Why Skin Tags Appear on Your Neck or Armpits—and How to Deal With Them Safely
Skin tags, or acrochordons, are small, soft, flesh-colored growths that hang off the skin. They’re usually harmless and painless, but they tend to appear in places where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Common spots include the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and even eyelids.
Why They Happen
Doctors point to several main causes:
Friction: Constant rubbing—like from collars, bras, or skin folds—can trigger extra skin growth.
Insulin and Blood Sugar Issues: Skin tags are linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. High insulin levels may stimulate skin cell growth.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, middle age, or other hormonal shifts can increase skin tag formation.
Genetics: If your parents had them, you’re more likely to get them too.
Weight and Skin Folds: Extra skin and friction in overweight individuals can lead to more skin tags.
Are They Dangerous?
No, skin tags are noncancerous. But you should see a doctor if a growth:
Changes color or turns dark
Bleeds without injury
Becomes painful
Grows quickly or looks unusual
These could be signs of something else.
Safe Removal Options
In-office procedures: Doctors can remove tags with sterile scissors, freezing (cryotherapy), or cauterization. These are fast, safe, and minimize infection risk.
Avoid DIY cutting or harsh chemicals: Methods like tying floss, using scissors at home, or applying acids can cause bleeding, infection, and scarring.
Over-the-counter kits: Some FDA-approved kits exist, but follow instructions carefully and avoid sensitive areas.
Reducing Risk
You can’t always prevent skin tags, but you can lower the risk by:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing blood sugar
Reducing friction with looser clothing
Keeping skin clean and dry
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional advice if you’re unsure about a growth, it’s painful, on sensitive areas like the face or genitals, or if you want safe removal without scarring.
In short, skin tags are common and harmless. If they bother you, professional removal is the safest route, and managing friction and health factors may reduce new growths.
