Skin Tags: Causes, Triggers, and Prevention Tips
Ever spotted a soft, skin-coloured bump on your neck or under your arm and wondered what on earth is that? It doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t bleed. But it definitely wasn’t there last year.
You’re not alone. Those fleshy little growths—called skin tags—are incredibly common. For many people, they’re nothing more than a minor cosmetic issue. But for others, they can cause discomfort, embarrassment, or skin irritation. Especially when they multiply.
The good news? You don’t have to live with them. At Clarion Medical and Aesthetics, we understand how these seemingly small skin issues can take a toll. We offer safe, evidence-based treatments tailored to your needs. Because every skin type deserves personalised care and expert attention.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as fibroepithelial polyps or cutaneous papillomas, are small, benign growths that form on the surface of the skin. They tend to be soft, often slightly raised, and usually flesh-toned or slightly darker.
They’re made up of collagen fibres, blood vessels, and a thin layer of skin. These harmless growths often dangle on a tiny stalk, giving them that classic “tag” appearance.
They most commonly show up in:
Neck folds
Armpits
Eyelids
Groin area
Under the breasts
These are all areas where skin frequently rubs against skin—a key factor in the development of skin tags.
How Common Are Skin Tags?
Very. Experts estimate that over 50% of adults will get at least one skin tag in their lifetime. They’re especially common in:
Middle-aged and older individuals
People with excess body weight
Those with diabetes or insulin resistance
Pregnant women (due to hormonal imbalances)
But don’t worry—they’re not contagious, and most skin tags are completely harmless.
Are They Harmful or Just Annoying?
For most people, skin tags aren’t a health issue. They don’t lead to skin cancer or other dangerous conditions. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless in every way.
Here’s when they can become a problem:
Skin irritation from rubbing or clothing friction
Getting caught in zippers or jewellery
Bleeding when accidentally scratched
Causing embarrassment in visible areas
In some cases, lots of skin tags appearing quickly may signal an underlying health condition like hormonal imbalance or insulin resistance. It’s rare, but worth checking with a healthcare professional if you notice sudden changes.
What Causes Skin Tags to Form?
Let’s talk triggers. Here’s what causes skin tags, according to science:
Friction: When skin repeatedly rubs against skin or clothing
Hormonal fluctuations: Common during pregnancy or menopause
Genetic predisposition: A Family history of skin tags increases your risk
Insulin resistance: Seen in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
HPV (human papillomavirus): Linked in some studies to skin tag development
Ageing: Your skin naturally changes as collagen and elastin break down
Simply put, skin tag causes often boil down to repeated irritation, hormonal shifts, and specific metabolic changes. Understanding your own risk factors is the first step in prevention.
Everyday Habits That May Be Making Them Worse
Here’s the thing. You may be accidentally increasing your likelihood of skin tags just through daily routines.
Watch out for:
Tight clothing: Anything that chafes or squeezes the skin
Poor hygiene in humid areas: Sweat and bacteria can irritate skin folds
Excess sugar intake: May worsen insulin resistance
Wearing heavy jewellery: Especially around the neck
Skipping regular skin checks: Early detection makes a difference
Quick tip: Swapping to loose-fitting clothing and maintaining clean, dry skin, especially in folds, can go a long way in reducing irritation.
Are You at Risk? Let’s Break It Down
Certain groups of people are just more prone to skin tag formation than others. If any of the following sound familiar, your risk for skin tags might be higher:
Family history of skin tags
Overweight or obese
Pregnant or experiencing hormonal shifts
Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
Aged 40 and above
Frequently exposed to friction or skin pressure
Living in hot, humid climates
But remember—having risk factors doesn’t mean skin tags are inevitable. It just means prevention matters even more.
Can You Actually Prevent Skin Tags?
Yes—and no. You can’t always stop skin tags from forming. Some are just down to genetics or natural ageing.
That said, controlling the main skin tag causes can reduce your risk significantly.
Try this:
Keep your skin clean and dry, especially in folds
Maintain a healthy body weight
Choose loose-fitting clothes and breathable fabrics
Eat a balanced diet to regulate blood sugar
Stay on top of hormonal health with regular checkups
Limit friction-prone accessories like chokers or tight bands
Prevention isn’t about perfection. It’s about making skin-friendly choices consistently.
Safe Ways to Remove Skin Tags
Let’s get one thing clear: Do NOT try to cut off a skin tag at home with scissors or string. It can lead to:
Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Unintended damage to nearby skin
So what are your options?
Professional skin tag removal methods include:
Cryotherapy: Freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen
Cauterisation: Burning off the tag with controlled heat
Excision: Using surgical scissors for precise removal
Ligation: Cutting off the blood supply so the tag falls off naturally
Each method has pros and cons. A visual examination by a qualified provider can help determine what’s right for you.
When to See a Doctor
You should seek medical attention if:
The tag is painful, bleeds often, or changes in appearance
You have multiple new skin tags in a short time
You’re not sure it’s a tag—it might be another skin condition
You want it removed for cosmetic reasons or comfort
Skin tags are typically benign growths, but ruling out rare issues like skin cancer is always smart. Better safe than sorry.
How Clarion Medical and Aesthetics Can Help
At Clarion Medical and Aesthetics, we believe every patient deserves individualised, modern care—and that includes treating even the smallest skin concerns with precision and compassion.
We offer:
Accurate diagnosis through expert visual evaluation
Safe removal using medically approved techniques
Personalised treatment plans based on your skin type and medical history
A strong emphasis on safety, hygiene, and minimal discomfort
Support in managing underlying health conditions linked to skin tags
Our team stays ahead of the curve with the latest technology and clinical knowledge. Because your skin deserves nothing less.
Ready to Treat Those Skin Tags? We’re Here to Help
Skin tags may be harmless. But they can still mess with your confidence, comfort, or daily routine.
Tired of guessing if it’s safe to snip that tag yourself? Or wondering if it’s really just a skin tag?
At Clarion Medical and Aesthetics, we make skin tag removal safe, simple, and stress-free. Our tailored approach means you get precise results with minimal downtime. Plus, expert guidance on keeping your skin healthy moving forward.
Let our specialists take a look. At Clarion Medical and Aesthetics, you’ll get answers, effective removal, and skin advice you can trust. Book your consultation today—because healthy skin starts with expert care!