A skin tag is a small flap of tissue that forms on the surface of the skin. It is usually attached by a thin stalk called a peduncle. Skin tags are made of normal skin components such as collagen fibres, small blood vessels and skin cells. They are soft to touch and usually match the surrounding skin colour.

Skin Tags

Close-up of a person's neck and shoulder with small dark moles and skin imperfections.
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  • Skin tags can appear anywhere but are most common in areas where skin rubs on skin or clothing.

    • Neck

    • Underarms

    • Groin

    • Under the breasts

    • Eyelids

    • Upper chest

    They can occur in both men and women and at any age, although they are more common in adults.

  • The exact cause is not fully understood. Several factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing skin tags.

    • Friction from skin folds or clothing

    • Genetics which may make some people more prone

    • Hormonal changes such as pregnancy

    • Ageing since they become more common over time

    • Higher body weight which increases skin folds

    • Insulin resistance which is associated with a higher number of skin tags

    Not everyone with these factors will develop skin tags.

  • Skin tags usually have the following features.

    • Soft and flexible

    • Painless

    • Flesh coloured or slightly darker

    • Smooth or slightly wrinkled

    • Attached by a thin stalk

    • Range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres

    They do not usually grow quickly.

  • Most skin tags cause no symptoms. Some people notice:

    • Irritation from clothing or jewellery

    • Mild discomfort if the tag is pulled or twisted

    • Cosmetic concern if the tag is in a visible area

    A skin tag that suddenly becomes painful, changes colour or bleeds should be checked by a doctor to rule out other conditions.

  • A doctor can usually diagnose a skin tag by examining it. Tests are rarely needed. If the appearance is unusual or if there is uncertainty, a doctor may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

    • A new growth that does not look like your usual skin tags

    • Rapid change in size or colour

    • Bleeding or persistent pain

    • A growth on the eyelid that affects vision

    • Uncertainty about whether the lump is a skin tag or another condition

  • A shave biopsy is a technique where a doctor uses a sterile blade to gently shave off the raised part of a skin lesion. It does not involve cutting deeply into the skin. The goal is to remove the surface growth while keeping the surrounding tissue intact.

    Shave biopsy is commonly used for benign raised lesions including skin tags.

  • A doctor may recommend a shave biopsy when:

    • The skin tag is catching on clothing or jewellery

    • The skin tag is irritated or bleeding

    • The patient prefers removal for comfort or appearance

    • The doctor wants to confirm the diagnosis by sending the tissue to pathology

    A shave biopsy allows the removed tissue to be examined under a microscope if needed.

    1. Assessment The doctor examines the lesion to confirm that it appears consistent with a skin tag.

    2. Cleaning the area The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.

    3. Local anaesthetic A small amount of local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area. Some very small skin tags can be removed without anaesthetic if appropriate.

    4. Shaving the lesion A sterile blade is used to shave the skin tag at the level of the surrounding skin.

    5. Bleeding control Mild bleeding is common and is usually controlled with an electrothermy device.

    6. Dressing A small dressing may be applied to protect the area while it heals.

  • Most patients experience only mild discomfort. The area may feel tender for a short time. Healing usually occurs within one to two weeks depending on the size and location of the skin tag.

    Common experiences include:

    • Mild redness

    • A small scab

    • Temporary skin colour change

  • Shave biopsy is considered low risk. Possible complications include:

    • Minor bleeding

    • Infection

    • Scarring

    • Temporary or permanent change in skin colour

    • Recurrence if a small portion of the tag remains

    Contact a doctor if you notice:

    • Increasing redness or swelling

    • Pus or discharge

    • Fever

    • Persistent bleeding

    • Pain that is worsening rather than improving

    These symptoms may indicate infection or another issue that requires review.

  • If the doctor considers it appropriate, the removed tissue may be sent to a pathology laboratory. This helps confirm that the lesion is a benign skin tag and not another type of growth.

    YourSkin Clinic uses Douglass Hanly Moir in Edgecliff Centre.