Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, benign growths of the skin that affect a large portion of the adult population. They typically appear as small, soft, skin-colored or slightly darker protrusions attached by a thin stalk, or peduncle. When a skin tag becomes bothersome due to irritation or cosmetic concerns, removal is often sought, leading many to ask whether the growth will simply return after the procedure. The answer is nuanced: while the original lesion is permanently gone with proper technique, the underlying conditions that caused it to form may lead to new growths.
Defining Skin Tags and Removal Techniques
A skin tag (acrochordon) is a small, non-cancerous tumor covered by an outer layer of skin called the epidermis. They are most commonly found in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. While generally harmless, their location can cause irritation if they are constantly snagged by jewelry or clothing.
Professional removal techniques focus on physical elimination or destruction of the tag at its base. Shave excision, or snip removal, is a quick process where the skin tag is cut off flush with the skin surface using surgical scissors or a scalpel after local numbing. Cryotherapy involves freezing the tissue with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the cells and causes the tag to fall off within a week or two. Electrocautery, or electrodesiccation, uses a controlled electrical current to burn or dry out the tissue at the base, sealing blood vessels and ensuring complete removal.
The Crucial Distinction Recurrence in the Same Spot vs New Lesions
If a skin tag is removed completely, the exact same lesion will not regrow in that precise spot because the cells that formed the outgrowth have been permanently eliminated. This permanent removal is why medical professionals advise against at-home methods, which often fail to remove the tag completely and can lead to infection or scarring.
The perception of “regrowth” is common because the factors that made the skin susceptible to the first growth have not been addressed. The skin remains genetically and environmentally predisposed to forming new acrochordons, so new skin tags frequently develop nearby or in other high-friction areas. If a removal technique is incomplete and leaves behind some basal tissue, residual cells could regenerate a new tag at that site, though this is rare with proper professional technique.
Underlying Conditions That Promote New Skin Tags
The development of new skin tags is driven by a combination of mechanical, hormonal, and metabolic factors that create a pro-growth environment in the skin. Friction is a primary trigger, as constant rubbing from skin-on-skin contact or clothing irritates the skin, leading to the overgrowth of cells and the formation of a tag. This explains why they are concentrated in skin folds like the armpits, groin, and neck.
Systemic health factors also play a significant role, particularly metabolic changes involving insulin. There is a strong correlation between skin tags and insulin resistance, which is a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes. High levels of circulating insulin can stimulate the proliferation of skin cells, encouraging the formation of new tags. Studies suggest that individuals with multiple skin tags have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Hormonal fluctuations can also promote their formation, which is why skin tags are common during pregnancy and sometimes during menopause. The surge of hormones during pregnancy stimulates skin cell production. Genetics also contribute, as the tendency to develop multiple skin tags often runs in families, indicating an inherited predisposition.
Reducing the Likelihood of Future Skin Tags
Since new growths are the main concern, prevention focuses on modifying the underlying triggers identified as risk factors. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most effective strategies because it reduces the amount of skin-on-skin contact and friction. Weight management also helps improve metabolic health and insulin sensitivity, addressing the internal drivers of skin cell overgrowth.
Reducing friction in prone areas is a direct, actionable step. This can be achieved by choosing loose-fitting, breathable clothing, especially in warmer climates, to prevent constant rubbing. Using body powders or anti-chafing creams in high-friction areas like the underarms and groin can also minimize irritation. For individuals with a metabolic link, working with a healthcare provider to manage blood sugar levels through diet and exercise is an indirect way to reduce the likelihood of future growths.