Why Do Skin Tags Show Up on the Neck or Armpits—and How Can You Remove Them Safely?

Skin tags are incredibly common. They are harmless, but that does not stop people from wondering why they appear in certain spots and what the safest way to get rid of them is. Here is a clear, medical explanation without the scare tactics.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, known medically as acrochordons, are small, soft growths that hang off the skin. They are usually flesh colored, painless, and noncancerous.

They tend to appear in places where skin folds or rubs together, including:

Neck
Armpits
Groin
Under the breasts
Eyelids

Why the Neck and Armpits Are So Common

Doctors point to a few well understood reasons.

Friction is the biggest factor.
The neck and armpits are constantly moving. Skin rubs against skin, collars, bras, and fabric. That repeated friction can trigger extra skin growth over time.

Blood sugar and insulin issues play a role.
Skin tags are more common in people with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. High insulin levels can stimulate skin cell growth, which makes tags more likely.

Hormonal changes matter.
Skin tags often appear during pregnancy and become more common with age. Hormones affect how skin cells grow and regenerate.

Genetics counts.
If skin tags run in your family, you are more likely to develop them too.

Weight and skin folds increase risk.
More skin folds mean more friction. Metabolic factors linked to weight can also contribute.

Are Skin Tags Dangerous?

No. Skin tags are benign and do not turn into cancer.

That said, you should see a healthcare provider if a growth:

Changes color, especially dark or black
Bleeds without being injured
Becomes painful
Grows quickly or looks irregular

Those signs suggest it may not be a skin tag.

How to Remove Skin Tags Safely

Doctor recommended options are the safest.
A doctor or dermatologist can remove skin tags quickly using sterile scissors, cauterization, or freezing. These methods lower the risk of infection and scarring.

Be careful with at home methods.
Small tags sometimes fall off on their own, but experts strongly warn against:

Cutting tags with household scissors
Tying off larger tags with floss
Using acids, chemicals, or vinegar
Trying to burn them off

These methods can cause bleeding, infection, scarring, and delayed healing.

Over the counter kits can vary.
Some FDA cleared products exist, but results are inconsistent. Never use them on the face, eyelids, genitals, or large tags. Stop immediately if there is pain or irritation.

Can You Prevent Skin Tags?

You cannot always prevent them, but you can lower your risk by:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing blood sugar levels
Wearing looser, breathable clothing
Keeping skin clean and dry

When to See a Doctor

It is worth making an appointment if:

You are unsure what the growth is
The tag hurts, bleeds, or looks infected
It is on the face, eyelid, or genitals
You want removal without scarring

The Bottom Line

Skin tags on the neck and armpits are common and harmless. They are closely linked to friction, hormones, and metabolism. You do not need to treat them unless they bother you, but professional removal is the safest way to do it.