Welcome to the skin tags website. In this website, we explain what skin tags are, how they are caused and how they can be treated.


What are skin tags?


Skin tags little bits of skin-coloured tissue that hang off of the skin in certain areas. They are most commonly found around the neck (collar line), armpits, under the bust line in females and in the groin.
 

They are actually part of the skin itself, rather than being a growth or anything else on the skin. They are skin coloured and although usually small, can grow to be quite large and fleshy. As they get bigger, they do have a blood supply although they do not usually have nerves within them.

They are not at all dangerous as they are only extra skin, but they can be either cosmetically unsightly or can catch on clothes and be quite sore. Or rubbed by clothes, the skin surface can be breached and an infection within the skin tag can occur.


How are skin tags formed?


Skin tags are found in areas where there is constant rubbing (friction) of the skin.

Around the neckline, it is collar of shirts that causes this friction. Under the armpits, clothes tend to get caught and with the addition of perspiration (sweat) the skin can get damaged and become irritated allowing the formation of the skin tags.

In women, the bra strap particularly under the bust similarly can cause friction and the development of skin tags. In the groin, tight elasticated underwear is usually the cause.

Skin tags tend not to be found elsewhere unless specific fashions or apparel causes friction regularly over a long period of time, in which case skin tags can be formed.