What Causes Skin Tags? Risk Factors and Prevention

Skin tags are small, soft growths that hang off your skin, appearing most commonly on the neck, underarms, eyelids, and groin area. While harmless, these growths affect roughly 50 to 60% of adults during their lifetime, with the likelihood increasing after age 40. Understanding what causes skin tags can help you reduce your risk and know when to seek professional care.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, develop when clusters of collagen and blood vessels become trapped inside thicker pieces of skin. These benign growths are not cancerous and don't pose health risks, though they can become irritated or catch on clothing and jewelry.

Main Causes of Skin Tag Formation

Friction and Skin Rubbing

The primary cause of skin tags is friction from skin rubbing against skin, clothing, or jewelry. This explains why they commonly appear in skin folds and areas where movement creates constant friction. The mechanical stress from repeated rubbing triggers the skin to produce extra cells, leading to these small growths.

Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Factors

Research shows a strong connection between skin tags and metabolic health. People with insulin resistance have elevated insulin levels that act as growth signals for skin cells. This process involves insulin-like growth factors that stimulate skin cell production in affected areas. Studies indicate that individuals with multiple skin tags have an 11 times higher risk of metabolic syndrome compared to those without skin tags.

Age and Skin Changes

Natural aging contributes to skin tag development through loss of skin elasticity and years of accumulated friction. Skin tags become increasingly common in middle age and beyond, as the skin's structure changes and becomes more prone to forming these growths.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Certain groups face higher risks for developing skin tags:

People with obesity experience more skin folds and friction, creating ideal conditions for skin tag formation. Those with diabetes or prediabetes have higher insulin levels that promote skin cell growth. Pregnant women often develop skin tags due to hormonal changes, particularly elevated estrogen and progesterone. Genetics also play a role—having a close family member with skin tags increases your likelihood of developing them.

In a 2023 study of 1,000 participants, 30% had skin tags, and 95% of those individuals had additional health conditions like diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Prevention Strategies

While you can't prevent skin tags entirely, these strategies may reduce your risk:

Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise to minimize skin folds and improve metabolic health. Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce friction in prone areas like the neck, underarms, and groin. Keep your skin clean and dry, especially in fold areas, to prevent irritation. Avoid wearing tight necklaces or jewelry that constantly rubs against your skin. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, work with your healthcare provider to manage blood sugar levels.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist if you develop numerous skin tags suddenly, as this may indicate an underlying metabolic condition requiring evaluation. Seek professional care if a skin tag becomes painful, bleeds, changes color, or grows rapidly. Never attempt to remove skin tags yourself, as this can lead to infection or scarring. A dermatologist can safely remove bothersome skin tags through simple in-office procedures.

If you're developing multiple skin tags alongside other symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight changes, discuss screening for diabetes or metabolic syndrome with your healthcare provider.