From the Research
Skin tags are primarily caused by friction and rubbing of skin against skin or clothing, with obesity being a significant risk factor, as it creates more skin folds where friction occurs, as seen in a study of obese children where skin tags were found in 40% of subjects in the 95th percentile of BMI 1. The development of skin tags is a complex process, influenced by multiple factors, including:
- Friction and rubbing of skin against skin or clothing
- Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy or with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome
- Genetics, as skin tags tend to run in families
- Weight gain and obesity, which create more skin folds where friction occurs
- Age, with skin tags becoming more common after middle age
- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, which have been linked to increased skin tag development, possibly due to growth factors that stimulate skin cell proliferation 2 While skin tags are harmless and don't require treatment, they can be removed by a healthcare provider through freezing, cutting, burning, or laser therapy if they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. It's essential to note that environmental factors, such as air pollution and climate change, can also impact skin health, but their direct link to skin tag development is not well established 3. In contrast, exogenous factors like sun exposure and smoking are well-known to contribute to skin aging, but their specific role in skin tag formation is not clearly defined 4. A study on the effects of salicylic acid on acne vulgaris found that it decreased sebocyte lipogenesis by downregulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol response element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) pathway, but its relevance to skin tag development is limited 5.