Skin Tag

Skin Tag

Skin Problems Slideshow

Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is a skin tag?
• Where do skin tags occur?
• Who tends to get skin tags?
• Is a skin tag a tumor?
• What does a skin tag look like under a microscope?
• What problems do skin tags cause?
• How are skin tags treated?
• Do skin tags need to be sent for pathology?
• What else could it be?
• Is there another medical name for a skin tag?
• Skin Tag At A Glance
• Pictures of Skin Problems - Slideshow
• Patient Discussions: Skin Tag - Describe Your Experience

What is a skin tag?

A skin tag is a common, acquired benign skin growth that looks like a small piece of hanging skin. Skin tags are often described as bits of skin- or flesh-colored tissue that projects from the surrounding skin from a small, narrow stalk. They typically occur in characteristic locations including the neck, underarms, eyelids, and under the breasts (especially where underwire bras rub directly beneath the breasts). Although skin tags may vary somewhat in appearance, they are usually smooth or slightly wrinkled and irregular, flesh-colored or slightly more brown, and hang from the skin by a small stalk. Early or beginning skin tags may be as small as a flattened pinpoint-sized bump around the neck. Some skin tags may be as large as a big grape.

Where do skin tags occur?

Skin tags can occur almost anywhere there is skin. However, favorite areas for tags are the eyelids, neck, armpits, upper chest (particularly under the female breasts), and groin folds. Tags are typically thought to occur in characteristic locations where skin rubs against skin or clothing.

Who tends to get skin tags?

Nearly half of the population is reported to have skin tags at some time. Although tags are generally acquired (not present at birth) and may occur in anyone, more often they arise in adulthood. They are much more common in middle age and they tend to increase in prevalence up to age 60. Children and toddlers may also develop skin tags in the underarm and neck areas. Since they are thought to arise more readily in areas of skin friction or rubbing, tags are also more common in overweight people.

Picture of skin tags

Hormone elevations, such as those seen during pregnancy, may cause an increase in the formation of skin tags, as skin tags are more frequent in pregnant women. Tags may be easily removed during or after pregnancy.

Skin tags are a benign condition and not directly associated with any other major medical conditions, since tags are commonly found on healthy people.

Skin Tag - Describe Your Experience

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with skin tags.

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