Skin tags are small harmless growths that commonly develop where skin rubs together. While their exact cause isn’t fully understood, experts believe friction, ageing, genetics, hormonal changes and certain health conditions all play a role. Here’s what causes skin tags, whose most likely to develop them and when they should be checked by a dermatologist.
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but several factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing skin tags:
One of the most common causes is repeated friction. Skin tags frequently develop in areas where skin folds rub together or where clothing causes repeated rubbing over time. Think of skin tags as your skin's response to constant rubbing. They love to appear in places where skin rubs against skin, or even where clothing or jewellery creates friction. That's why they're so common on the neck, underarms, groin and under the breasts.
Skin tags become increasingly common as we get older. While they can develop at any age, they are most frequently seen in adults over 40. Just like wrinkles or grey hairs, they're a normal part of ageing for many people.
If your parents or grandparents have skin tags, there's a good chance you might get them too. Genetics can play a role, so sometimes it's simply down to the family traits you've inherited.
Hormones can throw all sorts of surprises your way with skin tags being one of them. It's not unusual for people to notice new skin tags during pregnancy or other times when hormone levels change.
Carrying extra weight can create more areas where skin naturally rubs together. More rubbing means there's a greater chance of skin tags developing, although they can affect people of any shape or size.
Research has shown an association between multiple skin tags and conditions such as insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Having one or two skin tags doesn’t mean you have diabetes, but if lots of them appear suddenly, it’s worth mentioning to a healthcare professional.
As awareness of skin health has increased, more people are seeking reassurance about new or changing skin growths. Although skin tags are usually harmless, it's always worth having a lesion assessed if you're unsure of the diagnosis.
Understanding the causes of skin tags can help you recognise why they develop and when it may be appropriate to seek professional advice. At Pall Mall Medical, our Consultant Dermatologists provide expert assessment and removal of skin tags safely in our CQC-regulated clinics across Manchester, Liverpool and Newton-le-Willows, with no waiting lists.
Skin tags (also called acrochordons) are small, soft, non-cancerous growths that hang from the skin by a thin stalk, known as a peduncle. They are made up of collagen, blood vessels and skin. Skin tags can vary in size from just a few millimetres to several centimetres and are typically flesh-coloured or slightly darker than the surrounding skin.
Although skin tags are harmless, they often develop in visible or high-friction areas such as the neck, eyelids or underarms. They may catch on clothing or jewellery, become irritated or inflamed, or simply affect a person’s confidence, which is why many people choose to have them removed.
Research has found an association between multiple skin tags and conditions such as insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. However, having one or two skin tags does not mean you have diabetes. If you notice numerous skin tags developing suddenly, particularly alongside other symptoms it’s worth discussing this with a healthcare professional.
Private treatment means you don't have to wait months for an appointment. We aim to assess your skin concerns promptly so you can receive expert advice and treatment sooner.
Our experienced Consultant Dermatologists carefully assess every skin lesion before recommending treatment. This helps ensure the correct diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan.
Your treatment takes place within a Care Quality Commission (CQC)-regulated clinical environment, giving you confidence that you'll receive high-quality care in line with national healthcare standards.
Attempting to remove skin tags at home can increase the risk of bleeding, infection and scarring.
Professional assessment ensures:
Accurate diagnosis
Safe removal techniques
Appropriate aftercare advice
Reduced risk of complications
Your dermatologist will discuss the most suitable treatment option based on the size, location and appearance of your skin tag.
After numbing the area, a doctor uses sterile, surgical scissors or a scalpel to carefully cut the skin tag away
Cryotherapy sprays or applies liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag. This cuts off the blood supply, causing the tag to naturally die and drop off over the next few weeks.
A tiny electrical current is used to burn and destroy the skin tissue.
Highly focussed beams of light (often a CO2 laser) are used to safely burn away or vaporise the skin tag, often leaving minimal scarring.
Skin tags are extremely common and are usually harmless, but understanding what causes skin tags can help you decide when it's appropriate to seek professional advice.
If a skin tag is causing discomfort, irritation or affecting your confidence, our experienced Consultant Dermatologists can provide expert assessment and discuss the safest treatment options.
With no waiting lists, CQC-regulated clinics, and appointments available the next day, accessing expert care has never been easier.
Book your consultation today to receive an expert assessment and personalised treatment plan.
Skin tags often develop gradually due to skin friction, ageing, genetics, hormonal changes or metabolic factors. While they may seem to appear suddenly, they usually grow slowly over time.
It's generally not recommended. Removing skin tags at home may lead to bleeding, infection, scarring or accidental removal of a different type of skin lesion. A healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the safest treatment.
You should seek medical advice if a skin growth changes colour, grows rapidly, bleeds repeatedly, becomes painful or if you're unsure whether it's actually a skin tag. A Consultant Dermatologist can assess the lesion and advise whether treatment is appropriate.
A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements.
