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Why Do I Get Skin Tags on My Neck or Armpits—and How Can I Get Rid of Them? Experts Explain
Skin tags are one of the most common—and most misunderstood—skin growths. If you’ve noticed small, soft bumps appearing on your neck, armpits, or other areas where skin rubs together, you’re not alone. Millions of people develop skin tags at some point in their lives, often without warning and sometimes in clusters.
While skin tags are usually harmless, they can be irritating, unsightly, or even a source of anxiety. Many people wonder: Why do I get them? Are they dangerous? And how can I safely get rid of them?
In this article, we’ll explore what medical experts say about skin tags—what causes them, why they show up in specific areas, when they might signal an underlying issue, and the safest, most effective ways to remove them.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, benign growths that hang off the skin. They are typically:
- Soft and flesh-colored or slightly darker
- Smooth or slightly wrinkled
- Attached to the skin by a thin stalk
- Painless (unless irritated or twisted)
They can range in size from a grain of rice to a grape and often appear gradually over time.
Common Areas Where Skin Tags Appear
- Neck
- Armpits
- Under the breasts
- Groin area
- Eyelids
- Upper chest
- Inner thighs
These areas all share one thing in common: friction.
Why Do Skin Tags Form on the Neck and Armpits?
1. Skin Friction and Rubbing
The most widely accepted cause of skin tags is repeated friction. When skin rubs against skin, clothing, jewelry, or even bras and collars, it can trigger the formation of these growths.
- Neck folds rub together or against collars and necklaces
- Armpits experience constant movement and friction
- Moisture and heat increase irritation
Over time, this repeated friction may stimulate skin cells to grow abnormally, forming a skin tag.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormones play a significant role in skin health. Skin tags are more common during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Puberty
- Conditions affecting insulin levels
Pregnant women often notice new skin tags developing, particularly around the neck and under the breasts. In many cases, these may shrink or disappear after hormonal levels stabilize.
3. Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Issues
Research has shown a strong association between skin tags and insulin resistance, a condition in which the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin.
People with:
- Prediabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
tend to develop skin tags more frequently, especially in clusters around the neck and armpits.
While skin tags themselves do not cause diabetes, their presence—particularly if they appear suddenly or in large numbers—may be a signal to check blood sugar levels.
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