Skin tags are hereditary and typically associated with diabetes and steroid use. However, even people who are a healthy weight and have no medical problems can get skin tags as they grow older. Skin tags may look gross or unsightly, but they are benign skin growths that usually can be ignored. If they are growing someplace where they are frequently bumped or cut, they can bleed or become inflamed. Otherwise, there probably is no reason to worry about them.
The Facts
Skin tags are not a warning sign of any other diseases. They are completely benign growths. However, they can hurt or bleed when rubbed or shaved and can become infected. Skin tags can be easily removed by a dermatologist during an outpatient procedure if they are growing in a place where they bleed.
Causes
According to Medical News Today, the human papillomavirus is associated with skin tag growth, but is not generally considered a direct cause. People with diabetes are prone to growing skin tags, as are those who take steroids (either prescribed or illegal steroids). Pregnancy also can cause skin tags to grow. Skin tags tend to run in families. If you have a grandparent or parent who has these growths you are almost sure to have them yourself. About half the people on the planet grow skin tags, and a majority of women will have them at one time or another in their lives.
Identification
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, skin tags are different from other growths on your skin because they appear to grow on a stalk. They are usually flesh-colored or may be somewhat darker than your skin tone, and look similar to warts. However, a skin tag appears to have a pendulous head rather than growing from the skin in a straight column.
Location
Skin tags grow most commonly in places where your skin creases and folds. The most common location is under the arm; women should be very careful while shaving there. Skin tags frequently grow on the neck and eyelids, but may appear almost anywhere on your body.
Considerations
If you choose to have a skin tag removed, it should not regrow in the same location, though you may still grow skin tags elsewhere on your body. There are usually no complications from having them removed. Because they tend to bleed when cut, your doctor probably will cauterize or freeze the site to reduce the possibility of bleeding and infection.
