What Are Skin Tags? Causes, When to Worry, and Safe Removal Options
Quick Answer: Skin tags are small, soft, harmless growths that hang off your skin, affecting 25% of adults. They're caused by friction, genetics, and aging, appearing most commonly on the neck, underarms, and groin. While completely benign, they can be safely removed at home with freezing kits or professionally by a doctor, with most healing within 1-2 weeks.
You've noticed small, soft, flesh-colored bumps hanging off your neck, underarms, or other areas where skin rubs together. They're not painful, but they're definitely noticeable—especially when jewelry catches on them or they show in certain clothing.
You're wondering: What exactly are these things? Are they dangerous? Should you be worried? And most importantly—can you get rid of them safely?
What Actually Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags (medically called acrochordons) are small, soft, benign growths that hang off your skin on a thin stalk. They're made of the same type of tissue as your normal skin, just in a small, protruding bundle.
Typical characteristics:
- Size: Usually 2-5mm (rice grain sized), but can grow up to 5cm
- Texture: Soft, movable, skin-colored or slightly darker
- Shape: Round or oval, hanging on a narrow stalk
- Feel: Painless, though they may be irritated by friction
Skin tags are completely harmless and never become cancerous. They're essentially just extra skin that formed in response to friction and other factors.
Where Do Skin Tags Usually Appear?
Skin tags love areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing:
Most Common Locations:
- Neck (especially where necklaces rest)
- Underarms (from arm movement and clothing friction)
- Groin area (inner thighs, where underwear rubs)
- Under breasts (from bra friction)
- Eyelids (from blinking and touching)
Less Common Areas:
- Back (where clothing tags rub)
- Waistline (from belt friction)
- Inner elbows
- Behind ears
What Causes Skin Tags?
1. Friction and Rubbing
The primary cause. Constant skin-on-skin contact or clothing friction causes minor irritation that triggers excess skin growth over time.
2. Genetics
If your parents or siblings have skin tags, you're much more likely to develop them. There's a strong hereditary component.
3. Age and Hormones
Skin tags become more common after age 40 as skin loses elasticity and hormonal changes affect tissue growth.
4. Weight and Body Changes
Extra weight creates more skin folds and friction areas. Pregnancy can also trigger skin tag development due to hormonal changes.
5. Insulin Resistance
People with diabetes or pre-diabetes often develop more skin tags, possibly due to insulin's effect on skin cell growth.
6. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Some skin tags may be triggered by certain strains of HPV, though this isn't the case for all skin tags.
When Should You Worry About a Skin Tag?
Most skin tags are completely harmless, but see a doctor if you notice:
- Sudden color changes (turning black, red, or multicolored)
- Rapid growth (doubling in size within weeks)
- Bleeding without injury (not from accidentally catching it)
- Pain or tenderness without obvious trauma
- Irregular shape or texture (hard, rough, or asymmetrical)
- Multiple new tags appearing quickly (could indicate diabetes)
These changes are rare but could indicate something other than a simple skin tag.
6 Safe Skin Tag Removal Options
1. At-Home Freezing Kits
Pros: Convenient, relatively affordable, effective for small tags Cons: Can cause temporary discoloration, not suitable for large tags Best for: Tags smaller than 5mm on body (not face)
2. Professional Medical Removal
Methods doctors use:
- Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezing (most common)
- Electrocautery: Burning off with electrical current
- Excision: Cutting off with sterile scissors or scalpel
- Laser removal: Precise removal with minimal scarring
3. Topical Removal Products
Active ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or other mild acids Best for: Very small tags, people who prefer gradual removal
4. Natural Remedies (Limited Effectiveness)
Some people report success with:
- Apple cider vinegar (applied with cotton ball daily)
- Tea tree oil (diluted, applied twice daily)
- Banana peel (rubbed on tag daily)
Reality check: These methods take months and often don't work completely.
5. Professional Cosmetic Procedures
For multiple tags or cosmetically sensitive areas:
- Dermatologist removal: Multiple tags removed in one session
- Cosmetic surgery: For large or numerous tags affecting appearance
6. What NOT to Do
- Cutting with non-sterile tools (infection risk)
- Tying off with string or dental floss (can cause severe infection)
- Using harsh chemicals not designed for skin
- Picking or scratching at tags repeatedly
Cost Comparison of Removal Methods
At-Home Options:
- Freezing kits: $15-30 (treats multiple tags)
- Topical products: $10-25 (2-4 week supply)
- Natural remedies: $5-15 (ingredients)
Professional Options:
- Dermatologist: $100-300 per session (insurance sometimes covers)
- Cosmetic removal: $150-500 depending on number of tags
- Laser treatment: $200-400 per session
Prevention: Can You Stop Skin Tags From Forming?
Reduce Friction:
- Clothing choices: Avoid tight, rubbing garments
- Jewelry awareness: Remove necklaces that consistently rub neck
- Moisture control: Keep skin folds dry and clean
- Weight management: Maintaining healthy weight reduces skin fold friction
Skincare Habits:
- Gentle cleansing: Don't scrub areas prone to tags
- Moisturizing: Keep skin supple to reduce friction damage
- Sun protection: UV damage may contribute to skin changes
Health Management:
Products That Actually Work
At-Home Freezing:
- Compound W Freeze Off (most popular, effective for small tags)
- Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away (gentler formula, good for sensitive skin)
- Wartner Skin Tag Remover (European brand, very effective)
Topical Treatments:
- TagBand Skin Tag Removal Device (includes micro-band and topical solution)
- Apothecary Tea Tree Oil (pure, for natural removal attempts)
- Amoils H-Skin Tags Formula (herbal blend with good reviews)
Professional-Grade Products:
- Cryopen (professional cryotherapy pen, dermatologist-grade)
- Cutera Laser Systems (for professional laser removal)
Aftercare Products:
- Neosporin (prevent infection during healing)
- Silicone scar sheets (minimize scarring for larger removals)
- Gentle moisturizers (keep healing skin hydrated)
Recovery and Aftercare
What to Expect After Removal:
- Days 1-3: Minor swelling, possible discoloration
- Days 4-7: Scab formation (if removal method causes it)
- Days 7-14: Scab falls off, pink new skin appears
- Weeks 2-4: Skin color returns to normal
Proper Aftercare:
- Keep area clean and dry
- Apply antibiotic ointment if recommended
- Avoid picking at scabs or healing skin
- Protect from sun exposure during healing
- Watch for signs of infection (increasing redness, pus, warmth)
The Bottom Line
Skin tags are completely normal and harmless—they're just a cosmetic concern for most people. About 25% of adults develop them, so you're definitely not alone or unusual.
The key points to remember:
- They're caused by friction and genetics, not poor hygiene
- They never become cancerous
- Safe, effective removal options exist both at-home and professionally
- Most heal completely within 1-2 weeks with proper care
If skin tags bother you cosmetically or get caught on clothing/jewelry, removal is safe and straightforward. But if they don't bother you, there's absolutely no medical reason to remove them.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have persistent symptoms or concerns, consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.