Types of Skin Tags: Causes, Symptoms & Removal

Key Takeaways

• Skin tags, also called acrochordons in medical terms, are common and harmless skin growths.
• Different kinds of skin tags can vary from how it looks.
• Common areas where they appear are the neck, underarm, and groin, where there is repetitive friction.
• Most of the time, they do not need treatment. But if it gets irritated or makes you feel less confident, several removal options are available across the UK.

 

Introduction

Skin tags are the most common skin concerns you will see in clinics across the UK. They are small, soft growth on your skin and can appear slowly without noticing it at first.

One of the most confusing things about skin tags is how their appearance differs. Some are hanging off the skin, others are flat. Some are small, while others can grow bigger over time. Because of this, they are often mistaken for moles, warts or other skin growths.

Skin tags are harmless. However, knowing the different kinds of skin tags, what are the causes and when to talk to your skin specialist can make you feel more in control.

 

What Are Skin Tags?

A skin tag, medically known as acrochordon, is a small growth that develops on the surface of the skin. It is made out of loose collagen fibres, tiny blood vessels and a thin outer layer of skin.

It is a harmless piece of skin hanging slightly outwards. Skin tags are not cancerous, and they do not turn into cancer. They are considered completely benign. Many adults develop at least one in their lifetime, and it is very normal to have many.

They are usually:

• Soft to touch
• Slightly stretchy or flexible
• Loosely or firmly attached to the skin

Skin tags, from a clinical view, have what is called a fibrovascular core, meaning a mix of fibrous tissue and small blood vessels covered by skin.

Related read: What You Need To Know About Skin Tag

 

Where do they commonly appear?

Skin tags usually develop where there is more rubbing and friction in the skin.

Common areas include:

• Neck (especially where necklaces sit)
• Underarms (armpits)
• Eyelids
• Under the breasts
• Groin area
• Waistline (where waistbands or belt sit)

 

Skin Tag Symptoms

Skin tags are easy to spot once you know what to look for.

Most skin tags:

• Feel soft and smooth
• Are flesh-coloured or slightly darker
• May hang off the skin or sit flat
• Are painless
• Can vary in size from very small to larger growths

 

When a skin tag changes

Sometimes, a skin tag can twist on itself. This can cut off its blood supply causing it to change colour.

This is known as a thrombosed skin tag, and it may:

• Turn dark purple or black
• Feel slightly sore or tender
• Shrink or fall off on its own

It may look worrying, but it is not skin dangerous and best to not interfere with it.

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

 

Skin tag vs mole vs wart vs seborrhoeic keratosis

Here is a simple comparison of skin tags with other skin conditions.

Feature	Skin Tag	Mole	Wart	Seborrhoeic Keratosis
Feel	Soft	Soft or firm	Rough	Waxy
Shape	Hanging or flat	Round or raised	Irregular	“Stuck-on” look
Cause	Friction	Pigment cells	Virus	Ageing
Pain	None	None	Sometimes	None
Growth	Stable	May change	Can spread	Slowly grows

If you are not sure about what kind of skin growth you have, have it checked by a professional.

 

5 Different Types of Skin Tags

Understanding different types of skin tags can help you recognise what you are dealing with.

• Pedunculated skin tags

This is the type most people think of.

• Attached by a thin stalk
• Hanging off the skin
• Moves easily when touched
• Common on the neck and underarms

These type of skin tags are more likely to get caught on clothing or jewellery. They can also t

• Flat skin tags

wist more easily, cousin them to darken.

Flat skin tags are less noticeable but still very common. They:

• Sit closer to the skin
• Have a wider base
• Do not hang as much
• Often found in skin folds

These are sometimes mistaken as seborrhoeic keratosis. To make sure, consult your skin specialist to confirm the diagnosis.

• Filiform (Thread-like) skin tags

These skin tags are thinner and more delicate.

• Long and narrow shape
• Can look like a small thread
• Commonly appears in the eyelids or neck
• Small but noticeable

Many people want removal for this kind of skin tag because they often appear on the face.

