Skin Tag
Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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Skin Tags: Should They Be Removed?
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
 A friend of mine has a history of
basal cell carcinoma (a benign type of skin cancer), and recently we were discussing skin protection from the sun. We then
began discussing what types of skin surface abnormalities should be checked by a
doctor, and which ones are very common and are in general, not a concern.
The discussion boiled down to: how does she (or for that matter you as a
viewer), determine whether it is a mole,
actinic
keratosis, or skin tag? And
what types of skin abnormalities should you be concerned about?
Skin tags are one such skin abnormality, and they are
also very common. Skin tags - small portions of skin that appear to be
attached to or protrude from normal skin - are a common benign condition of the
skin. Usually just a few millimeters in diameter, skin tags vary in appearance.
Some are the same color as surrounding skin while others are hyperpigmented
(darker than surrounding skin). In most cases, they are attached to the
underlying skin by a small band of tissue called a stalk or peduncle.
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What is a skin tag?
Skin tags are common, acquired, benign skin growths that look like a small piece
of soft, hanging skin. Skin tags are harmless growths. Some individuals may be
more prone to tags (greater than 50-100 tags) either through increased weight,
part combined with heredity, or other unknown causes. Males and females are
equally prone to developing skin tags. Obesity and being moderately overweight
(even temporary increases) dramatically increase the chances of having skin
tags. Normal weight individuals with larger breasts are also more prone to skin
tags under their breasts. Some small tags spontaneously rub or fall off
painlessly and the person may not even know they had a skin tag. Most tags do
not fall off on their own and stay around once formed. The medical name for skin
tag is acrochordon.
Skin tag are bits of skin- or flesh-colored tissue that project from the
surrounding skin from a small, narrow stalk. Some people call these growths
"skin tabs" or barnacles. Skin tags typically occur in characteristic locations
including the base of the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin folds, and under the
breasts (especially where underwire bras rub directly beneath the breasts).
Although skin tags may vary somewhat in appearance, they are usually smooth or
slightly wrinkled and irregular, flesh-colored or slightly more brown, and hang
from the skin by a small stalk. Early or beginning skin tags may be as small as
a flattened pinhead-sized bump around the neck. While most tags typically are
small (2-5 mm in diameter) at approximately one-third to one-half the size of a
pinky fingernail, some skin tags may become as large as a big grape (1 cm in
diameter) or a fig (5 cm in diameter).
Where do skin tags occur?
Skin tags can occur almost anywhere on the body where there is skin. However, the top
two favorite areas for skin tags are the neck and armpits. Other areas include the eyelids, upper chest (particularly under the female breasts), buttock folds, and groin folds. Tags are typically thought to occur in characteristic friction locations where skin rubs against skin or clothing. More plump or chunkier babies may also develop skin tags in areas where skin rubs against skin like the sides of the neck. Younger children may develop tags at the upper eyelid areas, often in areas where they may rub. Older children and preteens may develop tags in the underarm area from friction and repetitive irritation from sports.
Who tends to get skin tags?
More than half if not all of the general population is reported to have skin tags at some time in their lives. Although tags are generally acquired (not present at birth) and may occur in anyone, more often they arise in adulthood. They are much more common in middle age, and they tend to increase in prevalence up to age 60. Children and toddlers may also develop skin tags in these underarm and neck areas. Since skin tags are thought to arise more readily in areas of skin friction or rubbing, tags are also more common in overweight people.
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| Picture of skin tags on an adult armpit |
Hormone elevations, such as those seen during pregnancy, may cause an increase in
the formation of skin tags, as skin tags are more frequent in pregnant women. Tags are essentially harmless and do not have to be treated unless they are bothersome. Skin tags that are bothersome may be easily removed during or after pregnancy, typically by a dermatologist.
Skin tags are a benign condition and not directly associated with any other major medical conditions. Skin tags are commonly found on healthy people and do not have to be removed.
Next: Will removing a skin tag cause more to grow? »
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