Skin tags are a common condition that affects people of all ages. These small, benign growths can appear on various parts of the body and are for the most part harmless. However, some skin tags sit in a visible place like the face or neck, or on the arms or legs. These may cause cosmetic or practical concerns. In this article we’ll explore skin tags, their causes and how to remove them. We’ll also review the best treatment options to get rid of skin tags.
What Are Skin Tags?
A skin tag, or acrochordon if we want to use its medical name, is a small soft growth. They typically form on the skin’s surface and are completely benign. These growths consist of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by a layer of skin. They are usually flesh-coloured or slightly darker. Tags can vary in size, ranging from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter. They often hang off the skin by a thin stalk, known as a peduncle, which gives them a distinctive appearance. The key thing is that they are generally harmless and non-cancerous. However, they can be a source of irritation, especially if located in areas prone to friction or frequent contact.
Generally, tags are painless and do not cause discomfort, so often you do not need to remove them. However, they can become irritated or inflamed, especially in areas where they are frequently rubbed or exposed to friction. If a tag becomes twisted or injured, it can cause pain or bleeding. In rare cases, they may become infected, leading to redness, swelling and tenderness. These situations may require skin tags to be removed.
What Causes Skin Tags?
Although the exact cause of skin tags is not entirely understood, experts believe several factors contribute to their development. These include:
- Friction and Rubbing: Tags often develop in areas where there is frequent rubbing of skin against itself or against clothing, such as the neck, armpits and groin. This friction can stimulate the formation of these benign growths.
- Genetic Predisposition: Genetics can play a role in the likelihood of developing tags. If you have family members with them, you may be more prone to developing them yourself.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, can increase the likelihood of developing tags.
- Obesity and Insulin Resistance: People who are overweight or have insulin resistance (often associated with Type 2 diabetes) may have a higher risk of getting skin tags. This is thought to be due to increased levels of insulin and associated growth factors.
- Ageing: As we age, the likelihood of developing tags increases. This is partly due to the natural changes in skin elasticity and collagen structure that occur over time.
- Viral Infections: Some studies suggest a possible link between skin tags and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, more research is needed to confirm this connection.
What Are the Types of Skin Tags?
Tags can vary in both how they look and their location. It is useful to categorise them from both a monitoring and treatment perspective. To simplify matters, here are the main types of skin tags:
- Small Skin Tags: These are typically less than 2 mm in size and are common in places like the neck or eyelids.
- Large Skin Tags: Larger growths can be more than 5 mm in size. These are more likely to occur in areas like the armpits, under the breasts or in the groin.
- Pedunculated Skin Tags: These hang from a thin stalk or peduncle. This gives them a distinctive and raised appearance.
Where Do Skin Tags Appear?
Generally speaking, tags can appear anywhere on the body. However, they are most common in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. The areas where they are most likely to appear are:
- Neck: Skin tags on the neck are often due to friction from jewellery or clothing. They are common in older adults and people with diabetes.
- Eyelids: Skin tags around the eyes can be particularly bothersome due to their location. They may interfere with vision or cause irritation.
- Armpits: The underarm area is prone to tags due to constant friction from arm movements and clothing. Shaving or deodorant use can irritate these tags.
- Groin: Tags here are often a result of skin friction against itself. They can be more common if you’re overweight or pregnant.
- Nipple Area: Tags around the nipple can develop due to friction from clothing or during breastfeeding.
- Face: Although less common, skin tags can appear on the face, particularly in areas prone to friction or irritation.
What’s the Difference Between Skin Tags and Warts?
Although skin tags and warts may appear similar, they are very different conditions. They may also need different treatments to prevent, remove and get rid of them. Warts come from a viral infection (HPV) and have a rough, raised texture. In contrast, tags are soft, non-viral growths (though HPV might increase the risk of them) that hang off the skin. Warts are often contagious and can spread to other parts of the body or to other people. On the other hand, tags are not contagious and do not spread.
How Are Skin Tags Removed?
Skin tags are safe and do not need removal, but often people seek treatment for cosmetic reasons or due to irritation. These are the best treatments that can help get rid of skin tags:
- Cryotherapy: This method involves freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen. This causes it to fall off after a few days. Cryotherapy is effective for smaller tags.
- Electrocautery: This procedure uses a small electric current to burn off the tag under local anaesthesia. It is a quick method often useful for larger or multiple tags.
- Laser: In some cases ablative lasers may be useful in removing smaller skin tags, especially in more delicate areas.
- Excision: A dermatologist or surgeon can cut off the skin tag using a sterile surgical blade or scissors. This method provides immediate results but may leave a small scar. It is usually best for large tags or ones in delicate areas where cryotherapy and electrocautery may not be safe.
- Over-the-Counter Solutions: There are various over-the-counter products available, such as skin tag removal creams and sprays. These typically work by injuring the tag, which causes it to shrink and fall off. However, they are generally not advisable as they can cause damage to the healthy skin, infection, hyperpigmentation or scarring.
Please be wary of DIY at-home skin tag treatments such as ligation with a rubber band or string. These rarely manage to adequately cut off the blood supply to the tag to make it fall off. As such, they’re more likely to cause pain, scars, infection and other skin problems.
How Do You Prevent Skin Tags?
It is not possible to completely prevent skin tags. However, there are certain measures that can reduce your risk of developing them:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: This can reduce skin folds and friction, which lowers the likelihood of tag formation.
- Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing: Avoid tight clothing that can cause friction and irritation in areas prone to skin tags.
- Avoid Irritation: Regular cleansing and moisturising can help maintain healthy skin and minimise irritation. Be mindful of shaving and using harsh skincare products in areas where skin tags are likely to form.
When Should You Get Medical Help?
Although skin tags are usually harmless, it is always worth having a doctor check them out. This is especially true for your first one, to make sure it’s not something else. You should definitely consider consulting a medical professional in the following cases:
- The skin tag changes in colour, size or shape, as it might actually be a sign of some other condition like cancer.
- There is bleeding, pain or signs of infection.
- The tag sits in a sensitive area such as the eyelid or groin, which may require specialist removal if it is causing pain or other issues.
- You are unsure whether the growth is a skin tag or another type of lesion, such as a wart or mole.
- You would like to get rid of the skin tag.
- You have a medical condition like diabetes or obesity, or are pregnant.
- You have other symptoms, as the tag may be a sign of an underlying health condition like insulin resistance.
Tags are a common condition that, whilst generally harmless, can be a source of discomfort or cosmetic concern for many people. Understanding what causes skin tags, the various types and where they appear can help you find the best treatment options. You can then remove them if they bother you. It is always best to seek medical advice if you’re unsure whether your growth is a skin tag. You should also seek advice if you would like the safest and most effective treatment.
City Skin Clinic is an online clinic. This means we do not offer in-clinic skin tag removal such as cryotherapy, electrocautery or excision. If you would like a skin tag removed, your GP or a dermatologist can assess it and remove it safely. Our doctors focus on custom topical treatments for skin and hair concerns including acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. If one of those is something you would like help with, you can use our online skin consultation form or book a video consultation. The journey towards great skin starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your skin or treatment options.
