What are skin tags, exactly?

Skin tags, also called acrochordons, are small, soft, skin-colored growths that hang off the skin. They look like tiny flaps or bumps and are usually:

• The same color as your skin (though sometimes a bit darker)

• Painless and harmless

• About 1–5 mm in size, but some can grow bigger (up to a few centimeters)

• They often look like a small piece of soft skin on a thin stem, and may resemble a raised mole — but unlike moles, skin tags don’t turn cancerous.

Where do skin tags usually show up?

Skin tags develop when the body produces extra skin cells in the top layer of the skin. They commonly appear in places where the skin folds or where there is friction from natural body movement - that is, when skin rubs against itself or clothing.

Common Areas Where Skin Tags Grow:

• Neck

• Underarms

• Eyelids

• Under the breasts

• Groin or inner thighs

• Upper chest

• Around the genitals

• In skin folds of people who are overweight or have loose skin

Are skin tags dangerous?

Nope! Skin tags are not cancer and don’t turn into cancer. They’re totally benign (non-cancerous).

Why do people get them?

The exact cause isn’t 100% sure, but skin tags often form where skin rubs against skin or clothing, which causes a bit of friction. Common causes and risk factors include:

• Friction: Especially in folds of skin (like the neck, underarms, groin).

• Age: More common as you get older.

• Weight gain: People who are overweight may have more skin folds and friction.

• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can lead to new skin tags.

• Diabetes or insulin resistance: There's a higher chance of skin tags.

• Family history: They can run in families.

Do skin tags hurt or itch?

Usually not. But they can get irritated if they’re in a spot where they rub against jewelry, clothing, or shaving.

Can I remove a skin tag at home?

It’s not a good idea to try removing it yourself with scissors or string — that can lead to bleeding, infection, or scarring. Always let a doctor or skin expert handle it safely.

How are skin tags removed?

kin tags are harmless, so they don’t need treatment unless they bother you (for example, if they’re irritated, caught on clothing, or for cosmetic reasons).

A dermatologist can remove them safely using one of these methods:

• Cryotherapy (Freezing): The tag is frozen off using liquid nitrogen. It falls off after a few days.

• Snipping (Excision): The tag is cut off with sterile scissors or a scalpel. Usually quick and done in the clinic.

• Cauterization (Burning): The tag is burned off using heat (electrosurgery/radiosurgery).This seals the skin and helps prevent bleeding.

These are quick, minor procedures done right in the clinic.

Will the skin tags come back after removal?

The same one won’t grow back, but new ones can form over time — especially if you're prone to getting them.

Skin tags show up when extra skin cells grow in the upper layers of your skin. This often happens in places where your skin folds or rubs together a lot.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While skin tags are usually harmless, you should check in with a doctor if:

• It changes color, shape, or size

• You’re unsure if it’s a skin tag or something else- Sometimes, a growth that looks like a skin tag could actually be: wart, mole, skin infection, sign of a skin disease, or even, in rare cases, skin cancer

• You want it removed safely (especially if it’s in a sensitive spot like the eyelid or groin)

• Discomfort or irritation – if it rubs against your skin, clothing, or jewelry

• Redness or swelling – from constant friction

• Bleeding – if it gets scratched, pulled, or accidentally injured (like during shaving)

• Infection (rare) – if the skin tag is damaged and not cleaned properly

If a skin tag changes in color, size, shape, or starts hurting or bleeding without any friction, it's best to get it checked by a doctor just to be safe.

Can You Prevent Skin Tags?

You can’t always stop them from forming, especially if you're prone to them — but here are a few things that might help:

• Try to reduce skin friction (use powders or barrier creams in folds)

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Wear loose, breathable clothing

• Keep skin clean and dry, especially in body folds

• Manage conditions like diabetes or PCOS, if applicable

Fun Fact:

Skin tags are super common — almost half of all adults will get one or more at some point in life!

Skin Tags: Myths vs. Facts

• Myth 1: Skin tags are contagious.

  Fact: Skin tags are not contagious. You can’t “catch” them from someone, and they don’t spread by touch.

• Myth 2: Only unhealthy people get skin tags.

  Fact: While skin tags are more common in people who are overweight or diabetic, anyone can get them, even if you're perfectly healthy.

• Myth 3: Skin tags will turn into cancer.

  Fact: Skin tags are harmless growths and don’t become cancer. They might look odd, but they’re not dangerous.

• Myth 4: You can safely cut them off at home.

  Fact: Removing skin tags at home can lead to infection, bleeding, or scarring. It’s best to let a doctor do it safely.

• Myth 5: Skin tags are caused by poor hygiene.

  Fact: Skin tags have nothing to do with cleanliness. They often form in areas where skin rubs together — not because someone isn’t washing properly.

• Myth 6: Once removed, skin tags never come back.

  Fact: The same tag won’t return, but new ones can form over time, especially if you're prone to them.

Quick Summary

• Skin tags are harmless, soft growths often found in body folds.

• They're not contagious, not caused by poor hygiene, and don't turn into cancer.

• If needed, they can be quickly removed by a doctor.

• You might get more in the future — especially with age, friction, or family history.

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.