What Causes Skin Tags? risk factors, prevention & removal

Skin tags (medical term: acrochordons) are harmless, soft, pedunculated growths that tend to appear where skin rubs for example, the neck, armpits, groin, under breasts, eyelids, and genitals. The leading drivers are friction, age, genetics, weight/skin folds, and metabolic factors such as insulin resistance or diabetes. They’re more common after age 40 and in pregnancy. Anal skin tags are often linked to hemorrhoids or healed anal fissures. “Skin tags” in newborns typically refer to congenital ear (preauricular) tags, which are different than typical friction-related tags and may warrant hearing screening.

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag is a benign (non-cancerous) skin growth composed of normal skin and a tiny fiber-fat core, attached by a thin stalk. In dermatology you’ll also see terms like acrochordon, fibroepithelial polyp, or soft fibroma. They are usually skin-colored or slightly darker, soft, and painless unless irritated by clothing, jewelry, or shaving.

What causes skin tags?

1) Friction & skin folds

Skin tags favor high-friction zones the neck (collars/chains), armpits, groin/inner thighs, under the breasts, eyelids, and genital area. Repetitive skin-on-skin or skin-on-clothing rubbing is thought to stimulate extra cell growth in the outer skin layers, producing a tiny, stalked outgrowth. This is why tags are more common with loose skin, higher body weight, or folds.

2) Genetics & age

They often “run in families” and increase with age roughly half of adults develop at least one by mid-life.

3) Metabolic factors (insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome)

Multiple studies, and leading dermatology organizations, note a strong association between insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome with skin tags especially when numerous and clustered on the neck or armpits. If you’re seeing a sudden crop of new tags, particularly with other signs (central weight gain, high blood pressure, abnormal lipids), ask your clinician about metabolic screening.

4) Hormonal shifts & pregnancy

Skin tags can appear during pregnancy, likely due to hormonal and weight/skin-fold changes that increase friction and stimulate growth.

5) Local irritation & micro-trauma

Anything that increases constant rubbing/traction tight collars, necklaces, bra straps, backpacks can encourage tags where they rub.

Where they show up and why

1. Neck: high friction from collars, chains, hair, and folds, plus it’s a common area of fat distribution with weight gain.
2. Armpits: warm, moist, mobile skin-on-skin friction with arm movement. (See the section “What causes skin tags in armpits?” below.)
3. Under breasts & groin/inner thighs: movement + moisture + folds → friction.
4. Eyelids: very thin skin that rubs with blinking; small tags are common here. Always have a clinician confirm the diagnosis before removal.
5. Genitals/anus: friction and prior hemorrhoids or fissures can leave skin tags as the area heals. (More below.)

What causes skin tags

Bottom line causes:

1. Friction (skin-on-skin/clothing)
2. Age and genetics
3. Metabolic associations (insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome)
4. Hormonal changes (pregnancy)
5. Local irritation or previous swelling/healing (especially near the anus)

If you can reduce friction and assess metabolic health, you can often slow the pace of new tags forming even though there’s no guaranteed way to stop them entirely.

What causes skin tags on neck?

Neck tags are classic because of constant motion and rub (collars, necklaces, long hair), plus neck folds in people with higher weight or loose skin. The neck is also a hotspot in those with insulin resistance if you notice many small tags clustering around the neck and also have acanthosis nigricans (velvety, darker skin), ask about screening for prediabetes/diabetes and lipids.

Action steps:

1. Switch from abrasive collars/necklaces to softer fabrics or go collar-free when possible.
2. Apply a friction-reducing barrier (non-comedogenic moisturizer or anti-chafe stick) to high-rub points.
3. Discuss metabolic labs with your clinician if tags are numerous or rapidly increasing.

What causes skin tags in armpits?

Your armpits are a high-mobility and high-moisture area. Skin rubs with every arm swing; deodorants, shaving, and tight sleeves add micro-irritation perfect conditions for tags. People with obesity, pregnancy, or insulin resistance may notice more armpit tags.

Action steps:

1. Use fragrance-free moisturizers or a silicone-based anti-chafe balm to reduce friction.
2. Consider looser sleeves and gentle shaving or trimming.
3. If you see dozens of tiny tags, ask about insulin resistance screening.

What causes anal skin tags?

Anal skin tags are common and usually benign. They often represent leftover skin after swelling has subsided, commonly from external hemorrhoids or from healing of anal fissures (a small tear). Chronic constipation/straining, diarrhea/irritation, and friction can all contribute. In some cases, Crohn’s disease can be involved; your clinician will differentiate.

Action steps:

1. Address constipation (fiber, fluids, stool-softening strategies) to reduce straining.
2. Use gentle hygiene (avoid harsh wipes; consider water rinsing/sitz baths).
3. Have persistent or symptomatic tags assessed and, if desired, removed in-office.

What causes neck skin tags?

This overlaps with the “on neck” section above. In brief: friction, weight/skin folds, jewelry/clothing, and insulin resistance are common factors. If neck tags are new and numerous, it’s reasonable to check blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting glucose/HbA1c, and lipids to screen for metabolic syndrome.

What causes skin tags on newborns?

When people mention “newborn skin tags,” they most often mean preauricular (ear) tags congenital tiny skin/cartilage outgrowths in front of the ear. These are developmental (from embryologic branchial arch fusion differences), not the friction-related acrochordons adults get. While most are isolated and harmless, some studies associate ear tags with hearing impairment; your pediatrician may consider hearing screening. Renal ultrasound is not routinely needed unless there are other anomalies.

If you see “tags” elsewhere on a newborn’s body, it’s important to have a pediatric clinician examine them there are many benign variants, but congenital lesions are different from adult skin tags and should be properly classified.

