Skin Tags

What are skin tags?

Skin tags, known medically as acrochordons, are small, soft, harmless growths that hang off the skin. They are very common and are made of loose fibres, blood vessels and a covering of skin.

Who gets them?

Skin tags become more common with age. Nearly half of people have at least one, rising to around 6 in 10 by the age of 70. They are seen more often with excess weight, type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, in pregnancy, and where other family members have them.

What causes them?

The exact cause is unknown, but they are thought to develop where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Hormonal and metabolic factors, such as insulin resistance, also seem to play a part. They are not caused by a virus.

Are they hereditary or contagious?

Skin tags can run in families. They are not contagious.

What do they look and feel like?

Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker growths attached to the skin by a thin stalk. They usually range from 1 mm to about 5 mm, but some grow larger. They most commonly appear in skin folds and areas of friction, such as the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, the eyelids and under the bra line.

They are painless, but they can catch on clothing, jewellery, seatbelts or bra straps and become irritated, inflamed or bleed. Occasionally, a skin tag twists on its stalk, cutting off its blood supply, which causes it to turn dark red or black and become sore before it falls off.

How are they diagnosed?

Skin tags are usually easy to diagnose from their appearance. Occasionally, other growths such as a mole or seborrhoeic keratosis can look similar, and a dermatologist can confirm what it is. Any lump that is growing, changing in colour, bleeding without injury or looks different from your other skin tags should be checked.

What are the treatment options?

Dr Mounsey will examine the lesion and arrange prompt removal. The standard treatment is surgical excision with a margin of normal skin, which he carries out himself, and the tissue is examined to confirm complete removal. Some small, low-risk SCCs can be treated with curettage and cautery. SCCs in high-risk sites may be treated with Mohs micrographic surgery, for which he will refer you to a Mohs surgeon colleague. Radiotherapy is an option for some people, and higher-risk SCCs are discussed by a specialist skin cancer team. He will also arrange follow-up skin checks.

What is the outlook?

Skin tags are harmless and do not become cancerous. They do not usually go away on their own, and new ones may develop over time. Removal is generally only for comfort or appearance.

More information

The British Association of Dermatologists has a range of patient information leaflets at https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk

This page gives general information only and is not a substitute for a consultation. Everyone's skin is different, and what is right for you will depend on your own circumstances. If you are worried about a skin problem, please book an appointment with Dr Mounsey or speak to your GP. If you have a mole or skin lesion that is changing, bleeding or growing quickly, please seek medical advice promptly.