Skin tags are harmless, soft growths that often appear in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, eyelids, and groin. Though they’re medically benign, skin tags can be irritating or cosmetically bothersome for many people. Understanding the reason for skin tags and how they occur can help you prevent them or choose the right way to remove them. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of skin tags, how to spot them, and what to do if they show up on your skin.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin. They’re non-cancerous and generally painless unless irritated by clothing or jewelry.
Most often, skin tags are found in places where the skin rubs together or experiences friction. They may start as tiny bumps and grow slowly over time.
Symptoms of Skin Tags
Skin tags are usually easy to identify based on their appearance. Common characteristics include:
- Small, soft, hanging pieces of skin
- Flesh-coloured or slightly darker in tone
- Found on the neck, armpits, under breasts, eyelids, groin, or thighs
- Usually painless, but may become irritated by friction or snagging
Though harmless, if a skin tag suddenly changes in colour, bleeds, or grows rapidly, it’s best to have it examined by a healthcare professional.
Causes of Skin Tags
Wondering how skin tags occur? While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several contributing factors are linked to the development of skin tags:
- Friction: Skin rubbing against skin or clothing is one of the leading skin tag causes, especially in areas like the neck or armpits.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy or due to conditions like PCOS may trigger skin tag formation.
- Insulin Resistance & Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome may be more prone to skin tags.
- Genetics: A family history of skin tags can increase your likelihood of developing them.
- Obesity: Increased body weight often leads to more skin folds and friction, which contributes to skin tag growth.
- Age: Skin tags are more common in middle-aged and older adults.
How Are Skin Tags Removed?
While skin tags aren’t dangerous, many people opt to remove them for cosmetic or comfort reasons. Safe and effective removal options include:
- Cryotherapy (Freezing)
- Electrocautery (Burning Off)
- Surgical excision (Cutting off)
- Ligation (Cutting off blood supply)
It’s important to avoid trying to cut or pull off skin tags at home, as this can cause infection or scarring. For a safe and professional option, learn more in our full article: How to Remove a Skin Tag
How to Prevent Skin Tags
While you can’t always prevent skin tags completely, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing them:
- Maintain a healthy weight to minimize skin folds and friction
- Wear breathable clothing to reduce irritation
- Keep skin dry and clean, especially in areas prone to chafing
- Manage insulin levels if you have diabetes or are at risk
- Avoid jewelry or accessories that cause repeated rubbing on the skin
If you frequently develop skin tags, our healthcare professional can help rule out underlying causes and provide personalized prevention tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are skin tags a warning for?
Skin tags themselves are harmless, but they can be a sign of underlying issues such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or hormonal imbalances. If you develop multiple skin tags suddenly, it may be worth checking in with a healthcare provider for a broader health assessment.
Why did I suddenly develop a skin tag?
Sudden development may be due to friction, hormonal changes, or weight gain. Pregnancy, new medications, or changes in your routine that increase skin rubbing can also cause skin tags to appear quickly.
How to stop skin tags from growing?
You can reduce the likelihood of new skin tags forming by minimizing skin friction, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing conditions like diabetes. While existing tags can’t be reversed, lifestyle changes may help prevent more from developing.
What removes skin tags instantly?
In-clinic treatments like cryotherapy or cauterization can remove skin tags quickly and safely, often in a single session. Never attempt to remove them yourself with scissors or home remedies, as this may lead to infection or scarring. At MD Treatment Lounge, we use cryotherapy to remove skin tags.
What deficiency causes skin tags?
There is no proven vitamin or mineral deficiency that directly causes skin tags. However, some studies suggest a link between insulin resistance and skin tag development, which may be connected to overall metabolic health rather than a specific nutrient lack.
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MD TREATMENT LOUNGE
8302 McLeod Road – Unit 2
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2H 3K1
(905) 353-0707
info@mdtreatmentlounge.com
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