Skin tags—those tiny, soft, flesh-colored growths—are incredibly common and usually harmless. Though they don’t typically cause pain or health issues, many people find them annoying or unsightly, especially when they appear on visible areas like the neck, eyelids, or underarms.
- What Are Skin Tags?
- Common Features of Skin Tags:
- What Causes Skin Tags?
- Common Causes and Risk Factors:
- Where Do Skin Tags Commonly Appear?
- Common Locations:
- Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
- Can You Remove Skin Tags at Home?
- Safe Methods for At-Home Skin Tag Removal
- 1. Tying Off (Ligation Method)
- 2. Skin Tag Removal Patches and Bands
- 3. Tea Tree Oil
- 4. Apple Cider Vinegar
- Methods to Avoid
- When to See a Doctor for Skin Tag Removal
- See a Doctor If:
- Medical Treatment Options
- 1. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
- 2. Cauterization (Burning)
- 3. Excision (Surgical Removal)
- 4. Laser Removal
- Are Skin Tags Preventable?
- Tips to Minimize Skin Tags:
- Can Skin Tags Grow Back?
- Real-Life Example: My Skin Tag Journey
- FAQs About Skin Tags
- Are skin tags contagious?
- Do skin tags mean I have diabetes?
- Can children get skin tags?
- Do skin tags go away on their own?
- Final Thoughts
If you’ve spotted a skin tag on your body, you’re not alone. Millions of people develop skin tags at some point in their lives. While you might be tempted to snip it off at home, it’s important to understand the risks, safe home remedies, and when professional medical treatment is the better option.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what skin tags are, why they form, which methods are safe for home removal, and when it’s time to visit a doctor.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags—medically referred to as acrochordons—are small, benign growths of skin that often dangle from a short stalk. They are soft to the touch and usually flesh-colored or slightly darker.
Common Features of Skin Tags:
- Typically 1–5 millimeters in size (can grow larger)
- Painless and non-cancerous
- Often appear in skin folds (like armpits, groin, neck)
- Not contagious or infectious
They may seem alarming when you first notice them, but rest assured, skin tags are completely benign. They don’t turn into cancer and aren’t linked to any major disease.
What Causes Skin Tags?
The exact reason why some people develop skin tags while others don’t isn’t fully understood, but several contributing factors are known.
Common Causes and Risk Factors:
- Friction: Skin tags often grow in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
- Genetics: If your family members have them, you might too.
- Age: They’re more common in middle-aged and older adults.
- Weight: Overweight and obese individuals are more prone to developing skin tags.
- Diabetes and insulin resistance: People with metabolic conditions often see more skin tags.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations can trigger skin tag growth.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Some studies suggest a link between skin tags and certain HPV strains.
While these factors can increase the likelihood, anyone—regardless of age or health—can develop skin tags.
Where Do Skin Tags Commonly Appear?
Skin tags tend to form in moist, warm areas of the body, especially where there’s friction.
Common Locations:
- Neck
- Eyelids
- Armpits
- Groin area
- Under the breasts
- Around the collarbone
- Thigh folds
They may also appear on the eyelids or near the mouth, although these areas require extra care when considering removal.
Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
In most cases, no—skin tags are not dangerous and don’t require treatment. However, there are instances where you may want to remove one:
- It’s irritated by clothing or jewelry
- You find it uncomfortable or itchy
- It becomes red, swollen, or painful
- You’re concerned about cosmetic appearance
It’s important to differentiate skin tags from other skin growths. If the tag grows rapidly, changes color, bleeds, or becomes painful, consult a doctor immediately to rule out other skin conditions.
Can You Remove Skin Tags at Home?
Yes, some small skin tags can be safely removed at home using natural remedies or over-the-counter products. However, home removal comes with risks, especially if done incorrectly or without proper hygiene.
Let’s explore the safest home removal methods and which to avoid.
Safe Methods for At-Home Skin Tag Removal
1. Tying Off (Ligation Method)
This involves tying a clean dental floss or string tightly around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply. Over a few days to a week, the tag dries up and falls off.
Steps:
- Clean the area with alcohol
- Tie floss or string tightly at the base of the tag
- Monitor for any signs of infection
- Replace the tie daily if needed
Best for: Small skin tags
⚠️ Avoid this method near the eyes or sensitive skin areas.
