Skin tags—those small, soft growths that often show up on the neck, armpits, or other skin folds—are extremely common. While they can be annoying or cosmetically bothersome, experts agree on one reassuring fact: skin tags are almost always harmless. Here’s what causes them, who’s more likely to get them, and the safest ways to remove them.
What Exactly Are Skin Tags?
Medically known as acrochordons, skin tags are benign growths made of collagen fibers, blood vessels, and skin cells. They’re usually:
- Flesh-colored or slightly darker
- Soft and movable
- Attached by a small stalk
They tend to appear where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
Why the Neck and Armpits?
Experts point to a few key reasons these areas are hotspots:
1. Friction
Constant rubbing—necklaces, collars, bras, or arm movement—can irritate skin and encourage skin tag formation.
2. Hormonal Factors
Skin tags are more common during pregnancy and in people with hormonal changes, suggesting hormones may play a role.
3. Genetics
If close family members have skin tags, you’re more likely to develop them too.
4. Insulin Resistance
Research has found links between skin tags and insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While skin tags don’t cause these conditions, they can sometimes be a visible clue.
5. Age
They’re more common after age 40, though younger people can get them too.
Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
In the vast majority of cases, no. Skin tags are benign and don’t turn into cancer. However, you should see a healthcare professional if a growth:
- Changes color or shape rapidly
- Bleeds without being irritated
- Becomes painful
- Looks very different from your other skin tags
These signs don’t automatically mean something serious—but they’re worth checking.
How Can Skin Tags Be Safely Removed?
Medical Removal (Best Option)
Dermatologists can remove skin tags quickly and safely using:
- Snipping with sterile instruments
- Freezing (cryotherapy)
- Cauterization
These methods are fast, usually painless, and minimize infection risk.
At-Home Options: Proceed With Caution
While over-the-counter products and home remedies are widely advertised, experts warn that DIY removal can lead to:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Mistaking another skin condition for a skin tag
Never cut, burn, or tie off a growth unless a professional has confirmed it’s a skin tag.
Can You Prevent Skin Tags?
There’s no guaranteed way to stop them, but you may reduce risk by:
- Minimizing skin friction
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing blood sugar levels
- Wearing breathable, non-restrictive clothing
The Bottom Line
Skin tags on the neck or armpits are common, harmless, and usually caused by friction, genetics, or metabolic factors. While they don’t require treatment, safe removal is simple when done by a professional.
If a growth worries you—or just bothers you—getting it checked is always the smartest move.
