Ever spotted a tiny, soft bump on your neck or under your arm and wondered, "What is that?" You're not alone. Many people notice these harmless little growths—called skin tags—and instantly feel concerned. Are they dangerous? Should you be worried? Do you need to remove them?
The good news is that skin tags are typically harmless. But they can be annoying, especially when they get irritated or rub against clothing. And if you're dealing with them often, it makes sense to wonder why they keep popping up. The appearance of the skin tags also can make one self conscious, especially over visible areas like the neck.
At Lumine Dermatology, we understand how frustrating it can be. That’s why we offer expert advice and treatment options to help you manage skin tags safely and comfortably. If you're ready to understand what causes skin tags and how to prevent them, you’re in the right place.
Skin tags, also called acrochordons or soft fibromas, are small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that protrude from the skin. They form when extra skin cells and collagen fibres grow in a small area, often supplied by a blood vessel. They often appear in skin folds. These fleshy growths are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous and usually don’t cause pain.
Some people don’t even notice they have skin tags until they catch on clothing or jewellery. While they don't pose a health risk, many choose skin tag removal for cosmetic reasons or because they cause irritated skin.
Skin tags love warm, moist areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Think:
Basically, anywhere with skin folds or friction.
Very. Nearly half of all adults will develop skin tags at some point. They can appear at any age but are more common in middle-aged and older adults. And guess what? If your parents had them, you might get them too.
Skin tags are pretty easy to spot. They usually:
Most of the time, skin tags are painless. But they can become irritated, especially if they get caught on something or twisted. This can lead to redness, swelling, or even a risk of infection. Sometimes, the twisting of a skin tag can affect it’s blood supply, leading to the skin tag turning dark in colour and becoming painful and inflamed.
Let’s break it down. What causes skin tags? There isn’t just one reason. It’s often a combo of skin tag causes that leads to the development of skin tags.
Some people are just more likely to get skin tags because of family history. If your relatives have them, your risk for skin tags increases. Your DNA can affect how your skin reacts to friction, hormones, and even how it regenerates. In other words, if your parents or grandparents had a history of skin tags, there’s a good chance you might, too.
Ever noticed that skin tags form where your skin rubs together? That’s no coincidence. Constant friction can trigger skin tag formation. Tight clothes, jewellery, and even regular movement can cause irritated skin, leading to harmless growths. Being overweight also increases the chances of the skin folds rubbing together, increasing the risk of skin tag formation. Think of your skin trying to protect itself by forming a small tag in high friction areas. The more irritation, the higher the chance of extra cells gathering and forming a fleshy growth.
Pregnancy is a major risk factor. Hormonal shifts can cause the skin cells to grow, especially during pregnancy. These changes can lead to the growth of skin tags. Hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can also play a role. Hormones affect how your skin behaves, including its tendency to produce non-cancerous growths in skin folds such as skin tags.
Studies suggest a link between HPV and skin tag formation. It is unknown if this common virus increases the likelihood of skin tags, and more research is needed. More often than not, some strains of HPV lead to viral warts. Filliform viral warts, in particular, can resemble pbenign growths like skin tags.
Certain health issues make you more prone to skin tags:
Skin tags can affect almost anyone, but certain risk factors make them more likely.
Most skin tags are diagnosed clinically through a visual examination by a healthcare professional. They look at the size, shape, and location to confirm it’s a harmless growth. If a growth looks unusual, a biopsy might be recommended, but this is rare. A dermatologist can quickly differentiate skin tags from other skin conditions like warts or moles.
Yes, skin tags can be removed safely with minimal scarring. Many choose skin tag removal for cosmetic reasons or if the tags have become inflamed or reached a certain size in which irritation is common. Here are treatment options:
Avoid DIY removal. It can lead to infection, bleeding, scarring or thrombosis if incompletely removed. At Lumine Dermatology, we offer safe removal options tailored to your needs, using the latest tools for effective removal with minimal discomfort.
You can't always stop them, but preventive measures help:
While you can't change your genetics, taking care of your skin health can reduce the likelihood of skin tags.
Still unsure about those little bumps? A quick check with a dermatologist can give you peace of mind. At Lumine Dermatology, we provide expert care for skin conditions, including safe, effective removal of non-cancerous growths like skin tags.
We personalize treatment based on your symptoms and expectations. Sometimes, leaving the skin tags alone is also a reasonable option. Whether it’s preventing new skin tags or deciding on the best treatment options, we’re here to help you feel confident in your skin.
Ready to tackle your skin tags? Book a consultation with Lumine Dermatology today and get expert guidance from a team that cares.
No. Skin tags are benign growths and non-cancerous. They have no potential to turn into skin cancer. However, if a growth changes in size, colour, scabs, bleeds, or becomes painful, it’s best to get it checked by a healthcare professional to rule out other skin conditions that may require medical attention.
Nope. You can’t catch skin tags from someone else. They’re not contagious. They form due to individual risk factors like friction, obesity, or hormonal changes, not because of contact with others. So there’s no need to worry about spreading them or catching them from someone else.
Usually not. But they can hurt if they’re irritated, twisted, or pulled. For example, if a tag gets caught on clothing or jewellery, it can cause discomfort. In rare cases, they can become inflamed or infected, which might lead to pain or swelling.
Skin tags rarely grow back after removal. But new ones can form nearby if skin friction continues or if you're prone to them due to genetic factors or hormonal imbalances. That’s why preventive care matters, like maintaining a healthy weight, wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding jewelry that will rub against skin tag prone areas on the neck.
It’s rare, but possible. Most often, adults and older people get them due to friction, hormonal changes, or other risk factors. If a child develops skin tags, it’s a good idea to have them checked by a dermatologist to ensure it’s a benign growth and not another skin condition.If a child has multiple skin tags, it will also be important to screen for any underlying endocrinological abnormalities.
It’s risky to remove a skin tag on your own. DIY methods can cause bleeding, infection, or scarring, especially if tools aren't sterile or if the tag isn’t actually a skin tag. Certain chemicals applied to treat skin tags can also cause irritation around the treated areas instead of removing the tags. Some growths may look like skin tags but could be something more serious. It is prudent to consult a healthcare professional for safe removal to avoid complications.
It depends on the size, number, and treatment method used. At Lumine Dermatology, we offer affordable, safe removal tailored to your needs. Contact us for a personalised quote and expert advice on the best treatment options for your skin.
