If you’ve noticed soft, flesh-colored bumps around your neck, underarms, or inner thighs, you’re not alone. These little growths, commonly known as skin tags, are extremely common, especially in adults. While they’re completely harmless, many people wonder why skin tags develop in the first place. In this article, we’ll break down what causes skin tags, what your body might be telling you, and how to naturally manage the risk of developing more.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are benign skin growths made of collagen fibers, fat cells, and blood vessels. They typically appear in skin folds or areas where your skin rubs against itself or clothing, like the neck, armpits, groin, under the breasts, and eyelids.
Though painless and non-cancerous, skin tags can be bothersome due to their appearance or location. And while they’re more common as we age, the reasons behind their development go deeper than just growing older.
The Main Causes of Skin Tags
1. Skin Friction
One of the most common and scientifically supported causes of skin tags is friction. When skin continuously rubs against itself, especially in high-moisture areas like underarms, thighs, or the neck, it can cause irritation. This irritation may lead to excess skin growth, which can turn into a tag over time.
People who wear tight collars, heavy jewelry, or snug-fitting clothes are more likely to develop skin tags in those areas due to constant skin contact.
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2. Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during pregnancy, are often linked to the sudden appearance of skin tags. Elevated levels of certain hormones can trigger skin cell multiplication and soft tissue growth, especially in areas that are already under friction or pressure.
This is why many women report developing new skin tags during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
3. Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health
Several studies suggest a strong connection between insulin resistance and the appearance of skin tags. People with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome tend to develop more skin tags than others.
In fact, multiple skin tags can sometimes be an early sign of underlying blood sugar imbalance. Insulin resistance may increase the release of growth factors that stimulate abnormal skin growth, particularly in areas prone to rubbing.
4. Obesity and Weight Gain
Excess weight leads to more skin folds and more friction, both of which are ideal conditions for skin tags to form. Individuals who are overweight or obese are significantly more prone to developing tags, especially on the neck, thighs, and underarms.
It’s also worth noting that excess body fat can worsen insulin resistance, compounding the risk factors.
5. Genetic Predisposition
If your parents or close family members have multiple skin tags, there’s a good chance you may develop them too. While lifestyle plays a role, genetics can influence how your skin responds to environmental triggers like friction or hormones.
6. Aging Skin
Skin tags are most commonly seen in people over the age of 40. As skin ages, it becomes thinner and loses elasticity, making it more susceptible to stretching, folding, and friction-related growths. Combined with slowed cell turnover, this sets the perfect stage for minor skin irregularities to develop.
7. HPV and Viral Links (Less Common)
In some studies, human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was found in skin tags, leading researchers to believe that certain strains might contribute to skin tag formation. While this theory is not yet fully proven, it adds another potential layer to the causes, especially in individuals who are prone to warts and other viral skin conditions.
Are Skin Tags a Health Concern?
In most cases, no. Skin tags are non-cancerous and don’t require treatment unless they’re causing discomfort, bleeding, or irritation. However, if you notice a sudden increase in tags, especially around the neck or underarms, it might be worth checking your blood sugar levels or discussing it with a healthcare provider.
How to Prevent Skin Tags from Forming
While not all skin tags can be prevented especially if they’re genetic you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing loose, breathable clothing to reduce friction
- Maintaining a healthy weight to avoid excess skin folds
- Improving insulin sensitivity through diet and exercise
- Keeping skin dry and clean, especially in warm areas
- Moisturizing areas prone to rubbing, like thighs and underarms
These simple habits can go a long way in keeping your skin smooth and tag-free.
So, why do skin tags happen? The answer lies in a mix of skin friction, hormonal changes, metabolic imbalances, and your unique genetic makeup. Although they’re rarely a cause for concern, skin tags can sometimes be a clue about what’s happening inside your body, especially when linked to insulin resistance or rapid weight gain.
If you’re looking for natural ways to prevent or remove them, check out our guide on natural skin tag remedies or explore diet-based tips for skin clarity and balance. And as always, monitor your skin regularly and talk to your dermatologist if anything looks unusual.