What Causes Skin Tags? Identifying the Contributor & the Risk Factors

Quick Take

Skin tags are small, harmless pieces of your skin that often grow in areas where your skin rubs against the other. These are your neck, armpits, groin, or under your breasts. Doctors do not really know the exact cause, but skin tags are more common to those people who have a family history of them, are overweight, are getting older, or are going through hormonal changes like when they are pregnant. Some of the health conditions that are linked to insulin resistance may also increase your chance of developing skin tags. Although those skin tags are usually harmless, they can be removed if they become irritated, uncomfortable, or affect your confidence.

 

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are some small, soft pieces of your skin that hang from your body. Doctors call them acrochordons. They are usually the same colour as your skin, although they can sometimes be slightly darker. Skin tags are attached to your skin by a thin stalk.

They are harmless, non-cancerous growths and usually do not give you pain.

You may not need to treat your skin tags unless it becomes irritated, catches your clothing or your jewelry, or affects your confidence.

Skin tags have different shapes. They can be small and they can grow larger over time. They usually develop in those areas where your skin rubs against itself or your clothing. Your skin tags may appear in your:

• Neck
• Armpits
• Groin
• Under the breasts
• Eyelids
• Upper chest

 

How Common Are They?

Skin tags are very common in many adults. They may have at least one skin tag during their lifetime.

Both men and women can have skin tags. And as they get older, their skin tags become more common.

You may develop skin tags if:

• You are overweight or obese
• You have diabetes or insulin resistance
• You are pregnant
• You have a family history of skin tags

 

Main Causes of Skin Tags

Many people ask, “What causes skin tags?” Well, there isn’t just one cause. Instead, there are different factors that can increase your chance of getting them.

 

Genetic (Family History)

Skin tags often run in families. You are more likely to develop skin tags if your parents or close relatives have skin tags.

Your genes can affect how your skin reacts to rubbing, ageing, and natural growth of your cells. Genetics is not the only cause, but it can make you get more skin tags.

Signs that genetics may play a role.

• Several members of your family have skin tags
• Skin tags appear at a younger age
• Skin tags keep coming back over time

 

Skin Friction & Irritation

One of the most common causes of skin tags is repeated rubbing of your skin.

When your skin rubs against the other skin or jewellery, it can create irritation. Over time, this friction may contribute to the formation of your skin tag.

Skin tags often develop in areas where rubbing of your skin frequently happens, such as:

• Neck
• Armpits
• Groin
• Under the breasts
• Around the waistline

If you are wearing tight clothing, collars, bras, or necklaces, it may be more likely to notice your skin tags in these areas.

 

Being Overweight or Obese

People who are overweight are more likely to develop skin tags.

Extra weight can create more folds in your skin, leading to increased frictions. In addition, obesity is linked to changes in hormones and metabolism that may encourage growth of those skin tags.

The reasons can be:

• Rubbing of your skin to each other
• Your body have higher levels of inflammation
• Increased in your insulin levels
• Hormonal changes because you gain weight

 

Hormonal Changes

Changes in hormone levels may increase your risk of developing skin tags.

 

During Pregnancy

Skin tags are very common during pregnancy, especially in your second and third trimester.

These can be occurred because of:

• Increased hormone levels
• Weight gain
• More skin friction
• Changes in your insulin sensitivity

 

Some skin tags may remain after your pregnancy, while others may become less noticeable over time.

 

During Puberty and Menopause

During your puberty and menopausal stage, your hormones may change and can affect your skin.

These can:

Change the production of your collagen

Affect the elasticity of your skin

Increase your chance of developing skin growths, just like skin tags.

 

Hormonal Conditions

Some of your health conditions that can affect your hormones can increase your chance of getting skin tags. These may include:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Insulin resistance
• Other conditions that affect the balance of your hormones

 

Ageing

Skin tags become more common as people get older.

As your skin ages, it naturally changes. These changes can make skin tags more likely to develop.

