What Causes Skin Tags

Skin tags are small growths which appear on the skin and are composed of nerve cells, fat cells, fibers and ducts, and an outer epidermal covering. Most of these skin tags grow on stalk-like extensions on the skin. Such stalk-like structures are called peduncles. Skin tags are also known as cutaneous papilloma, fibroma molluscum, acrochordon, soft fibroma, papilloma colli, cutaneous tag, fibroepithelial polyp, etc. These growths are commonly seen in adults rather than in infants and kids. Skin tags vary in shape and size in different individuals. Most of these growths have irregular shapes and are either smooth or wrinkled. On its emergence, the skin tag may appear as a small bump on the skin. Usually small in size, these skin tags may sometimes grow to the size of a big grape too.

Location of Skin Tags

Skin tags can appear anywhere on the skin, but usually, they are seen in some special locations like the neckline, armpits, groin, beneath the breasts and eyelids. The most common location where skin tags occur are the armpits. In some cases, clusters of skin tags are also seen in the armpits. As these skin growths are common to certain locations only, skin tag causes are said to be related to skin friction. The areas mentioned above are constantly subjected to friction, which results in the emergence of skin tags.

What Causes Skin Tags?

Skin tags are so common, that according to some studies, almost 50% of the adults have at least one in a lifetime. Till date, no specific cause has been identified as the reason for the emergence of skin tags. Several theories are associated with the occurrence of these skin growths. The following are some of the factors regarding what causes skin tags.

• As mentioned earlier, most of the researchers believe that skin tags are caused by skin friction. Friction can be caused by clothes, jewelery or other body parts. While neckline friction is mainly due to clothes and jewelery, in case of armpits, it is the friction between the skin itself or with clothes. The same applies to groin and the underside of the breasts.
• Causes of skin tags include the use of illegal steroids. Improper use of steroids not prescribed by a doctor, can negatively affect the body, causing the bonding of collagen fibers, which results in the formation of skin tags.
• It is also observed that some hormonal changes can trigger the emergence of skin tags. This explains the occurrence of these skin growths during pregnancy.
• Skin tag causes include sagging skin as well. That is why obese people are more prone to this condition than others. Sagging skin often causes friction, which aggravates the possibility of developing skin tags.
• Skin tags are common among diabetic people, which links this condition to the problems associated with insulin production and action.
• Finally, skin tags are also linked to the human papiloma virus, which is behind the occurrence of warts.

Whatever the skin tag causes may be, they are not a threat to the health of the affected person, but they can cause embarrassment, as it is an unpleasant sight. However, there are various methods to remove these unwanted growths on the skin. Sometimes, some of these growths may even fall off on their own. As they are not medically harmful to one's health, there is no urgency in getting these removed. However, people who do not like blemishes on their skin can get these removed easily.