Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, benign skin growths that affect nearly half of all adults at some point in their lives. These small, soft flaps of skin are generally harmless, but they can become irritated or simply bothersome due to their appearance or location. Many people notice these growths appearing on their neck, which leads to the common question of whether wearing jewelry, specifically a necklace, is the cause. While a necklace does not directly create skin tags, the constant friction and irritation from the chain can act as a significant trigger for their development in individuals who are already susceptible.
Understanding Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, non-cancerous growths that typically look like a piece of skin tissue extending out from a tiny stalk, medically termed a peduncle. They are composed of a core of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels, all covered by a layer of epidermis. These growths are usually the same color as the surrounding skin, though some can be slightly darker or brownish. Most skin tags are quite small, generally ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters. They are most frequently found in areas where skin naturally folds or where there is frequent rubbing, such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and especially the neck.
The Specific Link Between Necklaces and Friction
While skin tags are not caused by external objects, the mechanical friction generated by a necklace can certainly provoke their growth in localized areas. The constant back-and-forth movement of a chain against the delicate skin of the neck creates irritation and low-level inflammation. This persistent rubbing, or chafing, prompts the skin cells in the area to multiply, leading to the accumulation of excess tissue that forms the skin tag. The necklace acts as a mechanical stressor, encouraging the skin to fold and grow in a way it is already predisposed to do.
A tightly fitting or heavy chain is more likely to cause this kind of localized irritation compared to a loose, lightweight one. Furthermore, abrasive materials or metals causing mild allergic contact dermatitis can increase the skin’s inflammatory response. This continuous mechanical trauma often determines the precise location where growths appear on the neck. The irritation may also make existing skin tags sore or cause them to bleed if they are repeatedly snagged by the chain.
Underlying Medical Factors That Increase Risk
Friction from jewelry is often only a trigger, as the underlying susceptibility to developing skin tags is related to systemic factors. One significant factor is the presence of insulin resistance, often seen in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. High levels of insulin circulating in the blood are thought to promote the growth of skin cells, making the body more prone to forming these growths. Skin tags are also frequently associated with weight, as obesity increases the number of skin folds, which in turn leads to more skin-on-skin friction in areas like the neck.
Hormonal fluctuations can also contribute to an increased risk, which is why skin tags are commonly observed during pregnancy. During this time, elevated levels of growth factors and hormones may cause the skin to thicken and become more susceptible to forming tags. There is also a strong genetic component, meaning if close family members have skin tags, you are more likely to develop them yourself. These internal, biological factors establish the predisposition, with friction merely acting as the final local stimulus.
Prevention and Safe Management
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent skin tags, you can take practical steps to reduce their formation, particularly on the neck. To minimize friction, wear looser necklaces or opt for pendants on softer cords instead of heavy, abrasive metal chains. Applying a barrier, such as a friction-reducing powder, to the neck area before wearing jewelry can help reduce direct rubbing. Addressing systemic factors by maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce skin folds and overall susceptibility to the growths.
If a skin tag is bothersome, removal is typically a cosmetic choice and should always be performed by a medical professional like a dermatologist. Common removal methods include cryotherapy, cauterization, or excision using sterile tools. Attempting to remove skin tags at home is not recommended due to the significant risks of bleeding, infection, and scarring.