What Are Skin Tags (And How Do You Get Rid of Them)?

Our skin makes up about 16% of our body’s total mass — it’s our largest organ. It protects us from a wide range of threats, including germs, pollution, and the sun. The outermost layer, called the epidermis, has many unique features, from hair and freckles to scars and wrinkles.

But there’s something else that can appear anywhere on the surface of the skin: skin tags. These soft growths hang from the epidermis, sometimes in very visible places, making them aesthetically annoying. Here’s a breakdown of their features, any potential concerns, and how to remove them.

Are Skin Tags Dangerous?

The good news: Skin tags are almost always harmless. They’re also very common. According to the Cleveland Clinic, half of all adults will have at least one skin tag in their lifetime, but unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent them.

Formally known as acrochordons, skin tags are noncancerous growths that can appear anywhere on the body. They’re usually pink, flesh-colored, or slightly darker than the surrounding area, though they may turn red when friction or pressure is applied. Some skin tags hang from the skin on a thin stalk, while others are more firmly attached — both are normal —  and most measure between 1 and 5 millimeters, though some can grow much larger.

Most of the time, skin tags are nothing to worry about. But if a skin tag changes color rapidly, becomes painful, bleeds, grows quickly, or becomes firm or ulcerated, it’s important to see a dermatologist. These symptoms may indicate another type of growth or condition, such as a mole, wart, skin disease, or, in rare cases, skin cancer.

What Are Some Common Causes?

Skin tags most often appear due to friction from skin rubbing against itself, jewelry, or clothing for an extended period. This is why they commonly occur in creases and folds around the body, such as the underarms, groin, neck, and eyelids.

Hormonal changes may also cause new skin tags, as hormones affect the growth and regeneration of skin cells. Pregnancy, menopause, hormonal imbalances, and some endocrine conditions may explain their sudden appearance.

Age and genetics can also affect the size and number of skin tags. After 40, collagen and elastin levels decline, which can lead to new growths on the skin. However, certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that include high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol), may also promote their growth. If you develop many skin tags rapidly, this could be a rare sign that something else is going on inside your body (such as insulin resistance), and it’s time for a checkup.

Should I Remove a Skin Tag Myself?

Unfortunately, skin tags don’t fall off or go away on their own, causing many people to try to get rid of the blemishes themselves. But this is best left to the professionals, as DIY methods can do more harm than good: In particular, at-home skin tag removal kits and devices that involve cutting, freezing, or topical solutions come with risks for infection, bleeding, and scarring. This is why dermatologists don’t recommend them, especially in sensitive areas such as the face or eyelids. Moreover, the chances of incomplete removal — meaning the skin tag will grow back — are higher with at-home remedies.

If you decide to try an over-the-counter skin tag remover on a low-risk area, choose an FDA-cleared product specifically labeled for skin tags and follow instructions carefully. Wart removers, for example, are often too harsh and may damage the surrounding skin. One popular example of an FDA-cleared product specifically for skin tags is Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away Skin Tag Remover.

How Does a Dermatologist Remove Skin Tags?

Keep in mind that because skin tags are benign, most health insurance plans don’t cover removal, as it’s considered cosmetic. That said, there are several methods a dermatologist may use to remove them, depending on their size and location on the body.

One popular option is cryosurgery, in which the skin tag is frozen with liquid nitrogen. Another method, electrodesiccation, uses a tiny needle to zap the skin tag. In both methods, the skin tag will scab and eventually fall off.

Finally, in a more direct approach, your dermatologist may simply numb the area and snip off the tag with a blade or scissors. (Do not try this at home.) When left to a professional, scarring from these types of removals is very minimal or even undetectable. If these procedures sound intimidating, don’t worry — skin tags often don’t need to be removed at all.

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