Skin Tags 101: What Causes Them and When to See a Dermatologist

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Nearly half of all adults will develop at least one skin tag at some point, usually in a spot where skin rubs against skin or clothing. So what are skin tags, exactly? They’re small, soft, benign growths that hang off the skin’s surface, most often on the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin. They’re almost always harmless, but in some cases, they need to get checked by a professional.

This guide covers what causes skin tags, when one is worth a second look, and the removal options available if you decide it’s time to have them treated.

Skin Tags at a Glance

Skin tags are benign growths caused mainly by friction, aging, and hormonal shifts.
Having many skin tags can sometimes point to insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
Most skin tags don’t need treatment unless they bother you or catch on clothing or jewelry.
Bleeding, rapid growth, or color changes are signs to see a dermatologist promptly.
At-home removal kits carry real risks, including infection and scarring.

What Causes Skin Tags to Develop?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, form when extra cells build up in the skin’s top layer. They tend to show up in body folds and areas of repeated friction, which is why the neck, underarms, and groin are such common spots.

A few factors show up again and again in the research:

Friction from skin rubbing against skin or clothing
Weight gain or obesity
Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
Genetics and family history
Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

Are Skin Tags a Sign of an Underlying Health Condition?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, having numerous skin tags may indicate a person has too much insulin in their blood, and a doctor may suggest testing for type 2 diabetes. This doesn’t mean every skin tag signals a health problem, but a sudden increase in the number you have is worth mentioning at your next visit.

If you’re already managing diabetes or insulin resistance, your dermatologist can work alongside your primary care provider to monitor new growths as part of your broader medical dermatology care.

When Should You Be Concerned About a Skin Tag?

Most skin tags are nothing to worry about once a dermatologist confirms what they are. But not every growth that looks like a skin tag actually is one. A growth that resembles a skin tag may be something else, such as a wart, a skin disease, or skin cancer, and seeing a dermatologist is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis.

Reach out to your dermatologist if a growth:

Bleeds without being bumped or scratched
Grows quickly or changes shape
Develops an uneven border or new color
Appears on an eyelid or in a sensitive area
Doesn’t look like a typical skin tag to you

Is It Safe to Remove a Skin Tag at Home?

It’s tempting, but not recommended. Skin tags are soft, so over-the-counter products designed for tougher growths like warts can damage the surrounding skin rather than cleanly remove the tag.

There’s also the diagnosis problem. If what you’re looking at isn’t actually a skin tag, treating it yourself can delay care for something that needs a closer look. A quick office visit takes the guesswork out of it.

What Are Your Professional Removal Options?

Skin Wellness Dermatology offers a few in-office methods for skin tag and lesion removal, and your dermatologist will recommend the one that fits the tag’s size and location.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery uses an extremely cold substance, typically liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy the tag. The area may blister or scab briefly, and the tag falls away as it heals.

Electrosurgery and Snip Excision

Electrosurgery uses a small electrical current to remove the growth and can also help control any minor bleeding. For some tags, a simple snip excision with sterile scissors after numbing the area is the quickest option. Your dermatologist will walk you through aftercare either way.

If your visit turns up a growth that looks more like a mole than a skin tag, the same appointment can cover the next steps for mole evaluation and removal, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Tags

Do skin tags ever go away on their own?

Occasionally, a skin tag can twist on its stalk, lose its blood supply, and fall off without treatment. This isn’t something to count on, though, and it can happen unevenly or cause discomfort along the way. Most people who want a skin tag gone choose to have a dermatologist remove it rather than wait and see.

Will removing a skin tag leave a scar?

Removal performed in a dermatologist’s office rarely leaves a noticeable mark when the area is cared for properly afterward. Larger tags or those in areas prone to friction have a slightly higher chance of leaving a faint mark. Following your dermatologist’s aftercare instructions is the best way to support smooth healing.

Are skin tags contagious?

No, skin tags aren’t caused by a virus and can’t be spread to other people or other parts of your own body. This sets them apart from warts, which are caused by HPV and can spread with contact. A dermatologist can confirm which one you’re dealing with if you’re not sure.

Know When to Treat and When to Wait

Skin tags are common, usually harmless, and often nothing more than a cosmetic annoyance. Still, a sudden increase in tags, a growth that looks unusual, or one that bleeds or changes is always worth a professional opinion. A quick visit gives you a clear answer and a removal option if you decide it’s time.

Ready to Have a Skin Tag Checked or Removed?

Skin Wellness Dermatology‘s board-certified providers can confirm what you’re dealing with and recommend the right removal method for your skin. Schedule an appointment online or call our office at (205) 871-7332 to get started.