The Facts on Skin Tags:

What Is Skin Tags?

Image of arm showing examples of skin tags.

Skin tags are soft, small, flesh-coloured (or slightly darker) skin growths that are usually harmless and painless. The tags stick out from your skin, sometimes with a short, narrow stalk, and may be as long as 1.25 cm.

What Causes Skin Tags?

Skin tags mostly develop on the:

  • Neck
  • Armpits
  • Groin or inner thighs
  • Midsection of the body or under folds of skin

The exact cause of skin tags is not yet known, but they’re believed to occur from skin rubbing against skin. Skin tags are more common in older people, as well as people who are overweight.

Skin Tags Relief & Prevention

Skin tags don’t usually require treatment, but they may rub against clothing or nearby skin and become irritated, bleed, or hurt. You may also simply find them unattractive and want them removed. There are specialized skin tag remover products available at pharmacies for you to use at home. Don’t try to cut a skin tag off yourself, as it can bleed a lot. In most cases, a skin tag will not grow back once it’s removed.