Should I Be Concerned about my Skin Tags?
Skin tags are a common skin growth that many people experience—but despite how frequent they are, they’re often misunderstood. From worries about their causes to fears of contagion, there’s a lot of misinformation online. In this article, we’ll debunk the myths and share expert-backed facts about skin tags, their risks, and how to safely remove them.
What Are Skin Tags and Why Do They Appear?
Skin tags—medically known as acrochordons—are small, benign growths made of collagen and blood vessels. They often develop in areas where skin folds or rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, under the breasts, groin, and eyelids. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, contributing factors include:
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Friction from skin-to-skin or clothing
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Hormonal changes
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Genetics
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Weight gain or obesity
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Insulin resistance or diabetes
For more detail, check out our Skin Tag Removal Service to learn how we treat them at Allura.
Are Skin Tags Dangerous?
No, skin tags are not dangerous. According to Healthline, skin tags are harmless and non-cancerous. They may occasionally become irritated by clothing or jewelry, but they pose no risk of spreading or becoming cancerous. However, if a skin tag changes in color, size, or bleeds without cause, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a medical professional to rule out other skin conditions.
Are Skin Tags Contagious?
Another common myth is that skin tags can spread from person to person. This is false. Skin tags are not caused by viruses or bacteria and are not contagious. You cannot “catch” a skin tag from someone else or spread your own to other parts of your body by touching them.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Skin Tags?
Anyone can develop skin tags, but they’re more common in:
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Adults over 40
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Individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance
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People who are overweight
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Pregnant women (due to hormonal changes)
Understanding your risk factors can help you manage your skin more proactively. At Allura Skin & Laser Centre, our team can assess your skin tags and help determine the best removal approach.
How Are Skin Tags Removed Safely?
There are several ways to safely remove skin tags, including:
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Electrocautery: Burning the tag off using heat
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Cryotherapy: Freezing the tag off with liquid nitrogen
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Excision: Cutting the tag off with sterile tools
At Allura, we use precise, safe methods tailored to your skin type and the location of the growth. You can expect minimal downtime and little to no scarring.
Curious about what to expect from the treatment? Explore our Cherry Angiomas Removal page to learn more about how our approach to minor cosmetic removals works.
Can I Remove Skin Tags at Home?
While it may be tempting to try at-home remedies, it’s not recommended. Cutting or tying off a skin tag without proper tools or training can cause:
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Infection
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Excessive bleeding
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Scarring
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Improper healing
Professional removal is always the safest and most effective option. learn more about skin methods here
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
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If your skin tag is painful, changing, or bleeding
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If you have multiple skin tags suddenly appearing
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If it’s in a sensitive area (e.g. eyelids or groin)
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If you want it removed for cosmetic reasons
Our skilled team at Allura is here to guide you through a personalized removal plan with your comfort and skin health in mind.
Final Thoughts
Skin tags may be a nuisance, but they’re not something to fear. Understanding the facts helps you make informed decisions about your skin. Whether you want them removed for comfort or aesthetics, you’re in good hands with Allura Skin & Laser Centre.
