The Full Story

Understanding Skin Tags

Skin tags are common, harmless growths that can develop anywhere on the body. Although they do not usually require medical treatment, they may become irritated, catch on clothing or jewellery, or cause cosmetic concerns. Safe removal begins with an accurate diagnosis to ensure the lesion is a skin tag and not another type of skin growth.

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that develop on the surface of the skin. They are made up of collagen, blood vessels and skin tissue and are attached by a narrow stalk.

Skin tags are benign (non-cancerous) and become more common with age.

They most commonly occur in areas where skin rubs together, including:

Neck
Underarms
Eyelids
Groin
Under the breasts
Upper chest

Signs & Symptoms

Skin tags are typically:

Soft and movable
Flesh-coloured or slightly darker than the surrounding skin
Attached by a small stalk
Usually painless
More noticeable where clothing or jewellery rubs against them

Some skin tags may become irritated, bleed or become inflamed if repeatedly caught or twisted.

What Causes Skin Tags?

The exact cause of skin tags is not fully understood, but they are associated with:

Friction between skin folds
Ageing
Genetics
Pregnancy
Obesity
Diabetes and insulin resistance
Hormonal changes

Skin tags are extremely common and are not contagious.

How are Skin Tags Diagnosed?

Most skin tags can be diagnosed during a clinical examination by an experienced clinician.

At CUC Medical & Aesthetics, every lesion is assessed before removal to confirm that it is consistent with a benign skin tag. If there is any uncertainty regarding the diagnosis, removal may be deferred until further assessment has been completed.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size, location and appearance of the skin tag and may include:

Minor surgical removal
Surgical excision
Electrosurgery where appropriate
Histological examination (biopsy) where clinically indicated

Treatment recommendations are made following a consultation and clinical assessment.

Why Professional Removal is Recommended

Although skin tags are harmless, attempting to remove them at home can increase the risk of bleeding, infection, scarring and incorrect diagnosis.

Professional removal ensures the lesion is appropriately assessed before treatment and removed using safe, sterile techniques designed to minimise complications.

Not Every Skin Growth is a Skin Tag

Many benign skin lesions can resemble skin tags, including moles, seborrhoeic keratoses, viral warts and other skin growths. In some cases, more serious conditions may also appear similar.

For this reason, every lesion should be assessed before removal.

At CUC Medical & Aesthetics, our doctor-led team will examine the lesion and determine whether removal is appropriate. Where clinically indicated, we also offer skin biopsies and histological analysis to establish a diagnosis before or following removal.

Patient safety and accurate diagnosis are always our priority.

Should Every Skin Tag Be Sent for Biopsy?

No. The majority of skin tags have a characteristic appearance and can be confidently identified during a clinical examination by an experienced doctor. In these cases, laboratory analysis is not routinely required.

However, if a skin lesion has an unusual appearance, has changed over time, is unusually large, symptomatic, or there is any uncertainty regarding the diagnosis, a skin biopsy and histological examination may be recommended. This allows the tissue to be examined under a microscope by a specialist pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other skin conditions.

At CUC Medical & Aesthetics, patient safety is our priority. Every lesion is carefully assessed before removal, and where clinically indicated, we can perform skin biopsies and minor surgical procedures to ensure an accurate diagnosis before or after treatment.

Our doctor-led approach means treatment recommendations are based on clinical assessment and evidence-based medicine, ensuring every patient receives safe, appropriate and personalised care.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Arrange an assessment if:

A skin tag changes in size, shape or colour.
A lesion becomes painful or repeatedly bleeds.
You are unsure whether a growth is a skin tag.
A skin tag becomes frequently irritated.
You would like safe professional removal.

Will My Skin Tags Grow Back?

Once a skin tag has been completely removed, it does not usually grow back. However, some people are naturally prone to developing new skin tags over time, particularly in areas where skin experiences ongoing friction.

Book a Consultation

If you are concerned about a skin tag or would like it professionally removed, book a consultation with our doctor-led team. We will assess the lesion, confirm the diagnosis and recommend the safest and most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs.