Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, soft, skin-colored growths that are extremely common during pregnancy. These benign growths consist of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. They often appear to hang from the skin by a thin stalk, or peduncle, and are typically less than five millimeters in diameter. Their sudden appearance is a normal dermatological change linked primarily to the dramatic physiological shifts occurring in the body during gestation.
The Hormonal and Physical Causes
The primary drivers behind the appearance of skin tags during pregnancy are hormonal changes and increased physical friction. Elevated levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are necessary to support the developing fetus, stimulate the growth of skin cells. This hyperactive growth of the outer layer of skin contributes directly to the formation of these small protrusions.
Beyond the sex hormones, the hormone leptin also plays a role, as it is secreted by both the maternal and fetal fat tissue and is known to promote the growth of epithelial cells. Researchers have found a correlation between increased leptin levels and a higher number of skin tags. This hormonal environment creates conditions conducive to forming new growths, often appearing most commonly in the second or third trimester.
Physical factors further exacerbate the situation, particularly the weight gain and changes in body shape experienced during pregnancy. Skin tags frequently develop in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, inner thighs, and beneath the breasts. The increased friction and skin laxity caused by expanding tissue and weight gain act as catalysts for the formation of acrochordons in these areas.
Metabolic changes are also implicated, specifically the temporary insulin resistance that can occur during pregnancy. High numbers of skin tags are associated with improper insulin processing and elevated blood lipid levels, such as cholesterol. While this is a common physiological change in pregnancy, it is another underlying factor that contributes to the likelihood of skin tag development.
Identifying Skin Tags and When to Seek Medical Advice
Typical skin tags are soft, flesh-colored, or slightly darker, and you can easily wiggle them back and forth. They are usually painless unless they become irritated by catching on clothing or jewelry, which can cause them to bleed or become inflamed. Understanding these characteristics is important for reassurance, as skin tags are not a sign of underlying disease.
While most new growths during pregnancy are benign skin tags, consult a healthcare provider if any skin lesion exhibits unusual features. A dermatologist should evaluate any growth that shows rapid growth, changes in color, irregular borders, or bleeding not caused by irritation. These “red flags” are important to rule out other, potentially more serious skin lesions, such as certain types of moles or seborrheic keratoses.
Seeking medical advice is also warranted if a skin tag causes significant discomfort or if you are simply unsure about the nature of the growth. Although skin tags are generally harmless, a professional diagnosis provides clarity and peace of mind. A healthcare provider can confirm the diagnosis and discuss safe management options.
Post-Pregnancy Resolution and Treatment
Many skin tags that appear during pregnancy will regress or shrink once hormone levels stabilize after delivery and the body undergoes postpartum changes. The return to pre-pregnancy hormonal and metabolic states means that some of the factors driving their growth diminish. However, some skin tags may persist and become a permanent feature.
For tags that do not disappear or cause irritation or cosmetic concern, professional removal is a simple and safe option. Common in-office procedures include cryotherapy, which involves freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen, and surgical excision, where the growth is snipped off. Cauterization, which uses heat or electrical current to burn the tag away, is another effective method.
Experts generally recommend postponing skin tag removal until after delivery and often until after breastfeeding is complete. This is partly because the tags may resolve naturally, but also because it is safest to avoid unnecessary procedures or chemicals during this period. You should never attempt at-home removal methods, such as cutting or using chemical products, as this carries a high risk of bleeding, infection, and incomplete removal.