There isn’t a single cause for skin tags, but doctors have identified several factors that may contribute to their development.
1. Skin Friction
One of the most common reasons skin tags form is repeated friction. Areas where skin folds rub together are more prone to developing these growths.
This is why they often appear on the neck and armpits, where constant movement and contact occur.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts—especially during pregnancy—can increase the likelihood of skin tags. Changes in hormone levels can stimulate skin cell growth, leading to small growths in certain areas.
Many women notice new skin tags appearing during pregnancy, which sometimes disappear after childbirth.
3. Genetics
If your parents or close relatives have skin tags, you may be more likely to develop them as well. Genetics can influence how your skin reacts to friction and cell growth.
4. Weight Gain and Skin Folds
People who are overweight or have more skin folds tend to experience more skin friction, which increases the chances of skin tags forming.
That’s why they’re often found in areas where skin naturally folds or creases.
5. Insulin Resistance
Some research suggests that people who develop many skin tags may have higher levels of insulin resistance, which is often associated with metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
This doesn’t mean every skin tag signals a serious problem, but when someone develops a large number of them suddenly, doctors sometimes recommend checking blood sugar levels.
6. Aging
Skin tags are more common as people get older. Over time, skin undergoes changes in elasticity and cell turnover, making small benign growths more likely to appear.
Many adults begin noticing them after the age of 40.
