What Causes Skin Tags? 8 Common Reasons They Develop

So, what causes skin tags, and why do some people develop more than others?

Here are eight factors that may help explain their development.

What Is a Skin Tag?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small benign growths that project from the surface of the skin.

They are usually:

• Soft to touch
• Flesh-coloured or slightly darker than the surrounding skin
• Smooth or mildly wrinkled
• Attached to the skin by a small stalk
• Painless unless irritated

They can vary considerably in size. Some are tiny and barely noticeable, while others become larger or more prominent over time.

Skin tags themselves are not generally considered dangerous. However, because other skin lesions can sometimes resemble them, a lesion you are unsure about should be professionally assessed rather than self-diagnosed.

1. Friction Between Areas of Skin

One reason skin tags frequently develop in skin folds is thought to be friction.

They commonly appear in areas where skin repeatedly rubs against skin or clothing, including:

• The neck
• Underarms
• Groin
• Beneath the breasts
• Upper chest
• Eyelids and surrounding areas

This may also explain why some people notice skin tags developing in areas where collars, jewellery or other clothing regularly rub against the skin.

If a skin tag itself is repeatedly catching or rubbing, it can also become sore or irritated.

2. Ageing

Skin tags become increasingly common during adulthood.

While they can occur in younger people, many people notice that they begin developing more skin tags as they get older.

Changes in the skin and connective tissue over time may contribute to their development.

This means noticing a few additional skin tags as you age is not necessarily unusual.

However, ageing also brings other changes to the skin, including moles, pigmentation, seborrhoeic keratoses and vascular lesions such as cherry angiomas. If you are uncertain what a new growth is, a professional skin assessment is sensible.

3. Genetics

Ever wondered why one person develops numerous skin tags while somebody else of a similar age has virtually none?

Your family history may play a role.

Some people appear to be more predisposed to developing skin tags, and they may be more common among members of the same family.

If your parents or other close relatives have numerous skin tags, you may find that you develop them too.

Unfortunately, having a genetic tendency towards skin tags doesn’t necessarily mean there is anything you can do to prevent every new one from appearing.

4. Pregnancy and Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy can bring many unexpected changes to the skin, and skin tags can be one of them.

Some people notice new skin tags during pregnancy, particularly around areas such as the:

• Neck
• Chest
• Underarms
• Breasts

Hormonal changes and changes in body composition may contribute.

Some skin changes associated with pregnancy may settle afterwards, while skin tags themselves may remain.

If they continue to bother you following pregnancy, professional cosmetic removal may be considered following an appropriate assessment.

5. Weight and Areas of Skin Friction

Skin tags can be more common where there are additional skin folds and increased skin-to-skin friction.

For this reason, people who are overweight may be more likely to develop them.

It is important, however, not to assume that skin tags are simply caused by weight. They are extremely common and can develop in people of all body shapes and sizes.

Friction is just one of several factors associated with their development.

6. Insulin Resistance and Diabetes

Research has identified associations between multiple skin tags and certain metabolic conditions, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

That does not mean that developing a skin tag means you have diabetes.

Skin tags are very common and most are simply benign growths.

However, if you suddenly develop numerous skin tags or have other concerns about your health, it may be worth discussing these with your GP rather than attempting to diagnose the cause yourself.

7. Hormonal Influences

Pregnancy isn’t the only time hormones may influence the skin.

Our skin changes throughout life in response to age, hormones, genetics and environmental factors.

Although there isn’t always a single identifiable reason why a particular skin tag has appeared, hormonal influences may form part of the wider picture in some individuals.

This is one reason skin tags can sometimes seem to appear in groups or become more noticeable during particular stages of life.

8. Sometimes There Is No Obvious Cause

Perhaps the most important answer to “why am I getting skin tags?” is that sometimes there simply isn’t one clear explanation.

You might:

• Be a healthy weight
• Have no metabolic condition
• Experience very little friction
• Have no obvious family history

…and still develop skin tags.

They are simply a very common type of benign skin lesion.

Where Do Skin Tags Most Commonly Develop?

Skin tags can develop almost anywhere, but they particularly favour areas where skin folds or rubs.

Common locations include:

Neck: One of the most frequently affected areas, particularly where necklaces and collars can cause irritation.

Underarms: Friction and shaving can make existing skin tags particularly noticeable.

Eyelids: Small skin tags around the eye can become a cosmetic concern because of their prominent location.

Under the breasts: Warmth, moisture and friction make this another common area.

Groin: Skin-to-skin friction may contribute to their development here.

Face: Facial skin tags are often small but can be particularly noticeable.

Can You Prevent Skin Tags?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent skin tags.

Reducing unnecessary friction may potentially help in areas susceptible to irritation, but factors such as genetics and ageing cannot be changed.

Most importantly, don’t become overly concerned if a new skin tag develops. They are incredibly common.

The priority is establishing that the lesion actually is a skin tag before considering removal.

Should You Remove a Skin Tag Yourself?

It can be tempting.

A quick online search produces everything from freezing products and removal devices to tying thread around skin tags.

However, home treatment carries risks.

These include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Skin damage
• Scarring
• Incomplete removal
• Treating something that isn’t actually a skin tag

The last point is particularly important.

Not every lump or growth on the skin is a skin tag.

Professional assessment allows the lesion to be examined before treatment is considered.

Professional Skin Tag Removal in London & Kent

If a skin tag is repeatedly catching, becoming irritated or simply affecting your confidence, cosmetic removal may be an option.

At The Thread Vein Clinic, we provide a range of skin treatments, including professional skin tag removal in London and Kent, with appointments available at our clinics in Harley Street and Tunbridge Wells.

Treatment begins with an assessment of the lesion and the surrounding skin. Your clinician can then determine whether it is suitable for cosmetic removal and discuss the appropriate treatment, expected healing and cost.