Overview of skin tags
Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small soft growths that protrude from the skin. They commonly appear on areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Most skin tags are harmless and asymptomatic, though some may itch or snag on clothing. In clinical practice, distinguishing them from warts or other lesions is essential for proper management.
Although the exact cause remains unclear, several factors are consistently linked to their development. Hormonal fluctuations, aging, and friction in skin folds contribute to cellular proliferation that forms tags. Obesity increases skin surface friction and may elevate the risk of multiple tags, especially in folds. In Korean clinics, practitioners note that metabolic factors commonly seen with ageing populations correlate with tag development.
Hormonal factors
Hormonal changes are frequently observed before or during pregnancy and in diabetes, coinciding with new skin tags. Estrogen, insulin-like growth factors, and other signaling molecules can influence skin cell growth and tissue remodeling. These processes may explain why skin tags appear more often in certain hormonal states.
Beyond pregnancy, hormonal states linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome may amplify tag formation. In practice, patients with higher body mass index often present with multiple tags in folds. This pattern supports a hormonal and metabolic contribution rather than a single cause.
Obesity and skin tags
Obesity increases skin surface friction, especially in neck, underarms, and groin areas where tags frequently arise. Excess weight also correlates with insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation, creating a tissue environment that favors growths. These conditions raise the likelihood of appearance over time.
Genetic predisposition may also play a role, explaining why some families have multiple cases. Managing weight and reducing friction can help limit new growths, though existing tags usually persist. Dermatology clinics emphasize careful history taking to identify metabolic risk factors.
Treatment considerations
When removal is desired for cosmetic reasons or irritation, dermatologists offer several approaches. Excision with sterile scissors or punches can remove tags quickly with minimal downtime. Electrocautery and cryotherapy are common choices for larger tags or multiple lesions.
Laser-assisted methods are increasingly used in clinics with advanced equipment, offering precision and faster healing. In Korea, clinics emphasize precise technique and sterile aftercare to minimize scarring. Post removal, patients should monitor for redness, itching, or recurrence and follow up if new growths appear. Self treatment or attempting to strip tags at home is not advised due to bleeding and infection risk. Choosing the right method depends on tag size, location and patient preference, with a dermatologist guiding the decision.