Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are those small, soft growths that can pop up just about anywhere on your skin. You might find them on your neck, eyelids, or under your arms, and they can vary in color from skin-toned to darker shades, sometimes even appearing pink or red if irritated. Some skin tags dangle delicately, while others are more firmly attached. Despite their varied appearance, one thing is for sure: many people are curious about why they form and what can be done about them.
Generally, skin tags are harmless and only need attention if they become irritated, uncomfortable, or interfere with your vision. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, consulting a board-certified dermatologist is the best course of action. They possess the expertise to properly assess and manage your skin concerns.
Let’s delve deeper into understanding why skin tags develop and explore the safe and effective methods dermatologists use for their removal.
What are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are benign skin growths that are incredibly common. They are essentially extra skin cells that project out from the surrounding skin. Characteristically, they are soft and pliable to the touch. While they can occur across the body, they are frequently found in areas where skin rubs together or against clothing. Common locations for skin tags include:
- Neck
- Eyelids
- Underarms (armpits)
- Groin area
- Underneath the breasts
- Abdomen
- Back
It’s worth reiterating that skin tags are not cancerous and pose no threat to your health. They are purely a dermatological nuisance for some individuals.
Why Do Skin Tags Develop?
The precise cause of skin tags isn’t completely understood, but the prevailing theory points to friction as a primary factor in why skin tags form. Skin tags often emerge in areas where skin repeatedly rubs against skin, jewelry, or clothing. This constant friction is believed to contribute to the overgrowth of skin cells in these specific locations.
This explains why skin tags are so often found in skin folds and creases. The repeated rubbing and irritation in these areas can stimulate the development of these benign growths.
Beyond friction, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing skin tags:
Risk Factors for Skin Tags
- Overweight or Obesity: Individuals with higher body weight often have more skin folds, leading to increased friction and a greater chance of skin tag formation.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also contribute to skin tag development.
- Loose Skin: As skin loses elasticity, it can rub together more easily, increasing friction.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to skin tags, although the exact link is still being researched.
- Metabolic Syndrome: Conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, such as high blood pressure, unhealthy blood sugar levels, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, are linked to a higher incidence of skin tags.
- Genetics: A family history of skin tags can increase your susceptibility to developing them. If your close relatives have skin tags, you are more likely to develop them as well.
While understanding why skin tags form is helpful, it’s important to remember that they are generally harmless and not a sign of a serious medical condition.
When Should You Consider Skin Tag Removal?
Since skin tags are benign, removal is typically optional. However, there are several reasons why you might consider having a skin tag removed by a dermatologist:
- Irritation or Bleeding: If a skin tag frequently rubs against clothing, jewelry, or seatbelts, it can become irritated, inflamed, or even bleed.
- Eye Irritation: Skin tags on the eyelids can sometimes grow large enough to obstruct vision or cause irritation to the eye.
- Pain or Discomfort: Although usually painless, a skin tag can occasionally become painful, especially if it gets twisted or injured.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Many people choose to have skin tags removed simply because they dislike their appearance or find them bothersome aesthetically.
It’s also important to note that while rare, a sudden and rapid development of numerous skin tags could potentially indicate an underlying health issue. If you experience a sudden outbreak of skin tags, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist who can properly diagnose the condition and recommend further evaluation by your primary care physician if necessary.
How Dermatologists Remove Skin Tags
Dermatologists are experts in skin health and offer safe and effective methods for skin tag removal. These procedures are typically quick, performed in-office, and often require no follow-up appointments. The specific removal technique will depend on the size, location, and characteristics of the skin tag. Common dermatologist removal methods include:
- Cryosurgery: This technique involves freezing the skin tag using liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold destroys the tissue, and the skin tag will eventually fall off. Cryosurgery may cause a temporary blister or scab in the treated area. Sometimes, dermatologists use a “cryosnip” method, freezing the base of the skin tag and then snipping it off.
- Electrodesiccation: In this procedure, a tiny needle is used to deliver an electrical current to the skin tag, effectively destroying it. Electrodesiccation will result in a scab that will heal within a few weeks.
- Snip Excision: For this method, the dermatologist will numb the area and then use sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel to simply cut off the skin tag. A solution is then applied to stop any bleeding.
After any of these procedures, your dermatologist will provide aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of infection and promote healing.
Dangers of At-Home Skin Tag Removal
It’s strongly discouraged to attempt to remove skin tags at home using over-the-counter products or home remedies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any at-home skin tag removal products. These products can be ineffective and even harmful, potentially leading to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Skin irritation
- Damage to surrounding healthy skin
For safe and effective skin tag removal, always seek the expertise of a board-certified dermatologist.
Why Wart Remover is Not Suitable for Skin Tags
Given that some skin tags may superficially resemble warts, it might be tempting to use wart remover products. However, this is not advisable and can be detrimental to your skin.
Warts are caused by a virus and are characterized by hard, rough surfaces. Wart removers contain strong medications designed to treat these tough lesions. Skin tags, on the other hand, are soft, benign growths. Applying wart remover to a skin tag can damage the surrounding healthy skin, leading to irritation, scarring, and delayed healing.
Peace of Mind with Dermatologist Consultation
Skin tags can vary significantly in appearance, and it’s easy to mistake them for other skin conditions, including warts or even skin cancer in rare cases. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist provides peace of mind. Dermatologists have the expertise to accurately diagnose skin growths and differentiate between harmless skin tags and potentially more serious conditions. Seeking professional evaluation ensures you receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate management, bringing reassurance and clarity to your skin concerns.
Related AAD resources
ImagesImage 1: Getty Images
Image 2: Used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81:1037-57.)
References
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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.
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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
