I keep getting skin tags: what should I know?

Skin tags are usually soft, flesh-coloured growths that hang from a narrow base, often where skin or clothing rubs, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin. More can develop over time, and friction may make them catch or twist. A person may have several without any serious problem. However, a mole, wart, or another lesion can resemble a tag, so a changing, firm, dark, bleeding, or painful growth should not be assumed to be a skin tag from appearance alone.

Reduce rubbing where possible and avoid cutting, tying off, freezing, or applying internet remedies at home. These methods can cause bleeding, burns, infection, or a scar and may delay diagnosis of a different lesion. A dermatologist can examine the growth and discuss removal if it catches, bleeds from friction, or bothers you cosmetically. Options may include skin tag removal, cryotherapy, or electrosurgery, selected according to the size, site, and appearance.

Book an assessment for a tag that grows quickly, changes colour or shape, becomes painful, repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or does not have the typical soft, hanging appearance. Seek prompt care for bleeding that will not stop after gentle pressure, or for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge after an attempted removal.

Ask whether the lesion has the typical features of a skin tag, whether it should be tested after removal, which method suits its location, what wound care is needed, and how to reduce rubbing while it heals.