Skin Tags

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags (also called acrochordons) are small, soft, benign growths of skin that hang off the body. They are usually flesh-coloured or slightly darker and attached by a thin stalk.

They are harmless and non-cancerous, but many people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated.

Causes

The exact cause isn’t fully known, but common contributing factors include:

• Friction – often occur in skin folds where skin rubs together (neck, armpits, groin).
• Genetics – can run in families.
• Hormonal changes – pregnancy, menopause, or hormone imbalances.
• Obesity / excess weight – increases skin friction.
• Insulin resistance & diabetes – higher risk of developing multiple skin tags.
• Ageing – more common in middle-aged and older adults.

Symptoms / Appearance

• Small, soft, hanging bumps of skin.
• Colour – same as skin tone or slightly darker.
• Size – from a few millimetres to about 1–2 cm.
• Usually painless, but may become irritated by clothing, jewellery, or shaving.

Treatments

• Skin tags are harmless and do not require treatment unless they are bothersome.

Professional Treatments

• Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) – skin tag falls off after treatment.
• Cauterisation (burning off with heat) – seals the skin at the same time.
• Surgical removal – quick snip under sterile conditions.
• Laser removal – precise and effective for multiple tags.
• Do not attempt home removal – pulling, tying, or cutting tags yourself can cause bleeding, infection, or scarring.

View our treatments

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce skin folds and friction.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing to reduce rubbing.
• Manage blood sugar levels if diabetic.
• Regular skin checks for multiple growths.

FAQs

Q1. Are skin tags dangerous?
No – they are completely benign and not linked to cancer.

Q2. Can skin tags grow back after removal?
The same one will not grow back, but new tags may appear in other areas.

Q3. Do skin tags fall off naturally?
Rarely – most remain unless professionally removed.

Q4. Are skin tags contagious?
No – they are not infections and cannot spread between people.

Q5. Who is most at risk of getting skin tags?
People who are overweight, diabetic, pregnant, or have a family history of skin tags.