending on your natural skin tone and the amount of blood flow within the tag.
One of the key features that distinguishes skin tags from other skin growths is their soft, pliable texture. They are typically painless and do not cause discomfort unless they become irritated by friction, jewellery, or clothing. Because they contain blood vessels, they might occasionally bleed if accidentally scratched or pulled, but they are not dangerous and rarely pose any medical risk.
Skin tags tend to appear in areas where the skin experiences frequent rubbing or friction, which may explain why certain spots on the body are more prone to them. Common sites include:
- Neck – Often around collars or jewellery where fabrics and chains can cause gentle rubbing.
- Eyelids – Thin, delicate skin makes this area particularly susceptible.
- Underarms – A high-friction zone, especially in people who shave or wear snug clothing.
- Groin area – Where skin folds naturally rub against each other.
- Beneath the breasts – Another area prone to moisture and movement, creating a perfect environment for tags to form.
While skin tags can appear on almost anyone, they are more frequently seen in adults over the age of 30 and tend to be more common in people who are overweight, pregnant, or have certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Their appearance is not a sign of poor hygiene, infection, or cancer they’re simply a result of how your skin responds to friction and other subtle factors.
What Causes Skin Tags to Form?
The exact reason why skin tags appear isn’t fully understood, but dermatologists agree that several contributing factors can make these tiny growths more likely to develop. While anyone can get them, certain lifestyle habits, body changes, and health conditions increase the chances. Here are the most common influences:
1. Friction
One of the strongest links to skin tags is friction. These growths tend to form in areas where skin frequently rubs against skin, clothing, or accessories such as the underarms, neck, groin, and beneath the breasts. This constant rubbing may trigger mild irritation or stimulate excess cell growth in the top layer of the skin, eventually leading to the formation of a small flap of tissue. People who are overweight, wear tight clothing, or engage in activities that create repetitive movement often experience more friction, which can make tags appear more easily.
2. Genetics
If skin tags seem to “run in the family,” it’s probably not a coincidence. Genetics plays a significant role in determining whether someone is prone to developing them. If your parents or siblings have multiple skin tags, you may inherit a similar tendency. While you can’t control your genetic makeup, being aware of this risk can help you monitor your skin more closely and catch new growths early.
3. Hormonal Changes
Major hormonal shifts such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical treatments are another common trigger. Increased levels of growth factors and changes in insulin levels during pregnancy, for example, can encourage skin cell growth and collagen production, which may explain why many women notice new tags forming during the second and third trimesters. These pregnancy-related tags often remain after childbirth but are completely harmless.
4. Metabolic Factors
Skin tags are frequently associated with metabolic conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. People with higher levels of insulin in their blood may have a greater risk of developing these growths. Although the exact connection isn’t fully clear, researchers suspect that insulin and other metabolic hormones may stimulate cell growth in the skin, leading to the formation of tags. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and managing blood sugar levels may help reduce the likelihood of new tags appearing.
5. Age
Simply getting older increases your chances of developing skin tags. They tend to appear more often in people over the age of 40, and their frequency continues to rise with age. Over time, the skin loses elasticity and is exposed to more friction, making it easier for these tiny growths to develop.
Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
The reassuring news is that skin tags are almost always harmless. These small, fleshy growths are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous and rarely lead to any medical problems. They don’t spread to other parts of the body like an infection might, and they don’t turn into skin cancer over time. For most people, skin tags are simply a cosmetic concern or a minor annoyance when they catch on jewellery, zippers, or clothing seams.
That said, it’s important to be aware that not every small bump on the skin is a true skin tag. In rare cases, a growth that resembles a tag could actually be something else, such as a wart, a mole, a seborrhoeic keratosis (a common benign growth), or, very rarely, a type of skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma or melanoma. Some of these conditions may require medical attention or removal to ensure they don’t pose a risk to your health.
Because of this, dermatologists recommend seeking a professional evaluation if:
- A growth suddenly changes in size, colour, or shape.
- The area becomes painful, itchy, or bleeds without being caught or irritated.
- You notice multiple new growths appearing rapidly over a short period of time.
Getting a skin tag checked by a dermatologist is usually quick and straightforward. A trained specialist can easily distinguish a harmless skin tag from other types of lesions through a simple visual examination. If there’s any uncertainty, they may perform a biopsy, where a small sample is taken and examined under a microscope, to confirm the diagnosis.
Should You Remove a Skin Tag?
Whether or not to remove a skin tag is usually a matter of personal preference. Because these growths are almost always harmless, there’s no medical need to have them taken off unless they become bothersome. Many people choose to leave them alone, especially if the tags are small, hidden beneath clothing, or not causing any physical discomfort.
However, there are plenty of situations where removal can make life easier or simply help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. You might consider having a skin tag removed if:
- It frequently gets caught on clothing or jewellery. Tags located on the neck, underarms, or beneath the breasts often snag on collars, bra straps, or necklaces. This can lead to irritation, redness, or even bleeding over time.
- It bleeds or becomes painful. Although skin tags are painless by nature, constant friction or accidental pulling can inflame the surrounding skin, making the area tender or sore.
- You feel self-conscious about its appearance. Skin tags on visible areas like the face, eyelids, or neck can cause embarrassment or affect your confidence, even if they pose no health risk.
- It’s in a sensitive or inconvenient location. Tags that form on the eyelids, around the mouth, or near the groin can interfere with daily activities such as shaving, applying makeup, or even wearing certain types of clothing.
If you decide that removal is the right choice, it’s best to have it done by a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional. They can assess the growth to confirm that it’s truly a skin tag and recommend the safest treatment option. Common professional methods include cryotherapy (freezing), cauterisation (burning), or a simple snip with sterile surgical scissors. These procedures are quick, usually require little to no downtime, and minimise the risk of infection or scarring.
