Noticing any new changes on your skin, especially with the emergence of a new growth, can undoubtedly trigger concerns: Is it a mole, a wart, or perhaps a melanoma? If that new bump turns out to be a skin tag, there’s not much to worry about.

Skin tags are non-cancerous growths, meaning they are generally harmless. However, if one seems to have appeared suddenly, you might be curious about what brings them about. While we don’t always know the exact cause of skin tags, there are several factors that could increase your chances of developing them. Here’s what dermatologists reveal.

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are typically identified as small, protruding growths attached to the skin by a thin stalk. They usually range in size from one to five millimeters and can either match your skin tone or be darker, according to Dr. Jennifer Shastry, MD, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine.

These growths tend to occur in areas with frequent friction, such as the underarms, neck, inner thighs, and sometimes beneath the breasts, according to Shastry. They can cause discomfort, particularly if they’re rubbing against clothing or jewelry.

Though skin tags are generally harmless, it’s best to have any new growth checked by a doctor to ensure it isn’t something more serious, like melanoma. “Any new isolated skin growth that changes should be evaluated,” stresses Shastry.

Why do skin tags appear?

Identifying the specific reasons behind skin tag formations can be challenging, but a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors likely plays a role, mentions Dr. Hayley Goldbach, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown University.

Skin friction, which occurs when areas of skin rub against each other due to body shape, is likely a major factor in skin tag development, explains Goldbach. Skin tags have also been linked to pregnancy and certain chronic health issues, including insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, as Shastry notes. Additionally, if skin tags are common in your family, it could indicate a genetic tendency for you to develop them too.

How can you prevent skin tags?

Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed method to stop skin tags from forming, especially if you have a hereditary risk for them, according to Shastry. Nevertheless, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your chances of developing them, especially if you are managing existing pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Keeping a healthy weight and minimizing friction in areas prone to skin rubbing may help reduce the occurrence of skin tags, as Goldbach suggests. “It’s important to understand that skin tags can be perfectly normal, so aim to embrace your skin as it is,” she advises.