My skin tag is getting bigger: what should I know?

Skin tags are soft growths that often arise where skin or clothing rubs, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids or skin folds. A tag may become more noticeable through friction, swelling or gradual growth. However, not every bump is a skin tag, and a changing lesion can resemble other growths. Bleeding without rubbing, a firm base, marked asymmetry, a crusted surface or several colour changes are reasons for a clinician to look closely.

Do not cut, tie off, burn or apply unlabelled chemicals to the growth. Keep clothing and jewellery from rubbing it, and take a dated photograph beside a simple size reference for comparison. Arrange a dermatology appointment, particularly if the change is recent or rapid. If removal is appropriate, options may include Skin Tag Removal, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal) or Electrosurgery; the choice depends on the growth’s location, attachment and diagnosis.

Seek prompt assessment for bleeding, ulceration, persistent pain, rapid enlargement, a sudden colour change or a lesion that becomes hard or fixed. Get urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, spreading redness with fever or severe swelling near the eye. A clinician may decide that examination or testing is needed before removal.

Does this still look like a skin tag? What changes make removal or further examination advisable? Which removal method suits this site, and how should I care for the area afterward?