The term “vaginal skin tag” refers to small, benign growths of skin that appear in the genital region, most commonly on the vulva or labia. Although these growths are medically harmless and non-cancerous, their appearance often prompts concern about their cause and nature. This article explores what vulvar skin tags are, the factors contributing to their formation, how they differ from other growths, and the options available for their management.
Defining Vaginal Skin Tags
Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are soft, fleshy, and typically flesh-colored growths. They consist of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels covered by skin. These growths are extremely common, with approximately half of all adults developing at least one in their lifetime. While colloquially called “vaginal skin tags,” they appear on the vulva—specifically the labia majora, labia minora, or the surrounding groin area where skin folds occur—not inside the vagina, which is a mucosal membrane.
A distinct feature is the attachment point, often connecting to the skin by a thin stalk or peduncle, giving it a raised, hanging appearance. Sizes vary significantly, ranging from a tiny speck to several millimeters. Since they are benign, a skin tag will not cause pain, itching, or discomfort unless it becomes irritated by friction or is snagged.
Primary Causes of Their Formation
The exact biological process initiating skin tag development is not fully understood, but evidence points to mechanical and biological factors. The primary mechanism is simple friction, where skin repeatedly rubs against skin, clothing, or other surfaces. This constant rubbing, particularly in areas with skin folds like the labia and groin, can cause the skin to overgrow and form the characteristic loose tissue.
Hormonal fluctuations represent a significant secondary factor influencing development. For instance, the dramatic hormonal shifts during pregnancy often increase the likelihood of new skin tags forming. Hormone changes during menopause or conditions involving hormonal imbalances, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can also be associated with an increased risk.
Genetic predisposition also plays a role, suggesting some individuals are inherently more prone to developing these growths. Furthermore, skin tags are frequently observed in people with conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, or Type 2 diabetes. These conditions contribute by increasing skin-to-skin contact, which amplifies friction, and by altering growth factor levels in the skin.
Distinguishing Skin Tags from Other Growths
Distinguishing a benign skin tag from other growths is important, as any new bump in the genital area can be worrying. The soft, smooth texture and the narrow, stalk-like attachment help differentiate it from more concerning lesions. A healthcare provider can typically confirm a skin tag diagnosis with a simple visual examination.
The most common source of confusion is with genital warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious. Unlike the smooth surface of a skin tag, genital warts often have a rough, irregular, or “cauliflower-like” texture and are frequently found in clusters. Warts are viral, while skin tags are harmless skin overgrowths.
Other growths sometimes mistaken for skin tags include moles (nevi) and certain cysts. Moles are generally darker, pigmented spots that are flatter or have a broad base, lacking the soft, movable texture of a skin tag. Cysts or ingrown hairs are usually inflamed, potentially painful, and may feel firm or fluid-filled. If a growth bleeds, changes color rapidly, becomes painful, or grows quickly, medical evaluation is necessary to rule out more serious conditions.
Medical Management and Removal
Since vulvar skin tags are medically benign, removal is elective and not required for health reasons. Individuals usually choose removal if the tag causes physical irritation, bleeding due to snagging on clothing, or for cosmetic reasons. Self-removal at home is highly discouraged due to the risk of infection, bleeding, and scarring in this sensitive area.
A healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or gynecologist, can remove skin tags safely and efficiently using several minor procedures. Common methods include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the tag off with liquid nitrogen. Surgical excision is another technique, where the tag is snipped off at the base using sterile scissors or a scalpel, often after a local anesthetic is applied.
Other removal options include cauterization, which uses an electric current to burn the growth off, or ligation, where a surgical thread is tied around the base to cut off the blood supply. After removal, practicing good hygiene and wearing non-chafing underwear can help minimize irritation. While removal prevents the recurrence of that specific tag, it does not prevent new skin tags from forming elsewhere.