Understanding Benign Skin Tags: Causes, Appearance, and Safe Removal Options
It’s normal to feel concerned when you notice a new spot or growth on your skin. As a doctor specialising in skin cancer medicine, I see many patients who are worried about skin changes. One of the most common findings is the humble skin tag.
Although harmless, skin tags can sometimes be irritating or cause cosmetic concern. Understanding what they are, why they appear, and when to seek professional advice can help you feel more confident in caring for your skin.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang off the skin by a narrow stalk. They can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size and are made up of normal skin tissue, including collagen fibres and small blood vessels.
They are benign, which means non-cancerous and not contagious. Skin tags usually stay the same over time, though they can become irritated if rubbed by clothing, jewellery, or during shaving.
Typical characteristics of skin tags include:
A soft, smooth, or slightly wrinkled surface
Flesh-toned or slightly darker pigmentation
A thin stalk connecting them to the skin’s surface
Little or no change in size or colour over time
While skin tags are harmless, it’s important to have any new or changing growth checked by a qualified skin cancer doctor. Occasionally, a lesion that looks like a skin tag can be something else, so a professional assessment offers peace of mind.
Why Do Skin Tags Develop?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but skin tags tend to form in areas where skin rubs against itself or clothing. This friction, combined with other contributing factors, increases their likelihood.
Some of the most common triggers include:
Friction and skin folds: Frequent rubbing around the neck, underarms, groin, or under the breasts.
Ageing: Skin tags become more common as the skin loses elasticity over time.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and breastfeeding can trigger their appearance.
Metabolic factors: Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes have been linked to higher rates of skin tags.
Genetics: A family history can increase your likelihood of developing them.
Body composition: Individuals with more skin folds or higher body weight may notice them more often.
Although anyone can develop skin tags, they are most common in middle-aged adults and people experiencing hormonal or metabolic changes.
Common Areas Where Skin Tags Appear
Skin tags usually develop in areas prone to friction or moisture. The most frequent locations include the neck, underarms, eyelids, under the breasts, and groin. They may also appear on the upper chest or back.
They are less common on the hands, feet, or most parts of the face (except eyelids). If you notice a growth in an unusual area or one that looks different from typical skin tags, it’s best to book a professional skin check for reassurance.
When to Consider Skin Tag Removal
Most skin tags are harmless and don’t require treatment. However, you may choose to have them removed if they:
Become irritated or painful
Catch on clothing or jewellery
Bleed after rubbing or shaving
Affect your confidence due to their visibility
As a specialist in skin cancer medicine, I emphasise that while skin tags are benign, any changing or suspicious growth should be evaluated to ensure it's not something more serious. If a tag becomes inflamed, darkens, or grows quickly, it’s always best to seek medical advice rather than attempt home removal.
Safe Medical Options for Skin Tag Removal
Skin tag removal is a simple and low-risk procedure that can be safely performed in a medical setting. The best method depends on the size and location of the tag.
Common professional treatments include:
Shave excision: The tag is gently snipped off with sterile scissors or a scalpel after numbing the area with local anaesthetic.
Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the tag, causing it to fall off naturally within one to two weeks.
Cauterisation (electrodesiccation): A controlled electric current removes the tag and seals the blood vessels to prevent bleeding.
At-home treatments such as tying off the tag, using essential oils, or over-the-counter freezing kits are not recommended. These methods can cause infection, scarring, or incomplete removal. Seeing a qualified doctor ensures the procedure is sterile, safe, and tailored to your skin type.
If you’re uncertain whether a new growth is a skin tag or something more serious, it’s always best to have it assessed by a qualified skin cancer doctor. A comprehensive skin check can confirm the diagnosis and identify whether removal is appropriate.
At Shade Skin, we use advanced dermoscopic imaging to examine skin lesions in detail. This allows us to distinguish harmless growths from those that may need further investigation. Early and accurate assessment provides reassurance and supports long-term skin health.
Although skin tags themselves are harmless, they serve as a useful reminder to stay proactive about your skin health. Regular self-checks, professional skin checks, and daily sun protection remain the most effective ways to prevent and detect skin cancer early.
Written by Dr Emily Alfonsi
MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG
Medical Director, Shade Skin
Dr Emily is a skin cancer doctor with advanced training in diagnosis and treatment. She has personally detected and treated hundreds of skin cancers and is passionate about early intervention and patient education.
