Skin tags are common, acquired benign skin growths that resemble a small, soft balloon suspended on a slender stalk. Skin tags are harmless growths that can vary in number from one to hundreds. Males and females are equally prone to developing skin tags. Obesity seems to be associated with skin tag development. Although some skin tags may fall off spontaneously, most persist once formed. The medical name for skin tag is acrochordon. Some people call them “skin tabs.”
Early on, skin tags may be as small as a flattened pinhead-sized bump.Skin tags can occur almost anywhere on the body covered by skin. However, the two most common areas for skin tags are the neck and armpits. Other common body areas for the development of skin tags include the eyelids, upper chest (particularly under the female breasts), buttock folds, and groin folds. Tags are typically thought to occur where skin rubs against itself or clothing.Babies who are plump may also develop skin tags in areas where skin rubs against skin, like the sides of the neck. Younger children may develop tags at the upper eyelidareas Older children and preteens may develop tags in the underarm area from friction and repetitive irritation from sports.
Skin tags typically occur in the following characteristic locations:
- Base of the neck
- Underarms
- Eyelids
- Groin folds
- Buttock folds
- Under the breasts
Skin tag facts
- A Skin tag is a small, soft, benign skin growth, often on a stalk.
- Skin tags are probably the single most common bump on adult skin.
- Skin tags are harmless but can be annoying.
- Skin tags tend to occur on the eyelids, neck, armpits, groin folds, and under breasts.
- A person may have anywhere from one to hundreds of skin tags.
- Almost everyone will develop a skin tag at some point in their lives.
- Middle-aged, obese adults are most prone to skin tags.
- Obesity is associated with skin tags.
- Getting rid of a skin tag does not cause more to grow.