Imagine this: You’re in a fitting room, trying on a new outfit, when you notice it. A tiny bump of flesh—soft, dangling, and utterly unexpected. Your fingers run over it again, and you ask yourself: What is this thing, and where did it come from?
If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Millions of people discover skin tags each year, and while they’re harmless, they can cause a surprising amount of distress—especially when they pop up in inconvenient or visible places.
For many, the temptation to deal with skin tags at home is strong. A quick internet search and trip down a Reddit or YouTube rabbit hole reveals all kinds of DIY methods—from tying dental floss around them to freezing them with over-the-counter kits. But here’s the catch: These at-home solutions aren’t just risky—they can be downright dangerous. What if what you think is a skin tag is actually something that needs treatment, like a wart or skin cancer? And what happens if your DIY attempt leads to a painful infection or a scar that looks worse than the tag looked to begin with?
Before you grab the scissors, it’s worth taking a closer look at skin tags—what they are, why they appear, and why seeing a dermatologist is always the safest bet.
Tag, you’re it.
Skin tags—what an unflattering name for such a common condition. Then again, it might still be better than the medical term, which is acrochordons. No matter what you call them, skin tags are an issue shared by about 50% of adults. And while they are usually benign, many people still seek treatment to have them removed. In a recent episode of Dr. Pimple Popper, celebrity dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee helps normalize the condition with a little humor. Removing skin tags from her latest patient, she posted on Instagram,
“I’m gonna 💥pop💥some tags…#skintags that is.”
So yeah, even celebrities get skin tags, and Dr. Lee’s light hearted approach reminds us that this problem is not serious. But how do you know you have a skin tag in the first place?
Technically speaking, skin tags are small (1-3 millimeter) growths composed of collagen surrounded by a thin layer of skin. They are soft and painless folds or flaps of skin that hang from a small, thin stalk. They are often found on areas of the body where skin rubs against skin, clothing, or jewelry, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts. Skin tags vary in color and can be the same shade as your skin, a little darker, or pink. They often turn red when irritated.
Skin tag origin story
The exact cause of skin tags isn’t entirely understood, but they’re more common as people age and can be brought on by:
- Friction: Skin tags thrive in folds or creases where skin constantly rubs together.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy can lead to a sudden outbreak, likely due to increased hormone levels and weight gain.
- Age: They’re more common as we get older, particularly in people over 40.
- Health conditions: People with diabetes or insulin resistance are more prone to skin tags, as are those who are overweight or obese.
- Genetics: If your parents have them, chances are you’ll develop a few of your own.
Yeah, that covers a lot of ground, which is why so many people sprout at least a few skin tags in their lifetime.
I’ve been tagged: now what?
It is a good idea to have a dermatologist diagnose any new growths that you notice. An examination helps rule out other skin conditions that look like skin tags but may cause more damage if left untreated.
Once they are identified, the good news is that skin tags are not skin cancer and are generally not a cause for concern unless they become irritated or irritating. If they feel uncomfortable or affect your eyesight, a board-certified dermatologist can remove them. Of course, anything that affects your appearance can make you feel self-conscious, and your provider can help address these cosmetic concerns as well.
Dermatologists have an array of quick, safe treatments for removing skin tags so that they don’t grow back.
- Cryotherapy – Freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen until it falls off. Quick, simple, and mostly painless.
- Snipping – Using sterile surgical scissors to snip the tag. Over in seconds, often with no need for anesthesia.
- Cauterization – Burning off the tag using a small electric current.
- Ligation – Tying off the tag’s blood supply until it shrinks and drops off.
DIY or bye-bye?
As with all skin growths or changes, safe diagnosis and removal of skin tags happens in your dermatologist’s office. This is because skin tags have a blood supply. Attempting to cut them off yourself can lead to excessive bleeding, infection, or scarring.
However, there are a few strategies you can use to prevent new skin tags from appearing. First, maintain a healthy weight, since excess weight can cause friction that leads to skin tags. Wearing loose clothing can help reduce friction as well, and keeping your skin clean and dry helps keep irritation at bay. Likewise, it’s a good idea to stay moisturized in high-friction areas and to avoid harsh chemical skincare products that can irritate your skin.
Check your skin regularly: look for any new growths or changes and have them checked out. And if a previously diagnosed skin tag starts bleeding, changing color, or hurting, it’s time to call your dermatologist.
The bottom line
Skin tags may not be glamorous, but they’re nothing to be ashamed of. Nearly half of adults will develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime, making them as ordinary as freckles or stretch marks. So the next time you spot a tiny flap of skin where there wasn’t one before, don’t panic.
The key to keeping skin tags under control is simple: skip the home horror shows and leave the removal to the experts.
Do you have a skin tag you need removed? Find your nearest Forefront office today!
