What should you know about increase in skin tags?

Skin tags are soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker growths that may hang from a narrow stalk. They commonly occur where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, or beneath the breasts. New tags can appear over time, especially in areas that experience repeated friction.

A growth that is hard, scaly, very dark, painful, fixed in place, or unlike your other skin tags may be something else. A clinician can usually assess the appearance directly and decide whether testing is needed.

Notice where new growths appear and whether they catch on jewellery, shaving tools, or clothing. Keep rubbing areas comfortable and do not tie off, cut, burn, or apply wart-removal chemicals to a tag at home. Home removal can cause bleeding, infection, scarring, and confusion about the original diagnosis.

If a confirmed skin tag is bothersome or unwanted, a clinician may discuss cryotherapy, electrosurgery, or skin tag removal. The method depends on its size, stalk, location, skin type, and whether the diagnosis is certain.

Arrange a skin examination for a growth that changes quickly, bleeds without repeated friction, becomes painful, ulcerates, or develops an irregular colour or surface. Seek urgent help if bleeding does not stop with firm pressure, or if an injured area becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, or produces pus.

Ask whether the growths have the typical appearance of skin tags, whether any need sampling, which removal option fits the location, and how to protect the area while it heals. Ask whether recurrent rubbing or another skin issue is contributing.