The benign skin legions aren’t dangerous, but they can be annoying. The medical term for a skin tag is acrochordon or fibroepithelial polyp. We call skin tags are really just benign skin lesions composed of normal skin tissue.

But what even are skin tags? “Skin tags are extremely common and completely benign fleshy overgrowths of the skin. While not dangerous at all, they are often cosmetically bothersome especially if located in an obvious location like the face or neck.

“Anyone can get skin tags but they are much more common in adults and occur more frequently in areas of friction including the armpits, groin folds, inner thighs, and around the neck, as well as on the face, around the eyes, and under the breasts,”.

Skin tags, comprised of extra skin and fat, have a genetic component to them, and people whose parents had them are more likely to get them themselves. Obesity and pregnancy might contribute to the development of skin tags, as well.

They don’t need to be removed, but since they can grow, they can actually twist on themselves at the base of the stalk where they’re attached to the skin, causing redness and pain.

“Skin tags can rub against clothing or get caught on jewelry, and then they can get really irritated and inflamed. Some people’s skin tags even bleed,” They often form in areas of friction like the neck, under the arms, thighs, and even around the eyelids.

If you feel like those skin tags which show up on any part of your body bothersome, book an appointment for a consultation to find out about how to remove them safely.