Pedunculated Skin Tag: Causes, Pictures & Removal

Quick Summary

A pedunculated skin tag is a benign piece of skin that hangs from the surface of the skin by a thin stalk. Although it is not dangerous, it can become irritating and make you self-conscious.

In this guide, you will learn what pedunculated skin tags are, why they appear, and how to recognise them, and the professional treatments available in the UK.

 

What is a Pedunculated Skin Tag?

Understanding the medical term

Acrochordon is the medical name for a skin tag. It refers to a small, soft piece of skin that protrudes from the body’s surface. Skin tags are extremely common. In fact, many adults will develop at least one during their lifetime.

What does “pedunculated” mean?

The word pedunculated simply means attached by a stalk. You can think of it as a tiny piece of skin hanging from a narrow stem. Because it sticks out from the skin, it is easier to notice and may easily catch on jewellery and clothing.

 

Pedunculated vs sessile skin tags

The appearance of skin tags are not the same.

• Pedunculated skin tags hang from the skin on a thin and small stalk.
• Sessile skin tags lie flatter against the skin and have a wider base.

Knowing the difference can be helpful for the clinician to easily know what method of removal to use.

Related read: Types of Skin Tags: Causes, Symptoms & Removal

 

What Is Inside a Pedunculated Skin Tag?

The stalk (peduncle)

The thin stalk that attaches the skin tag to your skin is made up of connective tissue. It may only measure a few millimetres, but it supports the entire growth.

 

Tiny blood vessels and collagen

Inside the skin tag is a mix of collagen fibres and small blood vessels, that is sometimes referred to as a fibrovascular core. This is why a skin tag may bleed if it is accidentally cut, pulled, or twisted.

 

Why do they feel soft?

The outside of the skin tag is covered by normal skin, but the inside, the tissue is soft and flexible. That is the reason why skin tags move easily and are more flexible.

 

What Causes Skin Tags?

Friction

Areas where skin folds together or clothing rubs are more likely to develop skin tags.

 

Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone level increases. This may result in extra skin growth, which may result in skin tags.

 

Weight and metabolic factors

People who are overweight are more likely to develop skin tags. Also, conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes may be linked to developing multiple skin tags.

 

Family history

Skin tags can run in families. If one of your parents or siblings have them, you are more likely to develop them too.

 

Is HPV responsible?

Some studies have found HPV DNA in skin tags, but most doctors do not consider HPV as the main cause. Unlike warts, skin tags are not contagious.

Related read: How to Identify and Manage Your Skin Tag Acrochordon Effectively

 

Where Do Pedunculated Skin Tags Usually Appear?

Common locations include:

• Neck
• Underarms
• Groin
• Eyelids
• Under the breasts
• Buttocks

 

Are Pedunculated Skin Tags Dangerous?

Finding a new growth on your skin can be worrying, especially if you have never had one before. Fortunately, pedunculated skin tags are usually harmless.

 

Are skin tags cancerous?

Skin tags are harmless growths, meaning they are not cancerous and do not develop into cancer. Having one, or even multiple skin tags, is not usually a cause of concern.

 

Conditions That Can Look Like a Skin Tag

These are several skin growths that may resemble pedunculated skin tags.

• Viral warts: it is caused by HPV and can spread through direct contact.
• Seborrhoeic keratosis: these are harmless growths that appear waxy, slightly raised, and brown, black, or tan in colour.
• Neurofibromas: these are soft growths that develop from nerve tissue and appear flesh-coloured, painless, and smooth.
• Molluscum contagiosum: these are more common in children that have a small dome shape, a central dimple, and a pearly appearance.
• Melanoma: although uncommon, certain types of melanoma can look like a dark skin tag.

 

What Do Pedunculated Skin Tags Look Like?

They are typically:

• Skin coloured or slightly darker
• Soft and smooth
• Teardrop shape
• Small but variable in size
• Freely movable

 

Related read: What You Need To Know About Skin Tag

Do Pedunculated Skin Tags Hurt?

Skin tags do not hurt most of the time. But there are certain situations that can cause discomfort.

