What Causes Skin Tags? - Incredible Insights

Skin tag removal

Almost everyone is reported to develop skin tags at some point in their lives. Hence, skin tag removal is not an uncommon phrase. What are skin tags exactly? Skin tags are actually loose collagen fibers and blood vessels that protrude out of the skin. Though harmless, they are not exactly pleasant to look at. The exact causes of skin tags are unknown. Some people get it for no apparent reason. Although we can’t point out the exact causes of skin tags, we can point out the conditions that lead to it as well as indicate who is more prone to getting it.

Skin Rubbing Against Skin

Skin tags are typically thought to occur as a result of skin rubbing against itself or clothing. That’s why they tend to develop in areas of the body that are exposed to friction such as the neck, armpits, groin and under the breasts. Overweight people especially are more prone to getting skin tags as they have excess folds of skin and are exposed to skin chaffing.


Besides overweight people, pregnant people are also more prone to getting skin tags. Pregnant women usually get skin tags as a result of changes in their hormone levels. Hormone elevations have been associated with the increase in skin tag formation among pregnant women.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance, which may result in type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, is also known to play a role in skin tag development. According to a study conducted in 2010, the formation of multiple skin tags was linked to insulin resistance, high triglycerides and a high body mass index.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) may also be one of the causes of skin tag development. Based on a study conducted in 2008 on 37 skin tags in different areas of the body, HPV DNA was found in almost 50% of the skin tags investigated.

Generally, skin tags are harmless growths that do not pose a threat to our health. However, they can cause discomfort and affect our self-confidence. Hence, the development of skin tag removal products and procedures as an effort to get rid of them. While the exact causes of skin tags are unknown, studies that have been done on the conditions that lead to skin tag development have indeed revealed some valuable insights on this cosmetic issue.