Skin Tags: What They Are, Why They Appear, and How They Can Be Removed

Skin tags are incredibly common. In fact, most people will develop at least one during their lifetime — often in the most inconvenient places possible, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, or anywhere clothing seems particularly determined to rub.

While harmless, skin tags can still become a source of frustration, irritation, or self-consciousness for many people, especially when they appear in visible areas.

At Radiant, skin tags are commonly treated using the Plasma Pen, offering a needle-free, minimally invasive approach with little to no downtime. Because although skin tags are medically harmless, that does not necessarily mean people want to keep them forever.

What are skin tags?

Skin tags — also known medically as acrochordons — are small, soft, benign growths that develop on the surface of the skin. They are typically flesh-coloured, soft to touch, smooth or slightly wrinkled, and attached to the skin by a thin stalk. They can vary in size from tiny pinhead-like bumps to larger growths measuring over a centimetre.

Skin tags are non-cancerous and generally harmless. Importantly: they are not contagious.

Where do skin tags usually appear?

Skin tags commonly develop in areas where there is friction, skin folding, or repeated rubbing. Typical areas include the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts — essentially anywhere the skin likes to fold, rub, or become mildly irritated over time. Which means they do seem oddly committed to appearing in the least glamorous locations possible.

What causes skin tags?

The exact cause of skin tags is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development.

1. Friction and skin rubbing

One of the strongest links appears to be repeated friction. This is why skin tags commonly appear in skin folds, under jewellery, along bra lines, in the underarms, and around the neck. Constant rubbing may encourage excess skin growth over time.

2. Ageing

Skin tags become more common as we age, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. Because apparently wrinkles were not considered sufficient by the ageing process.

3. Genetics

Some people appear naturally more prone to developing skin tags than others. If family members have them, there may be an increased likelihood of developing them too.

4. Weight and skin folds

Skin tags are more common in people who are overweight or obese, likely due to increased skin friction in body folds.

5. Hormonal changes

Hormonal fluctuations — particularly during pregnancy — can increase the likelihood of skin tag development. Many women notice new skin tags appearing during the second and third trimester. Hormones are remarkably talented at creating unexpected surprises.

6. Insulin resistance and metabolic conditions

Some studies have linked skin tags with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. This does not mean every skin tag signals an underlying condition, but multiple skin tags appearing suddenly may sometimes warrant further medical assessment.

What do skin tags look like?

Skin tags are usually easy to recognise. They are typically small and soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker, attached by a narrow stalk, painless, and mobile when touched. Some remain tiny, while others gradually enlarge over time. They may occasionally become irritated, red, sore, or inflamed — particularly if caught on clothing, razors, or jewellery.

When should you seek medical advice?

Although skin tags are generally harmless, it is important to seek professional assessment if a lesion changes colour, rapidly changes size, bleeds frequently, becomes painful, looks irregular, or develops crusting or ulceration. This is because not every skin growth is necessarily a skin tag. A proper assessment helps ensure the correct diagnosis before removal.

Are skin tags the same as warts or moles?

No — and this is a very common question. The three are quite different:

Correct identification is important because treatment methods can vary significantly.

How are skin tags removed?

While skin tags do not medically require removal, many people choose treatment for cosmetic reasons, comfort, irritation, or confidence.

Why we use the Plasma Pen at Radiant

At Radiant, skin tags are commonly treated using the Plasma Pen. This treatment uses plasma energy to precisely treat the skin tag without the need for surgical excision, stitches, or needles. Benefits include minimal discomfort, little to no downtime, precise treatment, reduced risk of scarring, and a quick procedure time. For many patients, it is a simple and convenient solution to an annoying problem.

Other treatment options

Cryotherapy involves freezing the skin tag using liquid nitrogen. The tag gradually falls away after treatment. Excision involves a practitioner removing the skin tag using sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel, usually performed under local anaesthetic. Electrocautery uses heat to remove the skin tag and seal the tissue simultaneously. Laser removal uses laser energy to precisely remove skin tags with minimal bleeding.

Should you remove skin tags at home?

Home remedies and over-the-counter products do exist, including skin tag freezing kits, drying solutions, and ligation methods. However, self-removal is not always advisable. Attempting removal at home can lead to infection, bleeding, scarring, and incorrect diagnosis — particularly if the growth has not been properly assessed first. Not every bump deserves a DIY experiment.

What is the aftercare like?

After removal, the area should generally be kept clean, dry, and protected from irritation. A small scab may form temporarily while the skin heals. Most areas heal quickly with minimal disruption to normal activities.

Can skin tags be prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent skin tags entirely, particularly if genetics play a role. However, certain measures may help reduce risk: maintaining a healthy weight, reducing friction, wearing looser clothing, managing skin irritation, and maintaining good skin health. Unfortunately, there is currently no scientifically proven "anti-skin-tag superpower."