Flat Skin Tags on Face: What to Know

A skin tag, also called an acrochordon, is a soft benign growth that often develops where skin rubs against skin or clothing. Many skin tags hang from a narrow base, although some can appear broad-based or nearly flat. Common facial locations include the eyelid area, cheek, neck and hairline.

A flat spot is not automatically a skin tag. A wart, mole, seborrhoeic keratosis or another lesion can have a similar outline. A clinician may examine its surface, colour, border and attachment, and may recommend testing if the appearance is unusual.

Do not cut, tie off or burn a facial growth at home. These methods can cause bleeding, infection, irritation and a lasting mark, especially near the eye. Avoid picking or shaving across it, and protect the area from sun while it is being assessed.

If removal is wanted because of catching, irritation or appearance, a dermatology clinician can discuss options such as skin tag removal, cryotherapy or electrosurgery. The choice depends on the lesion, its location, skin tone and the clinician’s examination.

Arrange a clinical assessment if the growth is new and changing, becomes painful, bleeds without being rubbed, forms a sore that does not settle, or develops marked colour variation. Seek prompt care for bleeding that will not stop with gentle pressure or swelling near the eye that affects vision.

Ask whether the lesion has the typical features of a skin tag, whether examination or testing is needed, which removal method suits its facial location, and how to reduce irritation and pigment change during healing.