Changes that are related to ageing include:

• Reduced collagen production
• Less elastic skin
• Years of accumulated friction
• Slower skin repair

Although skin tags may appear at any age, they are most common to those middle-aged and older adults.

 

Possible Viral Links (HPV)

Some studies have looked at whether certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be linked to skin tags development. But, the evidence is still not clear.

Most experts believe that frictions, genetics, weight, and hormonal factors play a much larger role.

 

Skin Tags vs. Warts

Skin tags and warts can look similar, but they are different in some ways.

Skin Tags:

• Soft and smooth
• Hang from your skin on a thin stalk
• Usually flesh-coloured
• Not contagious

Warts

• Rough and raised
• Caused by HPV infection
• Can spread through contact
• Often appears on the hands and feet

 

 

Specific Areas & What Causes Skin Tags There

What Causes Skin Tags on Neck?

Your neck is one of the most common places for skin tags to appear, This is mainly because your skin in this area experiences a lot of friction throughout the day.

Common sources of friction include:

• Skin rubbing against your skin
• Shirt collars
• Necklaces
• Scarves
• Regular neck movement

Hot weather and sweating can increase your irritation, which may make skin tags more likely to develop. If you are overweight or have deeper skin folds around your neck, you’ll also be more prone to getting skin tags in this area.

 

What Causes Skin Tags in Armpits?

Skin tags often develop in your armpits because this area is warm , moist and experiences rubbing as always.

Factors that may contribute include:

• Skin rubbing against your skin
• Friction from your clothing or jewellery
• Excess sweating
• Irritation from shaving

Over time, this repeated friction may encourage some skin tags to form. If you notice that you have multiple skin tags in your armpits, you need to consult your doctor. Because sometimes, it may be linked to underlying metabolic factors such as obesity or insulin resistance.

 

Connection to Health

Skin Tags and Insulin Resistance

One of the most important possible links is between skin tags and insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance happens when the cells of your body stop responding to insulin properly. As a result, your body produces more insulin to keep your blood sugar under control.

Based on a study, those people who have many skin tags may be more likely to also have some health problems. These may include:

• Insulin resistance
• Prediabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome

But you should understand that these conditions are not because of your skin tags. Instead, they may sometimes appear as a visible sign that changes are happening to your body.

Not everyone who has skin tags has insulin resistance, and not everyone with insulin resistance will develop skin tags. But, if you have many skin tags, your doctor may check your blood sugar or metabolic issues as a precaution.

 

Other Health Associations

Skin tags may also occur if you have other health problems.

Skin tags have also been associated with other health conditions.

 

Type 2 Diabetes

Higher blood sugar levels and insulin imbalance may be linked to the formation of your skin tags.

 

Metabolic Syndrome

If you are dealing with metabolic syndrome, you are more likely to develop skin tags.

Metabolic problems may include:

• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Excess body fat around your stomach
• Unhealthy cholesterol levels

Rare Genetic Conditions

In rare cases, having many skin tags may be linked to some genetic conditions that affect how your skin grows.

These cases are uncommon, and sometimes it comes with some other symptoms.

 

Prevention Strategies

Reduce Friction

Since skin tags often develop in areas where your skin rubs together, reducing friction from there can help.

Try:

• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing
• Choosing soft, breathable fabrics
• Avoiding tight collars or straps
• Keeping your skin folds clean and dry
• Limiting irritations from your jewellery or accessories

 

Maintain Healthy Weight

Keeping your healthy weight may reduce your skin tags. This can be done by:

• Lowering skin-to-skin rubbing
• Supporting your metabolic health better
• Improving how your body uses insulin

Even small, steady changes in your weight can male a positive difference for your skin’s overall health.

 

Take Care of Your Skin

If you have healthy skin, it is less likely to become irritated.

