A dark skin tag: what to know

Skin tags are soft growths that often hang from a narrow base in folds such as the neck, underarms, or groin. Friction can irritate one, and twisting may reduce its blood supply, making it darker, sore, or dry. Colour alone does not confirm that a growth is a skin tag. A firm, irregular, bleeding, ulcerated, rapidly enlarging, or newly different lesion may be something else and should be assessed.

Do not cut, tie off, burn, or apply wart remover to a dark growth at home. Rubbing can be reduced with comfortable clothing and gentle skin care. A clinician can examine it and, when suitable, discuss [Skin Tag Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/skin-tag-removal/). Removal methods may include [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/) or [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/), depending on the lesion and location.

Book a dermatology assessment if the growth changes quickly, bleeds without rubbing, becomes persistently painful, develops an open sore, or has an uneven colour or border. Seek prompt care for severe pain, spreading redness, pus, or fever after accidental injury. Examination before treatment helps avoid removing a different type of lesion.

Ask whether the growth has the features of a skin tag, whether it needs testing, which removal method fits its base and location, and what wound care will be needed afterward.