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Skin tags

Also called: Skin tags, acrochordons

Small, soft, skin-colored flaps that hang from the skin, often on the neck, armpits, or eyelids. They're harmless.

TypeHarmless skin growth
Common inMiddle age, diabetes, overweight
RemovalOptional

Overview

Skin tags form where skin rubs on skin or clothing.

They aren't cancer and don't turn into cancer.

Skin tags are small, soft growths on a thin stalk, common on the neck, armpits, and eyelids.

They're harmless and don't turn into cancer.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Small, soft flap of skin

Less common

  • Irritation from clothing

Look up a symptom: Small, soft flap of skin

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA growth that bleeds a lot.
See a doctor soonA growth that changes, bleeds, or hurts.

Causes

Skin rubbing, genes, and insulin resistance.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Overweight
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can tell by looking.

The exam

A skin check.

Treatment

No treatment is needed.

Self-care

  • Leave them alone if they don't bother you
  • Don't cut them off at home

A clinician can snip, freeze, or burn them off. Don't cut them off at home.

Prevention

No sure prevention.

  • Healthy weight

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • People with diabetes: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless.

Removal is quick if they bother you.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Can they be removed?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Skin tags

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.