• When they catch on clothing: repeated irritation can make the skin tags feel sore and inflamed
• When a skin tag twists: they can occasionally twist around themselves because they hang from a stalk
• Thrombosed skin tags: is when a tiny blood clot forms inside the tag

 

Skin Tags Removal Options in the UK

The best treatment option depends on the size, number, and location of the skin tags.

Treatment	How It Works	Benefits
Cryotherapy	It used liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag.	Quick treatment Minimal discomfort Little downtime
Electrosurgery (cauterisation)	It uses a controlled electrical current to remove the tag.	Precision Minimal bleeding Quick treatment
Radiofrequency removal	It uses radio waves to remove the tag while limiting heat damage to surrounding skin.	Excellent precision Minimal bleeding Little downtime Good cosmetic results

Related read: Skin Tag Removal London

 

Why Home Removal Is Not Recommended

There are plenty of DIY methods online on ways to remove skin tags.

Common suggestions include:

• Tying thread or dental floss around the stalk
• Applying apple cider vinegar
• Use of over the counter freezing products
• Cutting the tag off at home

Some of these methods may work, but some may increase risks.

Without a professional diagnosis, it is possible to mistake another type of skin growth for a harmless skin tag. Removing it yourself could delay the diagnosis of a condition that needs medical attention.

Risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Scarring
• Incomplete removal
• Damage to the surrounding skin

Areas like the eyelids, groin, and face are delicate and should always be treated by an experienced clinician.

 

What Happens During Professional Skin Tag Removal?

Step 1: Consultation

The clinician will check the skin tag, discuss any symptoms you have noticed, and confirm whether it is benign.

 

Step 2: Choosing the best treatment

The most suitable method will depend on factors like, the size of the tag, location, number of tags, your medical history, and cosmetic goals.

 

Step 3: Removal procedure

• The area may be numbed with a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable.
• Treatments may take between 10 and 20 minutes.

Many patients describe the procedure as quicker and easier than they expected.

 

Step 4: Aftercare advice

You will receive a detailed guide on how to care for the treated area. This may include advice on cleansing, protecting the skin, products to use, and recognising signs of infection.

 

Step 5: Recovery

You can normally return to your daily activities immediately. Complete healing takes between 1 to 3 weeks.

Related read: What to Expect Before You Book A Skin Tag Removal

 

Aftercare and Healing

Simple aftercare tips

It is recommended that you:

• Wash the area gently with mild soap and water.
• Pat the skin dry and not rub it.
• Avoid tight clothing that may cause friction.
• Leave any scabs to fall off naturally.
• Use prescribed creams or dressings advised by your clinician.
• Keep the area protected while it heals.

 

Watch for signs of infection

Signs of complications include:

• Increasing redness
• Significant swelling
• Warmth around the area
• Pus or discharge
• Worsening pain

 

Will it leave a scar?

Professional removal usually results in little to no visible scarring. But there are factors that may influence scarring.

These include:

• The removal method used
• The size of the skin tag
• The location
• Your natural healing response

Follow the aftercare advice to help support the best cosmetic outcome.

 

When Should You See a Skin Specialist?

Seek for a medical assessment if:

• The skin tag is growing quickly
• It changes colour or shape
• It bleeds without being irritated
• It becomes painful
• You are unsure if it is actually a skin tag
• You develop several new skin tags with a short period

Multiple skin tags can sometimes be linked with underlying metabolic factors.

 

Can Pedunculated Skin Tag Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to stop skin tags from forming. But there are a few simple ways that may help reduce some of the common triggers.

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce friction and wear loose fitting clothes
• Monitor your overall health condition

Remember that some people are more prone to skin tags because of genetics or natural ageing.

 

Conclusion

Pedunculated skin tags are common, and in most cases, they are completely harmless. They really do not require removal, but if they become irritated, and affect how you feel about your appearance, a treatment may be an option.

If you are unsure whether a growth is just a skin tag, do not ignore it. A simple consultation can give you reassurance and help you make the right decision for your skin.