Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, and typically flesh-colored growths that commonly appear on the skin. These lesions are benign, consisting of an overgrown layer of epidermis and a fibrovascular core. They are extremely common, with researchers estimating that roughly half of all adults will develop at least one during their lifetime. While the question about a link to nutritional lack is often raised, scientific evidence shows that no specific vitamin deficiency is proven to cause skin tags. Their development is instead related to a combination of mechanical, metabolic, and hormonal factors.
The Vitamin Deficiency Myth
The idea that skin changes are linked to a lack of nutrients is common, leading people to assume that growths like acrochordons must be caused by a missing vitamin. This is a misconception not supported by dermatological research. Studies examining the potential role of specific micronutrient deficiencies have not established a causal link between low vitamin levels and the formation of these growths. Deficiencies in Vitamin D, B12, or C are associated with other distinct health issues, but they have not been shown to trigger acrochordon development. The biological mechanism behind skin tags involves cell overgrowth stimulated by friction or systemic factors, not a nutritional shortfall.
Established Causes of Skin Tag Formation
The most direct cause for skin tags is mechanical irritation, specifically the constant rubbing of skin against skin or clothing. Acrochordons frequently appear in intertriginous areas, such as the armpits, neck, groin, and under the breasts. This continuous friction activates skin cells, stimulating the tissue to overgrow and form the characteristic stalk-like lesion.
A more medically relevant factor is the strong association between skin tags and systemic metabolic issues. Acrochordons are frequently seen in individuals with metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. High levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) stimulate skin cells to multiply. This leads to a thickening of the outer skin and increased collagen, eventually forming the soft, raised bump. This link suggests that skin tags can sometimes serve as a visible sign of underlying insulin resistance.
Hormonal fluctuations also play a role in the development of acrochordons. Pregnancy is a common trigger for the sudden appearance of new skin tags. Elevated levels of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, during gestation are thought to increase the turnover of epidermal cells and alter blood vessel formation. Certain growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-alpha and epidermal growth factor, are also implicated as potential triggers.
Genetics and age contribute significantly to the likelihood of developing skin tags. There is a hereditary component, with a family history increasing an individual’s risk. The prevalence of acrochordons increases with age, with approximately two-thirds of individuals developing them by the fifth or sixth decade of life. This indicates that skin tags are often a normal consequence of the aging process.
Management and Reduction Strategies
For individuals who find skin tags bothersome, professional removal is a straightforward process performed by a dermatologist. It is strongly advised to seek professional treatment rather than attempting removal at home, as self-removal can lead to infection, significant bleeding, or scarring. Common procedures include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen until it falls off. Other effective methods are surgical excision, where the tag is snipped at its base, and cauterization, which uses a controlled electrical current to burn off the growth.
Strategies focused on prevention involve managing the underlying causes of skin tag formation. Since friction is a primary mechanical trigger, wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing can help minimize rubbing in prone areas like the neck and armpits. Using gentle moisturizers or powders in skin folds can also reduce the irritation and moisture that contribute to chafing.
Addressing systemic factors is another way to reduce the likelihood of future growths. Maintaining a healthy weight helps minimize skin folds and reduces friction, while also improving metabolic health. Since insulin resistance is strongly linked to acrochordons, adopting dietary improvements and engaging in regular exercise can support better blood sugar and insulin regulation. Metabolic balance, not a vitamin supplement, helps mitigate the systemic triggers for skin tag development.