Skin tags are small, benign (non-cancerous) growths on your skin. They often occur in areas where your skin rubs together.

What Do Skin Tags Look Like?

Skin tags look like small moles hanging from your skin, sometimes on a thin stalk. These round, soft growths range from a few millimeters to about a centimeter in size and can match your skin tone or be darker.1

You may have one or multiple skin tags, or you may start with one and develop more over time. The ones you have can also get bigger.2

Skin tags usually develop where the skin folds or touches. This includes areas like the:1

• Neck
• Armpits
• Eyelids
• Groin or inner thighs
• Under the breast

You might have skin irritation at the site due to friction from clothing, seatbelts, or jewelry rubbing against the skin tag.32

How Do Skin Tags Develop?

Frequent irritation to an area of skin can cause skin tags. They may also be a part of the normal aging process, due to a loss of skin elasticity.4

What Risk Factors Increase Your Likelihood?

Several factors increase your likelihood of a skin tag, including:23

• Age: Skin tags are seen more often in older adults.
• Genetics: People who have a family history of skin tags are more likely to have them.
• Diabetes: Research has shown a link between type 2 diabetes and skin tags.
• Obesity: Skin tags are more common among people with obesity.
• Hormone levels: An imbalance in estrogen and progesterone may increase your risk of skin tags.

You may also be more likely to get them if you have metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increase your risk of stroke and heart disease.

You may have metabolic syndrome if you have at least three of the following:5

• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• High triglycerides
• Large waistline
• Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol

A rare, genetic condition known as Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome may also be associated with skin tags. It causes lesions, and possibly skin tags, particularly on the head, face, and upper torso.6

Some reports suggest a link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and skin tags. However, more research is needed to confirm this.2

Steps To Confirm a Diagnosis

If you think you have skin tags, consider seeing a dermatologist. They can diagnose a skin tag just by looking at it.3

What Are Your Options To Remove Skin Tags Safely?

Skin tags are harmless and do not require treatment. However, you might choose to remove them if they become irritated, start to bleed, or cause pain.7

You may also want to have a skin tag removed if it develops near your eyelid and impairs your eyesight. Some people may also choose removal for appearance purposes.7

There are several methods for skin tag removal, which a dermatologist performs in their office.

These methods include:78

• Cryosurgery: Uses extreme cold to freeze off the skin tissue
• Electrodesiccation: Involves an electric current from a tiny needle to destroy the skin tag
• Laser therapy: Uses energy from a laser light device to remove the skin tag
• Surgical removal: The process of snipping off the skin tag at its base

Skin tags usually do not grow back in the same spot. However, they can still form on other parts of your body.1

How Can You Prevent Skin Tags?

Skin tags might not be preventable. However, managing your weight and blood sugar may help. Skin tags are more common among people with obesity and diabetes.2

Using syndet (synthetic detergent) bars when showering and moisturizing can prevent skin tags.2

Next Steps

Skin tags do not pose any health risks. However, they can get irritated with friction. Avoid wearing jewelry or tight-fitted clothing around an area where you have skin tags.

If a skin tag makes you physically or cosmetically uncomfortable, talk with a doctor about your removal options.2