• Fiepithelial polyps

This is a more developed type of skin tag.

• Bigger in size usually 1 cm or more
• Firmer
• Common in the groin area or under breasts
• Can be uncomfortable due to size

Because of its size, they are more likely to cause irritation.

• Inflamedskin tags

This type can look more concerning to some because of:

• Dark coloured (purple or black)
• May sometimes feel sore
• Caused by a twisted blood supply

Many clinics offer many options to remove it, so it is important not to remove it at home.

 

What Causes Skin Tags?

There is no single cause why skin tags appear. Several factors include:

 

Friction and skin rubbing

This is the biggest cause. When skin repeatedly rubs against your skin or clothing it can develop skin tags, that is why it is common in the folds and creases of the skin.

 

Hormonal changes

Many people notice skin tags appear in times during hormones change, like:

• Pregnancy
• Hormonal shifts
• Conditions like PCOS

 

Insulin resistance and metabolic factors

Skin tags are sometimes linked to things like:

• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes

This does not mean skin tags are dangerous, but they can sometimes be connected to your overall health.

 

Genetics

You are more likely to develop skin tags if your parents or family members have them.

 

Ageing

Skin naturally changes as we get older. This makes it more likely for small growths to develop.

 

Who Is More Prone to Develop Skin Tags?

You may be more prone to develop skin tags if you:

• Are over 40
• Are obese or overweight
• Have diabetes
• Are pregnant
• Have family history of skin tags

 

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Skin tags are harmless, but there are instances that you need to get it checked. You should seek advice is you notice:

• Rapid growth
• Unusual colour changes
• Bleeding without injury
• Pain that does not go away
• Ulceration

If you are unsure, booking a dermatologist consultation can give you clarity and peace of mind.

Clinics assess a range of skin concerns so you can have everything checked in one place.

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

 

Professional Skin Tag Removal Options in the UK

Skin tag removal is a quick and a straightforward procedure when done professionally. Here are the most common options available in the UK:

Treatment Method	How It Works	Benefits	Best For
Cryotherapy	Freezes the skin tag using liquid nitrogen	Quick procedure Tag falls off over time Minimal downtime	Smaller skin tags
Electrocautery	Uses heat to safely burn and remove the tag	Very precise Minimal bleeding Quick healing	Common hanging (pedunculated) skin tags
Surgical excision	Cuts the skin tag off using local anaesthetic	Immediate removal Quick and effective Controlled procedure	Larger skin tags or fibroepithelial polyps
Radiofrequency removal	Uses controlled energy to remove tags	Gentle on surrounding skin Good cosmetic results Minimal scarring risk	Delicate areas (face, eyelids)

 

Why should you avoid home removal

Home removal might be tempting, but it is not recommended. At-home removal can lead to:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Misdiagnosis

What looks like a skin tag may actually be something else. Professional removal will ensure you with a safe and effective outcome.

 

FAQs

• What are the different kinds of skin tags?

The main types include:

1. Pedunculated
2. Flat skin tags
3. Filiform skin tags
4. Fibroepithelial polyps
5. Inflamed or thrombosed skin tags

• Are flat skin tags dangerous?

No. They are harmless, but they can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, so it is better to get them checked if you are not sure.

• What is acrochordon?

Acrochordon is a medical term for skin tags.

• Why do skin tags appear?

It can be due to friction, hormonal changes, weight gain, or insulin resistance.

• Can skin tags turn into cancer?

No. Skin tags do not become cancerous. but , unusual changes should still be checked.

• Is it safe to remove skin tags at home?

No. It is safer to have them removed by a professional to avoid any complications.

• Do skin tags grow back after removal?

The same skin tage will not return once removed, but new ones may grow over time.

 

Final Thoughts

Skin tags are normal skin growth of many people’s skin journey. They are harmless and can vary in appearance more than most people expect.

By understanding the types of skin tags, their causes and when to seek advice, you can feel more informed in recognising them and deciding what to do next.

If in doubt, it is always worth having your skin checked by a professional. They will recommend what treatment options are right for you.