What You Need to Know About Skin Tags

Skin tags are one of those little annoyances that most people ignore—until they start catching on jewellery, rubbing against clothing, or simply bothering you when you look in the mirror. They’re harmless, but that doesn’t stop them from being frustrating. If you’ve ever wondered what causes them, whether you should be concerned, and how to get rid of them safely, this is for you.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags—medically called acrochordons—are small, soft, benign growths that hang off the skin. They’re often flesh-coloured or slightly darker and can range in size from a pinhead to a small grape. Most of the time, they appear in places where skin folds or rubs together, such as:

• The neck
• Armpits
• Groin
• Eyelids
• Under the breasts

They’re completely non-cancerous and not contagious, but they can be a nuisance depending on their size or location.

Why Do We Get Them?

There’s no single cause of skin tags, but several factors can increase your likelihood of developing them:

• Friction: They tend to show up in areas where skin rubs on skin or clothing.
• Age: They’re more common in people over 40.
• Genetics: Some families are simply more prone to them.
• Hormones: Pregnant women often see a sudden appearance of skin tags, likely due to hormone changes.
• Obesity and Diabetes: People with insulin resistance or higher body weight are statistically more likely to develop skin tags. 

The good news? They’re usually harmless. The bad news? They don’t typically fall off on their own.

Are Skin Tags a Health Risk?

In a word—no. Most skin tags are completely benign and require no treatment. However, if a skin tag changes in colour, bleeds, or becomes painful, it’s worth getting it checked just to rule out other conditions. Occasionally, people mistake warts, moles, or other skin growths for skin tags, so a quick check-up can give you peace of mind.

Can You Remove Them at Home?

There are countless DIY methods floating around online—threading, over-the-counter freezing kits, apple cider vinegar, and so on. While some of these may work on small skin tags, they come with risks:

• Infection: Breaking the skin can introduce bacteria.
• Scarring: Amateur removal can leave marks, especially on the face or neck.
• Bleeding: Skin tags are often more vascular than you think. 

For small, non-irritated tags in out-of-the-way areas, at-home removal might be fine if you’re careful. But for anything near the eyes, lips, or genitals—or if you simply don’t want to risk it—professional removal is the way to go.

Professional Skin Tag Removal

Clinics across the UK offer quick, safe treatments that are usually done in a single visit. Options include:

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the tag off with liquid nitrogen.
• Excision: Snipping it off with sterile surgical scissors.
• Cauterisation: Burning the tag off using heat.
• Laser removal: A less common but precise method. 

If you’re looking for skin tag removals in London, there’s no shortage of reputable dermatology clinics offering these services. Most treatments are painless, require little downtime, and don’t leave scars when performed by professionals.

What to Expect During a Clinic Visit

First, the practitioner will examine the growth to confirm it’s a skin tag and not something else. Then, they’ll discuss your options and recommend the most suitable removal method based on the tag’s location, size, and your skin type.

Procedures are usually done under local anaesthetic and take less than 30 minutes. In many cases, you can walk out the same day with a small dressing and resume normal activities right away.

Aftercare and Healing

After the tag is removed, you’ll be given simple aftercare instructions to avoid infection and promote healing. These might include:

• Keeping the area clean and dry
• Avoiding sun exposure on the treated spot
• Applying a mild antiseptic cream if needed

Most people heal within a week or two, with minimal or no scarring.

Should You Get Skin Tags Removed?

There’s no medical need to remove skin tags unless they’re causing discomfort or cosmetic concern. However, many people choose to remove them for peace of mind or simply because they don’t like how they look or feel.

In some cases, if tags are numerous or keep returning, a dermatologist may investigate underlying causes like hormone imbalances or insulin resistance.

Final Thoughts

Skin tags are common, harmless, and more of an aesthetic or practical inconvenience than a health issue. Whether you’re dealing with one annoying tag or a cluster of them, you have options—and most of them are quick and effective.

If you’re in or around the capital, exploring skin tag removals in London can be a smart, stress-free first step toward smooth, tag-free skin. Just make sure to choose a licensed, experienced clinic.

Your skin deserves a little attention. Don’t let a few harmless growths undermine your comfort or confidence.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.