Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are spongy lesions on the skin. They are generally small and no more than 10mm in size. Approximately 50% of adults develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime.

Although skin tags are harmless, they can cause people to become self-conscious, especially when there are multiple skin tags present. They usually occur on the neck, skin folds, groin and armpit.

What causes skin tags?

It is unclear what causes skin tags.

We do know that skin tags tend to develop near skin folds where there is frequent rubbing or friction. They can go away on their own with time, but they are often removed for cosmetic reasons.

Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags can be removed using a simple surgical excision, cryotherapy or by applying a solution with a high concentration of salicylic acid to the lesion. However, skin tags can re-appear months later.

Can skin tags be prevented?

Several studies show skin tags are more prevalent in people with obesity and low serum HDL. Studies dating back as far as 1987 show there is a consistent correlation between having multiple skin tags and insulin resistance. Research have also found that people with multiple skin tags are at higher risk of developing metabolic disorders such as Type II Diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. 

It is suggested that skin tags can be prevented by:

• Reducing friction or rubbing,
• Keeping our blood sugar in check, and
• Reducing foods high in glycemic index may help prevent future skin tags.

Having skin tags does not automatically mean you have Type II diabetes. However, it is a sign of a possible underlying metabolic disorder. If you have multiple skin tags or recurring skin tags, see your doctor and keep a close eye on your insulin levels to prevent the development of Type II Diabetes.

References: 

1. Kahanna M, et al. "Skin Tags: a Cutaneous Marker for Diabetes Mellitus." Journal of Advances in Dermatology and Venereologica. 1987; 67(2):175-7
2. Rassi Abis, et al. "Skin tag as a cutanenous marker for impaired carbohydrate metaolism: a case control study." International Journal of Dermatology. 2007 Nov; 46(11):1155-9. Accessed November 20th, 2022: doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03287.x.
3. de Almeida Tamega A, et al. "Association between skin tags and insulin resistance." An Bras Dermatology. 2010 Jan-Feb;85(1):25-31. doi: 10.1590/s0365-05962010000100003.
4. Tripathy T, et al. "Association of Skin Tag with Metabolic Syndrome and its Components: A case-control Study from Eastern India." Indian Journal of Dermatology. 2019 May-Jun;10(3):284-287. doi: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_238_18.
5. Becky Young (2018). "Whats the link between skin tags and diabetes?" Healthline. Accessed November 20th, 2022: https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-tag-diabetes