The medical name for a skin tag is acrochordon, which is a common, acquired benign skin growth, or bits of pigmented tissue that project from the surrounding skin from a small, narrow stalk (pedunculated). Some people call these growths "skin tags." These harmless growths can vary in number from one to hundreds. They are not dangerous, although sometimes unsightly and bothersome. Although some skin tags may fall off spontaneously, most persist once formed.

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What does a skin tag look like?

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Skin tags look like tiny, soft balloons of hanging skin, either flesh-colored or darkly pigmented. Early on, skin tags may be as small as a flattened pinhead-sized bump. While most tags typically are small (2 mm-5 mm in diameter) at approximately one-third to one-half the size of a pencil eraser, some skin tags may become as large as a big grape (1 cm in diameter) or a fig (5 cm in diameter)

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Where do skin tags appear?

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They are usually found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts or in the groin area, but can also grow on the eyelids and face. 

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Who gets skin tags?

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Males and females are equally prone to developing skin tags, however, they appear most often in women, especially with weight gain, pregnancy, and in elderly people. More than half of the general population has reported having skin tags at some time in their lives. They are much more common in middle age, and they tend to increase in prevalence up to age 60. Children and toddlers may also develop skin tags, particularly in the underarm and neck areas. 

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What causes a skin tag? 

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Although skin tags are generally acquired (not present at birth) and may occur in anyone, more often they arise in adulthood. Hormone elevations, such as those seen during pregnancy, may cause an increase in the formation of skin tags and are more common in overweight people, mostly in areas where skin touches the skin. There also seems to be a prevalence in patients who are predisposed to have high blood fats and sugar, such as with diabetics.

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Should I have them removed?

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Skin tags usually don't cause any pain and are not harmful (cancerous), however, they can become irritated if anything rubs against them, such as clothing or jewelry. Some people have them removed for cosmetic reasons, especially in cases with a large number presenting in visible areas as with the neck.

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