Skin tags
Skin tags are small soft growths of skin hanging from a narrow stalk. They are entirely benign, very common from middle age onwards and not contagious.
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Skin tags are small soft growths of skin hanging from a narrow stalk. They are entirely benign, very common from middle age onwards and not contagious. They are mainly a nuisance when they catch on clothing or jewellery. Their real medical interest lies elsewhere: when many appear at once, they are usually a clue to insulin resistance.
What they look like
- soft growths 1–5 mm across, sometimes larger;
- skin-coloured or slightly darker;
- hanging, attached by a narrow stalk;
- a smooth or slightly wrinkled surface;
- painless, unless twisted or caught;
- sites: neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, under the breasts, and areas of folding and friction;
- there are often several, appearing over the years.
Why they appear
- skin rubbing against itself or against clothing: which is why they appear in the folds;
- age: they are more common after 40;
- family predisposition;
- insulin resistance, excess weight, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: the association is well established;
- polycystic ovary syndrome;
- pregnancy, through hormonal change;
- lipid abnormalities;
- less commonly, some inherited syndromes when they are very numerous and appear at a young age.
If many have appeared over a short period, particularly alongside dark velvety patches in the folds, it makes sense to have your blood glucose checked.
When to see a doctor
- the lesion has changed colour, grown or hardened;
- it bleeds, ulcerates or hurts without having been caught;
- it has several colours or irregular borders;
- many have appeared in a short time;
- it is on an eyelid or another delicate area;
- it has turned black and painful: the stalk may have twisted and lost its blood supply, which is easily dealt with but should be seen;
- you are not certain it is a skin tag;
- you want them removed for comfort or appearance.
The reason for this list is simple: some lesions that look like skin tags are not. A mole, a seborrhoeic keratosis, a basal cell carcinoma or even a melanoma can be mistaken for one, particularly if pigmented.
How they are removed
The procedure is quick and done in clinic.
- snipping with surgical scissors, with or without local anaesthetic depending on size: the usual method for small lesions;
- electrocautery;
- cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen;
- ligation of the stalk for lesions with a very narrow base;
- histological examination if the lesion is atypical.
A small scab usually forms and falls off within one to two weeks. A temporary pale or dark mark may remain. Removing them does not prevent new ones appearing elsewhere.
What not to do at home
- do not cut them off with household scissors or nail clippers: they bleed more than expected and there is a risk of infection;
- do not tie them off with thread: the result is painful, poorly controlled and often becomes infected;
- do not use "wart removal" acid creams: they damage the surrounding healthy skin and are not indicated here;
- do not pull them off;
- take particular care if you have diabetes or take anticoagulants: any procedure should be done by a professional;
- never on the eyelids yourself.
How to reduce new ones appearing
- manage your weight;
- address insulin resistance: physical activity and fewer fast-absorbed sugars;
- reduce friction: clothing that does not press on the neck and groin, natural fabrics;
- keep skin folds dry;
- avoid necklaces and chains that rub constantly;
- check your blood glucose periodically if you have risk factors.
Common questions
Are they contagious? No. Despite sometimes being called papillomas, they have no connection with the human papillomavirus or with warts.
Do they turn cancerous? No. But it is worth confirming that what you have really is a skin tag.
Will they come back after removal? In the same spot, rarely. Elsewhere, likely if the contributing factors persist.
Does removal hurt? Very little. Small ones are snipped almost painlessly; larger ones are done under local anaesthetic.
Is removal covered by the health service? It depends: if they are troublesome, bleed or there is diagnostic doubt, it is usually considered; if purely cosmetic, generally not.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor reviews photographs, confirms these are skin tags rather than another lesion, advises the most suitable removal method, considers whether your blood glucose is worth checking given their number and distribution, and explains how to reduce new ones forming.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
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Reviewed on Jul 6, 2026
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