Are skin tags dangerous?

No skin tags are benign. However, it’s smart to confirm the diagnosis before DIY removal, especially on eyelids or genitals (where other growths can look similar). A dermatologist can rule out moles, warts, molluscum, neurofibromas, or rare skin cancers and remove tags safely if they snag, hurt, bleed, or bother you cosmetically.

When to see a clinician

1. The “tag” is growing quickly, bleeding, ulcerated, or changing color/shape
2. It’s in a sensitive site (eyelid margin, genitals, anus)
3. You have many new tags in a short time (ask about metabolic screening)
4. You’re unsure if it’s a tag vs something else (wart, mole, etc.)
5. It snags on clothing/jewelry and irritates or bleeds

Do not use “skin-tag patches,” string-tying, or caustic liquids at home misidentification and injury/scarring are common; pro removal is safer.

What you can do to reduce new tags

1. Cut friction in hotspots

1. Choose softer fabrics, avoid tight collars/straps.
2. Use non-comedogenic moisturizers or anti-chafe sticks in the neck, axillae, inner thighs, under breasts.
3. Consider adjusting jewelry (necklaces) that rub.

2. Address weight & fitness gently
   Even modest weight loss or strength training (which can reduce skin folds and improve insulin sensitivity) may decrease friction and the metabolic drivers associated with many tags. (Your clinician or dietitian can tailor a safe plan.)
3. Ask about metabolic screening if tags are numerous
   A cluster of tags especially on the neck/armpits plus features like central adiposity is a cue to discuss HbA1c or fasting glucose, lipids, and blood pressure. Skin can reflect insulin resistance
4. Smart hygiene in the anal area
   If anal tags recur, minimize straining (fiber, fluids, stool softeners), consider sitz baths, and discuss hemorrhoid/fissure management to prevent new tags.

Safe, effective removal options

1. Cryotherapy (freezing) for small tags
2. Snip/excision after local anesthesia (quick, often minimal bleeding)
3. Electrodesiccation/cautery to dry and detach the tag

These are in-office procedures with low risk when diagnosis is clear and the area is properly sterilized. DIY methods risk infection, burns, scars, or misdiagnosis.

Myths vs facts

1. Myth: Skin tags mean cancer.
   Fact: They’re benign; concern is more about metabolic associations and local irritation.
2. Myth: Cutting off tags with string is safe.
   Fact: It can infect, scar, and you might be tying off not-a-tag (like a mole). See a professional.
3. Myth: Only overweight people get tags.
   Fact: Anyone can, but friction, folds, pregnancy, insulin resistance, and genetics raise likelihood.

Differential diagnosis

1. Warts (HPV) rougher surface, black dots, contagious.
2. Molluscum contagiosum pearly papules with a central dimple; spreads via contact.
3. Pedunculated nevi (moles) pigmented and need professional assessment before removal.
4. Neurofibromas soft button-like nodules; associated with neurofibromatosis in clusters.
5. Skin polyps/other adnexal lesions derm evaluation clarifies.

If in doubt, don’t DIY have it examined.

FAQs

Do skin tags go away on their own?

Rarely. They tend to persist until removed. Some tiny ones may shrivel if twisted by friction, but that can irritate the base.

Will better diet or supplements make tags disappear?

No supplement has proven efficacy to remove tags. However, addressing insulin resistance (diet, movement, weight management, sleep) may reduce the appearance of new ones over time.

Can I prevent them entirely?

There’s no guaranteed prevention, but you can minimize friction, maintain healthy weight, and screen for metabolic issues to reduce risk.

The “problem-solving” plan step by step

1. Confirm the diagnosis
   If a growth is new, changing, or in a sensitive site (eyelid, anus, genitals), get a dermatology or primary-care exam.
2. Reduce friction now
   Switch to softer fabrics, adjust straps/collars, use anti-chafe balms in axillae/neck/inner thighs.
3. Check metabolic health if you have many tags
   Ask your clinician about HbA1c/fasting glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Consider nutrition counseling if risks are elevated.
4. If a tag snags, bleeds, or bothers you remove it safely
   Book a quick in-office removal (cryotherapy, snip, or cautery). Skip patches/acidic liquids/string methods.
5. Prevent recurrences where possible
   • Maintain regular bowel habits to avoid hemorrhoid/fissure-related anal tags.
   • Keep moist, high-friction areas dry and protected (powders or moisture-wicking fabrics).
   • Revisit jewelry/clothing choices that rub the neck/axillae.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Risk factors and why tags develop in skin folds; links with diabetes/metabolic syndrome; safe removal. American Academy of Dermatology
• Cleveland Clinic: What causes skin tags; common locations in friction zones. Cleveland Clinic
• StatPearls/NIH: Overview, epidemiology, association with obesity; frequency in adults. NCBI
• DermNet NZ: Definitions, clinical features, professional reference. DermNet
• Anal tags: Links with hemorrhoids/fissures and local irritation; management. The Pharmaceutical Journal
• Insulin resistance linkage: Clinical and research associations between many tags and metabolic risk. PubMed
• Newborn ear (preauricular) tags: Congenital nature and hearing-screening considerations (pediatrics literature). AAFP
• Avoid DIY removal: Risks with patches/at-home methods; see a clinician. Verywell Health

Final word

Skin tags are common and harmless, but they’re also useful signals: they tell you where friction is highest and, when numerous, they can nudge you to check metabolic health. Reduce rubbing, optimize lifestyle, and if removal makes life easier, a quick in-office procedure is the safest, cleanest solution.

Educational only this article does not replace medical advice. See a licensed clinician for diagnosis and treatment personalized to you.