Helpful habits include:

• Gentle daily cleansing
• Regular moisturising
• Avoiding harsh scrubbing or friction
• Managing sweating when possible (for example: using breathable clothing or staying cool)

 

Monitor Hormonal Changes

Changes in your hormones may sometimes play a role in the changes of your skin. If you notice new skin tags alongside other changes, it may be helpful to speak with your healthcare provider.

They can check if you have any underlying conditions and can offer their guidance if needed.

 

Treatment Options

The skin tags are usually harmless and do not need to be treated unless they cause you symptoms or cosmetic concerns.

 

At-Home Remedies

You may see some home remedies online, such as:

• Tying off your skin tag with string
• Applying oils or creams
• Using household products

However, these methods are not generally recommended because they can lead to:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Damage to your healthy skin

There is also a risk of mistaking your other skin condition for skin tag. If you are unsure, it is best to consult your trusted doctor before you try any treatments.

 

Removal Methods Used by the Experts

If you want your skin tags to be removed safely and quickly, go to a certified healthcare professional. They use several methods, like:

• Cryotherapy: It uses liquid nitrogen to freeze your skin tag. It will help it fall off over time.
• Surgical removal: Your skin tag is carefully cut-off using sterile surgical scissors.
• Electrocautery: Uses heat to remove your skin tag while sealing your blood vessels to reduce bleeding.

The benefits you can get from professional removal:

• Correct diagnosis
• Lower your risk of infection
• Minimal scarring
• Faster healing

 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

You can purchase some skin tag removal products without prescription. But, you should use them with proper caution because:

• Not all your skin growths are skin tags
• Sensitive area needs some extra care
• Incorrect use can damage your healthy skin

If you are unsure about your skin growth, is it safe to have it checked by a healthcare professional before you use any kind of treatments?

 

When to Seek Medical Advice

Skin tags are usually harmless, but it is a good idea to have them checked if you notice any unusual changes.

Seek medical advice if your skin growth:

• Changes its colour
• Bleeds without being injured
• Becomes painful or tender
• Grows quickly
• Has an unusual shape or appearance
• Causes ongoing irritation or discomfort

It is also important that you get your doctor’s opinion if you are unsure whether the growth you have is a skin tag or another skin condition, such as wart, mole, or cyst.

 

Common Myths About Skin Tags

Myth	False
Skin tags are contagious	Skin tags cannot be spread from one person to another through skin contact
Poor hygiene causes skin tags	Skin tags are not caused by poor hygiene. It’s usually caused by some factors like friction, genetics, hormones, and metabolic factors
Skin tags turn into cancer	Skin tags are benign growths and do not typically become cancerous. But, any unusual or changing in your skin should be assessed by your doctor.

Read more: What You Need To Know About Skin Tag

 

FAQs

• What exactly causes skin tags?

Skin tags may develop because of several factors including, friction, genetics, hormonal changes, ageing, and metabolic factors.

• Can insulin resistance cause ski tags?

Insulin resistance will not directly cause to develop sin tags. But if you have multiple skin tags, you are more likely to have insulin resistance or related health conditions.

• Are skin tags dangerous?

No. Skin tags are not harmful and will not cause cancer. You may only need to treat them if you experience some irritations, pain, and if it already affects your daily activities.

• How can I prevent skin tags?

You may reduce your risk by minimising the friction to your skin, maintaining your healthy weight, and managing any underlying conditions you have.

You may reduce your risk by minimising skin friction, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing any underlying health conditions.

• Can I remove skin tags at home?

It’s not generally recommended to remove your skin tags at home because it can lead to infection, bleeding, scarring, and damage to your healthy skin.

 

Conclusion

If you’re wondering what really causes skin tags, there is usually no single cause. They can develop because of some factors, like:

• Skin friction
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes
• Ageing
• Weight gain
• Metabolic conditions (such as insulin resistance)

Skin tags are usually harmless, but they can sometimes be the cause of your irritations and it might be present because you have underlying conditions. You should understand what are the possible causes of it to help you manage your skin health and to know when you need to seek medical advice.