Skin tags are one of those things you don’t really think about until they show up. Whether it’s a small bump on your neck, under your arm, or even on your eyelid, they tend to sneak in without warning. And once they’re there, they’re hard to ignore. Skin tags are little, benign growths made of collagen (a type of protein) and blood vessels wrapped in skin. They usually grow in places where skin rubs against itself—under the arms, around the neck, under the breasts, or in the groin. Pretty much anywhere your skin folds.
They’re also incredibly common, especially as we age. Skin tags show up in about one in every two adults, so if you’re dealing with one (or a few), you’re definitely not alone. But knowing how common they are doesn’t always make them less frustrating—especially if they’re in a place where they rub on your clothes or jewelry, or just get in the way.
What Exactly Causes Skin Tags?
Before we talk about getting rid of skin tags (and we will), it’s worth understanding why they show up in the first place. As I mentioned, skin tags tend to appear in areas where there’s a lot of friction—where skin rubs against skin or clothing. This could explain why they’re so common in places like the neck, armpits, or around the groin. If you’re someone who wears necklaces regularly, that could even be enough to irritate the skin around your neck and cause a tag to form.
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But friction isn’t the only culprit. Hormonal changes can also play a role. Women, for example, often develop skin tags during pregnancy, which is thought to be related to both weight gain and those inevitable hormonal shifts. If you have diabetes or insulin resistance, you’re also more likely to develop skin tags. While the exact relationship between insulin and skin tags isn’t completely understood, research shows there’s definitely a connection. And lastly, let’s not forget genetics. If your parents or siblings have skin tags, chances are higher that you’ll get them too.
Does Freezing Skin Tags Work?
Now, onto the part you’ve probably been waiting for: how to get rid of skin tags. One of the most common and effective methods is freezing them off. Freezing skin tags is also known as cryotherapy and involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag to freeze it. The idea is pretty simple: the cold temperature cuts off the blood supply to the tag, and after a few days, it should shrivel up and fall off. Easy, right?
Well, mostly. Freezing works best on smaller skin tags, especially those that are newer or located in easily accessible areas. The process is usually quick, and while it can sting a bit (think of it like holding an ice cube on your skin for too long), the pain is minimal and brief. Plus, since it’s such a targeted treatment, there’s little risk of scarring.
That said, if your skin tags are on the larger side, freezing might not get the job done in one go. You may need to repeat the treatment a few times. And while it’s tempting to try a DIY freezing kit at home, it’s always best to see a professional. Over-the-counter products might not have the same precision as a dermatologist’s tools, and you run the risk of irritating or damaging the surrounding skin.
Other Treatment Options
Freezing isn’t the only option. Dermatologists have a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to skin tag removal. Electrocautery is another common method, which involves burning the tag off using a low-voltage electrical current. This method is especially effective for larger skin tags that might not respond as well to freezing. Like cryotherapy, it’s quick and mostly painless, though there’s a small chance of scarring.
There’s also ligation, which involves tying a small string or band around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply. This one can take a little longer—sometimes up to a week for the tag to fall off—but it’s straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Again, it’s best left to the professionals, as attempting this at home without proper sterilization can lead to infection.
Finally, there’s the simplest (but perhaps most daunting) method: cutting it off. If the skin tag is small, your dermatologist can usually snip it off with a pair of sterilized scissors. It sounds scarier than it is, especially because the area will be numbed beforehand. You’ll be in and out of the office in minutes, and the tag will be gone for good. The only real downside? There’s a risk of minor bleeding or scarring.
Can You Prevent Skin Tags?
So, is there a way to keep skin tags from forming in the first place? Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent them, especially if you’re genetically predisposed. But you can definitely reduce your chances by minimizing friction in areas where they tend to develop.
Start by wearing looser, more breathable clothing, especially in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin. Tight clothing, especially if it’s made from materials that don’t allow the skin to breathe, can increase friction. This leads to tag formation. If you wear jewelry, particularly necklaces or bracelets that rub against your skin, consider giving them a break now and then.
Maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce the likelihood of developing skin tags. The more folds and creases in your skin, the more chances for friction. And more friction means more opportunity for skin tags to form. If you have diabetes or insulin resistance, managing your blood sugar levels with a blood support supplement could potentially help reduce your risk as well. However, more research is needed to confirm this connection.
Moisturizing regularly can also help minimize friction. Use a good lotion, particularly in areas prone to rubbing, like under your arms or around your neck. Moisturized skin tends to glide more easily against itself, reducing the chances of irritation that can lead to skin tag formation.
Should You Worry About Skin Tags?
Most of the time, skin tags are harmless. They don’t turn into cancer, and they’re not a sign of anything more serious. However, if a skin tag starts changing color, growing rapidly, or causing you discomfort, it’s worth getting it checked out by a dermatologist. In rare cases, what looks like a skin tag could actually be something else—like a mole or another type of skin growth that requires treatment.
And while many people opt to remove skin tags for cosmetic reasons, you don’t have to remove them if they’re not bothering you. Skin tags won’t disappear on their own, but if they’re not painful or irritating, you can absolutely leave them be.