2. Skin Tag Removal Patches and Bands
There are over-the-counter skin tag removal kits that use a tight rubber band to cut off blood flow or salicylic acid-based patches that dry out the tag.
Pros:
- Non-invasive
- Easy to use
- Available at most drugstores
Cons:
- May not work on larger tags
- Can irritate sensitive skin
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and drying agent. When applied consistently, it may cause the tag to dry out and fall off over time.
How to Use:
- Dilute with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil)
- Apply with a cotton swab 2–3 times daily
- Cover with a bandage after each application
Timeframe: May take several weeks
⚠️ Do a patch test first—tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions in some people.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidity of apple cider vinegar can slowly break down the tissue of the skin tag.
How to Use:
- Soak a cotton ball in vinegar
- Apply to the tag and cover with a bandage
- Leave for 15–30 minutes daily
- Repeat for 7–10 days
Be cautious—it can irritate surrounding skin or cause chemical burns if used improperly.
Methods to Avoid
Some popular but dangerous methods should be avoided, especially if you value skin health:
- Cutting with scissors or blades: High risk of bleeding and infection
- Burning with matches or lighters: Can cause severe burns and scarring
- Using duct tape or glue: May lead to skin irritation and is not proven effective
⚠️ NEVER attempt to remove skin tags on your eyelids or genitals at home.
When to See a Doctor for Skin Tag Removal
While at-home remedies are fine for small, harmless tags, certain situations require professional care.
See a Doctor If:
- The tag is bleeding, changing color, or growing rapidly
- It’s in a sensitive location (eyelids, groin, anus)
- You’re unsure if it’s a skin tag or something else
- The tag is large or multiple tags are forming quickly
- Home treatments have failed or caused irritation
Medical Treatment Options
Doctors offer quick, safe, and relatively painless methods to remove skin tags with minimal scarring and very low risk of complications.
1. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the tag, which falls off within 1–2 weeks.
Best for: Small to medium tags
2. Cauterization (Burning)
Uses heat from electric current to burn off the tag.
Best for: Tags with a wide base or in hard-to-reach areas
3. Excision (Surgical Removal)
A doctor uses sterile scissors or a scalpel to cut the tag off.
Best for: Larger or bleeding skin tags
4. Laser Removal
High-intensity laser light removes the skin tag with precision.
Best for: Cosmetic removal, especially on the face or neck
Most in-office procedures are quick (under 30 minutes) and often don’t require stitches or recovery time.
Are Skin Tags Preventable?
While you can’t always prevent them, there are lifestyle changes that may reduce their occurrence.
Tips to Minimize Skin Tags:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce skin friction with breathable clothing
- Avoid wearing tight jewelry that irritates the skin
- Use talc-free powder in areas with skin folds
- Keep blood sugar levels in check (important for diabetics)
Can Skin Tags Grow Back?
Once removed, the same tag won’t grow back, but others may appear in nearby areas—especially if the original cause (like friction or insulin resistance) isn’t addressed.
Real-Life Example: My Skin Tag Journey
I noticed my first skin tag when I was 30, right on my neckline where my necklace always rubbed. I ignored it for a while until it started to catch on my clothes. I tried tea tree oil for a few weeks, but the tag didn’t budge.
Eventually, I went to a dermatologist. The removal was quick, painless, and left no scar. Since then, I’ve made lifestyle changes—wearing looser clothes, using gentle skin cleansers, and maintaining my weight—which seems to have helped prevent new ones from forming.
FAQs About Skin Tags
Are skin tags contagious?
No. They are not caused by bacteria or viruses and can’t be spread to others.
Do skin tags mean I have diabetes?
Not necessarily. However, having multiple tags could be a sign of insulin resistance. It’s worth discussing with your doctor.
Can children get skin tags?
Yes, though it’s less common. They can develop in children, especially if they’re overweight or have friction-prone skin.
Do skin tags go away on their own?
Rarely. Most skin tags stay unless removed.
Final Thoughts
Skin tags are common, harmless, and manageable. While at-home remedies can work for small, uncomplicated tags, it’s essential to know when professional help is safer and more effective.
Whether you choose a home method or professional removal, always prioritize cleanliness, caution, and knowledge. And remember—there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having skin tags. But if they bother you, safe options are available to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
