What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags (acrochordon) are pieces of tissue that are predominantly found on the neck, under the arms, chest, and back, and in other places on the body. While they are not dangerous, a skin tag can be painful when they get caught on a piece of clothing or a section of jewelry.

 

Skin tags start as a small, narrow stalk and grow to include the surrounding skin. They are usually tiny, sometimes as small as the head of a pin. Still, they can also develop as large as 5 cm in diameter. The most common locations for skin tags are the neck and the armpits, but they can grow anywhere there is skin.

 

While men and women are equally affected by skin tags, some people are more prone to developing them than others. Obesity is one of the main factors that significantly increases your chances of developing skin tags. In women, more prominent breasts also increase the chances of developing skin tags underneath the breasts, conveniently right where the bra wire sits.

 

 

Heredity plays a part in the predisposition for developing skin tags as well. If skin tags run in your family, you are much more likely to develop them. Most tags will not fall off on their own, and treatment is necessary if you want to eliminate them.

Another common influence in skin tag development is increased hormones during pregnancy. In addition to extra weight, these hormones may cause excess skin tags. Doctors are not entirely sure why this is but are aware that pregnant women see an increase in skin tags during their pregnancy.