Skin Tags

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft and flesh-coloured growths that hang from the surface of the skin. They are made up of normal skin and connective tissue, and are completely benign.

These harmless growths tend to appear in areas of friction or movement, such as the neck, underarms, groin or eyelids. Over time, skin rubbing against skin or clothing can cause these tiny protrusions to form.

While they do not cause medical harm, many people choose to remove them for comfort or cosmetic reasons, especially when they snag on clothing or jewellery, or appear visible in areas like the neck or face.

Skin tags are not dangerous.They are benign (non-cancerous) growths that commonly develop in areas where the skin rubs against itself or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. They are composed of collagen and small blood vessels surrounded by skin.

That said, you should consult a doctor if:

• The tag changes in colour, size, or shape
• It becomes painful, irritated, or bleeds
• You are unsure whether the growth is a skin tag or another type of lesion (such as a mole or wart)

Otherwise, skin tags are harmless and can be removed safely for aesthetic or comfort reasons.

Skin tags are extremely common. That is why it is easy to assume that every small bump on the skin is one. However, some growths that appear similar can be quite different in origin and, in some cases, may require medical attention.

Some skin growth that can resemble skin tags is:

• Moles – often flat or slightly raised, moles can be similar in size or colour to skin tags but are generally more pigmented.
  
• Warts – these are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), with the warts tend to have a rougher texture and can spread through contact.
  
• Seborrhoeic keratosis – the growth usually appears as brown or black waxy patches that can look like stuck-on scabs. These are benign but may occur with age and sun exposure.
  
• Certain types of skin cancer – although rare, some form of basal cell carcinoma can resemble a flesh-coloured skin tag.
  
• Neurofibromas (neurofibromatosis type 1) – these benign nerve sheath tumours can mimic the look and feel of soft, hanging skin tags.

The exact reason skin tags form is not fully known. But most experts agree that friction plays a major role. When skin consistently rubs against itself or clothing, small clusters of cells may begin to overgrow, forming a soft protrusion supported by a tiny stalk.

These tags are composed of normal epidermal and fibrous tissue, meaning they are not infections or tumours. They are purely small and benign overgrowths.
In addition to friction, other possible contributing factors include:

• Genetics, which can predispose certain individuals to develop multiple tags over time.
• Metabolic changes, such as insulin resistance or hormonal fluctuations.
• Underlying conditions, like Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, which is rare but can cause multiple benign skin growths.

Skin tags can appear on anyone, but certain factors make them more likely to form. This may include:

• Age – they are most common among middle-aged and older adults, as the skin naturally loses elasticity and experiences more friction.
  
• Genetic factors – family history can play a role, especially if multiple relatives develop similar lesions.
  
• Hormonal changes – pregnancy and hormonal fluctuations may stimulate growth factors that trigger skin tag formation.
  
• Diabetes – insulin resistance is thought to promote abnormal cell growth, leading to multiple tags.
  
• Obesity – increased skin folds and moisture make rubbing and irritation more likely, encouraging the growth of tags.

While these growths are harmless, a sudden increase in number, especially around the neck or underarms, may potentially indicate metabolic imbalance or insulin resistance.

Most skin tags do not need treatment. However, removal is recommended when they become:

• Painful or irritated, especially if they catch on zippers, jewellery or clothing
• Inflamed, from constant rubbing or shaving
• Cosmetically bothersome, particularly when located on visible areas like the face or neck
• Changes in appearance, such as bleeding, darkening or rapid growth

It may be tempting to remove a skin tag yourself. But doing so can cause more harm than good. In fact, some of the common risks include:

• Bleeding – larger skin tags contain small blood vessels that can bleed heavily
• Infection – using unsterile tools or touching open wounds increases the risk of bacterial infection
• Misdiagnosis – self-removal risks mistaking a potentially cancerous lesion for a skin tag, delaying important treatment
• Recurrence – incomplete removal often leads to regrowth
• Scarring – improper cutting or tying can damage the surrounding tissue

Diagnosing skin tags is typically a simple and quick process. In most cases, an experienced doctor can make the diagnosis based on a visual examination. However, an accurate diagnosis remains important as other conditions, like moles or warts, can sometimes resemble skin tags.

During your initial consultation, our doctors will:

• Clinical assessment – they will examine the lesion’s colour, texture, size and location to confirm whether it is a skin tag or another growth. The surrounding skin may also be checked for additional lesions or signs of irritation.
• Dermatoscopic evaluation – a handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope is used to view the structure beneath the skin’s surface. This helps identify subtle features that confirm a benign skin tag.
• Medical history review – our doctor may ask about recent skin changes, friction-prone habits, hormonal fluctuations or family history of similar growths to understand possible triggers.
• Skin biopsy – if the lesion looks unusual, a small biopsy may be taken for laboratory analysis. This ensures the growth is not a form of skin cancer or another condition requiring different treatment.

The removal procedure is quick, effective and designed for minimal discomfort. Each method is chosen according to the tag’s size, number and location. This ensures the best cosmetic outcome with minimal risk of scarring.

Some of the treatment options include:

Skin tags may be harmless, but professional removal ensures your skin looks and feels its best. This is all achieved safely, comfortably and without unwanted marks. At Cove Aesthetic Clinic, every procedure is handled with precision and care, combining dermatological expertise with specialised techniques for optimal cosmetic results.

Whether your skin tags are irritating or you simply wish to restore a smoother appearance, our experienced team is here to help. We will assess your skin, recommend the most suitable removal method and ensure you are comfortable every step of the way.

Book your consultation today and take the first step towards clearer, healthier-looking skin. Rest assured that you will be safely treated by professionals who understand both medical precision and aesthetic detail.