How Dermatologists Remove Skin Tags
If you choose to have a skin tag removed, a dermatologist can remove it safely and quickly. The method used depends on the tag’s size, location and whether the clinician wants a sample sent for microscopic examination. Below I’ve expanded each common technique so you know what to expect.
Cryotherapy (freezing)
- What it is: The clinician applies liquid nitrogen directly to the tag to freeze the cells.
- How it feels: A brief stinging or burning sensation during treatment, then mild soreness afterwards.
- Healing time: The tag typically blackens and falls off in days to a couple of weeks; the skin then heals over.
- When it’s used: Good for small, superficial tags in easily accessible areas.
- Risks/downsides: Possible temporary lightening or darkening of the skin (hyper- or hypopigmentation), especially on darker skin tones.
Cauterisation (burning)
- What it is: The tag is destroyed with heat (electrocautery or thermal cautery), which seals blood vessels as it removes the tissue.
- How it feels: Local anaesthetic is commonly used, so you’ll feel pressure more than pain; mild tenderness afterwards.
- Healing time: Because bleeding is reduced, healing is often quick and scab formation is minimal.
- When it’s used: Useful for tags that tend to bleed or are in areas where immediate haemostasis is helpful.
- Risks/downsides: Small risk of scarring or pigment change; usually minimal when performed correctly.
Excision (snipping)
- What it is: The dermatologist numbs the area with a local anaesthetic and snips the tag off with sterile scissors or a scalpel.
- How it feels: The local anaesthetic prevents pain during the procedure; you may feel pressure.
- Healing time: A tiny wound is left that usually heals in a week or two; stitches are rarely necessary for small tags.
- When it’s used: Common for larger tags or when the clinician wants to send the removed tissue for histology.
- Risks/downsides: Small risk of bleeding, infection or a tiny scar; these are uncommon with professional care.
Ligation (tying off)
- What it is: The base of the tag is tied tightly (with surgical thread) to cut off blood supply; the tag then shrivels and falls off.
- How it feels: Usually done without anaesthetic; the process is brief and pain is typically minimal.
- Healing time: The tag drops off over days; the area then heals naturally.
- When it’s used: An option for small to medium tags, especially those with a narrow stalk.
- Risks/downsides: If not performed correctly there’s potential for incomplete removal or infection; best done by a clinician.
Important points about safety and follow-up
- Don’t try DIY cutting or unsterile removal. Attempting to cut, tie or burn tags at home can lead to significant bleeding, infection and scarring.
- Biopsy when indicated. If a growth looks atypical (irregular shape, rapid change, unusual colour), your clinician may send it for histology to rule out other conditions.
- Aftercare is simple. Keep the area clean, follow any wound-care advice (simple dressings, topical antibiotic if advised), and avoid picking at the site. Most people return to normal activities the same day.
- Scarring and pigment change are possible but uncommon when removal is performed by a trained clinician. If you have darker skin, mention this beforehand so the clinician can choose the method that minimises pigment changes.
Can Skin Tags Be Prevented?
Because genetics and hormones play such a significant role in the formation of skin tags, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent them entirely. Some people simply have a natural tendency to develop these growths, and no amount of skincare or lifestyle changes will eliminate that risk completely. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like insulin resistance can also trigger skin tags despite your best efforts.
That said, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of new tags forming or slow down their appearance:
- Minimise skin friction. Since many tags develop where skin rubs against skin or clothing, reducing friction can help. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing especially in areas like the underarms, groin, and beneath the breasts can decrease irritation. Using talcum or body powders in areas prone to moisture may also help reduce rubbing.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can create deeper skin folds and more frequent friction, which increases the chances of tags forming. Following a balanced diet and staying physically active not only supports overall health but may also help keep skin tag risk lower.
- Manage blood sugar levels. Skin tags are more common in people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise, balanced meals, and medical management of blood sugar can reduce metabolic risk factors that may contribute to skin tag formation.
- Take care during pregnancy. While pregnancy-related hormonal changes can’t be avoided, wearing soft, non-restrictive fabrics and keeping skin dry can help minimise friction and irritation, potentially lowering the number of new tags that appear.
- Protect your skin. Keeping the skin moisturised can reduce chafing, while avoiding harsh fabrics or rough seams can lessen irritation in sensitive areas.
Even with these measures, it’s important to remember that some skin tags will still develop simply due to genetics or hormonal fluctuations. The good news is that skin tags are benign and easy to remove if they become bothersome, so prevention isn’t critical for your health just a way to possibly reduce their frequency.
Final Thought: Safe Solutions for Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags are incredibly common, and in most cases, they’re nothing to worry about. But if a skin tag is bothering you or you’re not sure what the growth is, it’s always worth checking in with a professional. You can book an appointment with our expert team at our trusted Skin Tag Removal Clinic in London to explore safe and effective treatment options.
References:
- Banik, R., Lubach, D. & Geisel, T. (2004). Skin tags: localisation and association with other cutaneous lesions. Dermatology, 209(4), pp.273–275.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15583482/ - Bashir, S.J., Ramesh, V. & Haroon, T.S. (2009). Skin tags and the metabolic syndrome: Is there a link? Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 23(3), pp.300–303.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.03051.x - DermNet NZ (2023). Skin tags (acrochordons). DermNet New Zealand.
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-tag - American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) (2024). Skin tags: Overview.
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/skin-tags-overview - Kahana, M., Grossman, E. & Feinstein, A. (1987). Skin tags: a cutaneous marker for diabetes mellitus. Archives of Dermatology, 123(10), pp.1336–1338. doi:10.1001/archderm.1987.01660340090016
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/548933