Everything You Need to Know About a Skin Tag

Skin tags are harmless, benign skin growths, also called acrochordons and fibroepithelial polyps. They are often found on the neck and armpits.

While skin tags are not usually a medical concern, they can become irritated or twisted on their stalks, becoming painful. Some people choose to have them removed for this reason or for cosmetic reasons.

This article will discuss skin tag causes, diagnosis, and removal. It will also cover skin tag prevention techniques.

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What Does a Skin Tag Look Like?

Skin tags are painless, small, soft pieces of skin that stick out from the body. They are either directly attached to the skin or are on a stalk and dangle off of the skin.

Skin tags can be anywhere on the body but are typically located in areas of the body where friction occurs (rubbing skin against skin, clothing, or objects). Common spots for skin tags are:

• Neck
• Underarms
• Under breasts
• Inner thigh
• Eyelids

Skin tags can be the same color as the surrounding skin, be darker than the surrounding skin, or can be pink. They tend to be very small but can reach up to 1 centimeter (less than half an inch).

What Causes a Skin Tag?

The primary cause of skin tags is friction against the skin. This can be from clothes, jewelry, or other areas of skin. For reasons that are not clear, rubbing against the skin encourages the formation of the skin tag.

Risk Factors for Skin Tags

Several risk factors for developing skin tags include:

• Having obesity
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This disorder causes hormonal imbalances and changes in metabolism.
• Type 2 diabetes: In this type of diabetes, the body does not use insulin correctly to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Genetics
• Metabolic syndrome: This syndrome includes high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood sugar, dyslipidemia (high levels of cholesterol and fat in the blood), and excess abdominal fat.

While anyone can develop skin tags, they are more common in older adults.

How Is a Skin Tag Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can diagnose a skin tag based on its appearance. If they are not certain, they may perform a skin biopsy. With a skin biopsy, a sample is removed and analyzed in the lab.

While skin tags are generally harmless, complications can include irritation, pain, and bleeding if they rub against skin, jewelry, or clothing. A skin tag can also become twisted on its stalk, disrupting blood blow and causing tissue death. This can result in a painful and swollen lesion.

A Word From Verywell

At-home skin tag removal is not recommended for a number of reasons. Chief among them is the possibility that you accidentally remove a growth other than a skin tag, such as a skin cancer, which could potentially delay diagnosis and treatment.

— BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD

How to Remove Skin Tags: Medical Treatments

Several methods are available to safely and effectively remove skin tags. The best option is to see a dermatologist (skin condition specialist), who can evaluate the skin tag and properly remove it. Below is a description of various treatment options.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

Many over-the-counter (OTC) skin tag options are available in stores and online. However, little research supports these treatments.

OTC products include those that freeze the skin tag and ligation bands that cut off blood supply to the skin tag. Before trying an at-home treatment, contact a healthcare provider.

Surgery

A healthcare provider specializing in conditions of the skin (dermatologist) can use one of several procedures to remove skin tags. They will evaluate the skin tag and determine the best option, which may include:

• Cryosurgery: Extremely cold liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin tag to freeze it off.
• Electrodesiccation: A needle is used to send an electrical current to destroy the skin tag.
• Snipping: The skin is numbed before the healthcare provider cuts off the skin tag with surgical scissors.
  

Can You Prevent Skin Tags?

While it may not be possible to prevent every skin tag, strategies may help reduce the likelihood of developing them, including:

• Maintain normal blood sugar levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid wearing jewelry around the neck to prevent friction.
• Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing.

If you have skin tags, try to avoid further irritating them.

Summary

Skin tags are small, harmless growths that can appear anywhere on the skin. They are often seen in areas where the skin experiences friction like the armpits, neck, and under breasts. These skin growths are soft and usually the same color as the surrounding skin.

Treatment is not necessary but some people choose to have a healthcare provider remove their skin tags for either aesthetic reasons or because the skin tags are irritated. Always contact a healthcare provider when experiencing a new skin growth to get it properly evaluated and diagnosed.