What Causes Skin Tags and How to Remove Them

Skin tags—those small, soft bumps that seem to grow up out of nowhere—are very common.

They’re generally harmless, but they can be annoying if they catch on clothing or just don’t look good to you.

If you’ve ever wondered why skin tags occur or how to safely get rid of them, no need to worry—you’re not alone. Let’s understand!

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are tiny bits of skin that hang from a very small stalk.

They’re usually:

• Flesh-colored or slightly darker
• Soft to the touch
• Painless unless they become irritated

They like to show up where skin rubs against skin or clothes, like:

• Neck
• Armpits
• Eyelids
• Under breasts
• Groin area

Although they look unusual, they are benign and won’t frequently result in illness.

Why Do Skin Tags Form?

The cause of skin tags isn’t well known, but there are a couple of common causes.

1. Friction

When skin presses against skin or clothing, it can lead to the top layers of skin getting wrinkled and forming tags.

2. Genetics

If your parents or grandparents had skin tags, there’s a good chance you’ll develop them too. Thanks, family genes!

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormones can influence skin growth.

That’s why skin tags often pop up during:

• Pregnancy
• Middle age
• Times of major body changes

4. Weight and Body Folds

People with more body folds or higher body weight tend to develop more skin tags because there’s more rubbing and friction.

5. Health Conditions

Sometimes, conditions like diabetes or metabolic syndrome are linked to a higher number of skin tags.

But don’t panic—having a few tags doesn’t automatically mean you’re sick.

Are Skin Tags Dangerous?

The good news: skin tags are usually harmless.

They don’t turn into cancer, and most people live with them without any problems.

But if a tag turns color, grows rapidly, or begins bleeding spontaneously, it’s wise to visit a doctor just in case.

How to Remove Skin Tags

If your skin tag is bothering you for cosmetic reasons or keeps getting irritated, you have a number of options for removing it.

1. At-Home Remedies

Some people try safe at-home remedies, especially with small skin tags.

Options include:

• Tying it off: Tying off the blood supply off with clean string or dental floss (known as ligation). The tag will usually fall off in a few days.
• Over-the-counter creams: Creams that freeze or dry the skin tag.
• Skin tag removal patches: Patches with adhesive that are said to dry up the tag over a few weeks.

Warning: Use these only on small, soft, non-irritated skin tags and if you’re not sure it’s a skin tag, don’t try to remove it yourself.

2. Professional Removal

To get faster, safer results, many go to a doctor or dermatologist.

Professional options are:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag off with liquid nitrogen.
• Excision: Cutting it off with sterile scissors or a scalpel.
• Cauterization: Burning it off with heat.
• Laser removal: Vaporizing the tag with light energy.

These treatments are usually quick, and recovery is speedy with proper care.

Can Skin Tags Reappear After Removal?

The taken-out tag will not come back—once removed, it stays removed. That said, if your skin has a propensity for developing skin tags, new growths can pop up over time.

Maintaining clean, dry skin, and not rubbing your skin can slow new growths, but possibly not stop them.

Should You Remove Skin Tags Always?

No!

If a skin tag is not painful, does not bother you, and is not causing you emotional distress, you can just leave it alone.

It is most commonly a personal preference issue, typically due to aesthetics or because it is causing discomfort.

How to Remove Skin Tags Safely

If you are thinking about removal of a skin tag, follow these guidelines:

• Make sure it really is a skin tag: They can look similar but need to be checked out by a doctor.
• Keep all sanitary: Use sterilized instruments if you choose to tie off at home.
• Don’t remove large tags on your own: Let a pro do it if it’s greater than a couple of millimeters.
• Watch out for infection: Redness, swelling, or pus means that you should seek a doctor’s attention.

In doubt, it is always best to ask a healthcare provider for guidance.

Fun Fact: You’re Not Alone

According to research, almost half of all adults will get at least one skin tag during their lifetime.

It’s completely normal—kind of like getting freckles, stretch marks, or wrinkles.

So if you find yourself wondering about a little tag under your arm one day, don’t fret—it happens to the best of us!

Final Thoughts

Skin tags are a little annoying, but they are harmless and easy to deal with.

Whether you choose to have them removed or simply ignore them, learning what they are and how to remove them safely puts you in control.
Skin tag removal is a simple procedure, or even simpler when one gets it done by a professional. If you ever catch yourself questioning a growth on your skin, going to see a doctor is your best bet. Or, if not, take a breath—skin tags are just another small paragraph in the big, interesting book of life.