A: A skin tag, also known as an acrochordon, cutaneous papilloma, cutaneous tag, fibroepithelial polyp, fibroma molluscum, fibroma pendulum, papilloma colli, soft fibroma, and templeton skin tag, is a small tag of skin which may have a peduncle (stalk) – they look like a small piece of soft, hanging skin. Skin tags are very common and generally occur after midlife.

A: Skin Tags are said to be caused by bunches of collagen and blood vessels which are trapped inside thicker bits of skin. They are believed to be the result of skin rubbing against skin. That is why they are generally found in skin creases and folds.

A: Skin tags can appear on any part of the surface of the body (skin), but most typically exist in areas where skin may rub against skin, such as the:

• Eyelids
• Axillae (armpits)
• Area unnder the breasts
• Groin
• Upper chest
• Neck

A: Skin tags are invariably benign – non cancerous – tumors of the skin which cause no symptoms, unless it is repeatedly rubbed or scratched, as may happen with clothing, jewelry, or when shaving.

A: Some people are more susceptible to skin tags, either because of being overweight, partly due to heredity, and often for unknown reasons. People with diabetes and pregnant women tend to be more prone to skin tags. Skin tags affect males and females equally.