Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are common, small, soft skin growths that can appear on various parts of your body. While they are generally harmless, many people find themselves wondering, “Why Am I Getting Skin Tags All Of A Sudden?” It can be concerning to notice these growths appearing, seemingly out of nowhere. Understanding why skin tags develop, especially when they appear suddenly, can help you determine the best course of action and when to seek professional advice.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are benign tumors of the skin, meaning they are not cancerous and pose no threat to your health. They are typically small, often ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter in size, and are usually the same color as your skin or slightly darker. Some may appear pink or even become red if irritated. Skin tags can vary in appearance; some dangle from a stalk-like structure, while others are more firmly attached to the skin surface. Despite their varied looks, the consistent concern for many is understanding their sudden appearance and whether removal is necessary.
Why Do Skin Tags Appear Suddenly?
Skin tags commonly develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This friction is a primary factor in their formation. While they can appear anywhere on the skin, certain areas are more prone to skin tag development due to increased friction:
- Neck creases: Where skin folds or clothing and jewelry may rub.
- Underarms: Another area of skin folds and friction from arm movement and clothing.
- Eyelids: Although less about friction, skin tags can appear on eyelids.
- Groin: Where skin rubs during movement.
- Breasts (underneath): Particularly under the breasts where skin can fold and rub.
- Sides, abdomen, and back: These areas can also experience friction from clothing and body movement, leading to skin tag development.
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing skin tags. People who are overweight or obese, pregnant women, and individuals with loose skin are more susceptible because they have increased skin folds and friction. These conditions don’t necessarily mean skin tags appear suddenly, but they create an environment where skin tags are more likely to form over time, and you might only notice them when they become numerous or bothersome.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Beyond friction, certain health conditions and genetic predispositions can contribute to skin tag development:
- Weight and Body Composition: Being overweight or obese is strongly linked to skin tags. Increased skin folds lead to more skin-on-skin rubbing, fostering skin tag growth.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy can also increase the likelihood of skin tags. These may appear more rapidly due to the relatively quick changes in the body.
- Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: People with diabetes or insulin resistance are more prone to skin tags. The exact link isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to growth factors and skin cell proliferation.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, such as high blood pressure, unhealthy blood sugar levels, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, are also risk factors.
- Genetics: A family history of skin tags increases your likelihood of developing them. If your close relatives have skin tags, you are more likely to experience them as well.
- Age: Skin tags become more common with age, especially after middle age. This could be due to cumulative skin damage and changes in skin elasticity over time.
While skin tags are benign, a sudden increase in their number can sometimes be a signal to pay attention to your overall health.
When Should You Be Concerned About Skin Tags?
Generally, skin tags are harmless and don’t require removal unless they become problematic. However, there are situations where a skin tag might warrant attention or removal:
- Irritation or Bleeding: If a skin tag rubs frequently against clothing, jewelry, or seatbelts, it can become irritated, inflamed, or even bleed. Shaving can also irritate skin tags, particularly if nicked.
- Impact on Eyesight: Skin tags on the eyelids can grow large enough to obstruct vision, requiring removal for functional reasons.
- Pain: While typically painless, a skin tag can become painful, especially if the pain starts suddenly.
- Sudden Development of Many Skin Tags: The rapid appearance of numerous skin tags, though rare, can sometimes be associated with underlying health conditions, such as fluctuations in hormone levels, or, in very rare cases, an indicator of internal issues.
If you experience a sudden onset of many skin tags, it is prudent to consult a board-certified dermatologist. They can confirm that the growths are indeed skin tags and rule out other skin conditions. In some instances, they may recommend a visit to your primary care physician to check for underlying health issues, particularly if the sudden appearance is accompanied by other symptoms.
Of course, you may also want to consider skin tag removal if you simply dislike their appearance. However, it’s important to note that removing skin tags for cosmetic reasons is generally considered an elective cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by health insurance.
How Dermatologists Remove Skin Tags
If you decide to have a skin tag removed, a dermatologist can safely and effectively perform the procedure during an office visit. Typically, follow-up appointments are not necessary. The removal method chosen will depend on the size and location of the skin tag, as well as other individual factors. Common dermatologist-performed methods include:
- Cryosurgery: This technique involves freezing the skin tag using liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold destroys the tissue. Cryosurgery may cause a blister or scab to form, which will eventually fall off, taking the skin tag with it. In some cases, the dermatologist might freeze the base of the skin tag and then snip it off with sterile surgical tools.
- Electrodesiccation: This method uses a tiny needle to deliver an electrical current to the skin tag, destroying it. Electrodesiccation leads to scab formation, and the treated area typically heals within one to three weeks.
- Snip (Excision): For this method, the dermatologist numbs the area and then uses sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel to cut off the skin tag. A solution is then applied to stop any bleeding.
After any removal procedure, your dermatologist will provide aftercare instructions. These might include keeping the area clean and bandaged for a short period to prevent infection. It is crucial to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
DIY Skin Tag Removal: Not Recommended
It is strongly advised against using over-the-counter products marketed for at-home skin tag removal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any of these products, and they can be harmful. Attempting to remove skin tags yourself using unproven methods can lead to complications like infections, scarring, and skin irritation.
Similarly, wart removers should not be used on skin tags. Wart removers contain strong medications designed for hard warts and can damage the soft skin of a skin tag, potentially causing irritation and scarring.
Peace of Mind with a Dermatologist
Skin tags can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions, such as warts or even moles that could be cancerous. A board-certified dermatologist has the expertise to accurately diagnose skin growths and differentiate between benign skin tags and potentially serious conditions. Seeing a dermatologist can provide reassurance and ensure that any skin growths are properly identified and managed. If you’re concerned about suddenly appearing skin tags, consulting a dermatologist is the best step for both clarity and peace of mind.
References
Belgam Syed SY, Lipoff JB, et al. “Acrochordon.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan.
Farshchian M, Kimyai-Asadi A et al. “Cryosnip for skin tag removal.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 May 30:S0190-9622(21)01032-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.05.039. Epub ahead of print.
Hirt PA, Castillo DE, et al. “Skin changes in the obese patient.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Nov;81(5):1037-57.
Kutzner HH, Kamino H, et al. “Fibrous and fibrohistiocytic proliferations of the skin and tendons.” In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. (fourth edition). Mosby Elsevier, China, 2018: 2068-9.
Schwartz, RA. “Acrochordon.” In:Medscape(Elston DM., Ed.) Last updated 10/26/2022. Last accessed 3/28/2023.
Tucker, R. “Advice on how to treat skin tags.” The Pharm Jour. Published March 1, 2011. Last accessed March 23, 2023.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Products marketed for removing moles and other skin lesions can cause injuries, scarring.” Last updated 8/10/22. Last visited 3/30/23.
Written by: Paula Ludmann, MS
**Reviewed by:Elisa Gallo, MD, FAAD Laurel Geraghty, MD, FAAD Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, FAAD
Last updated: 5/1/23
