Skin tags
When skin tags can be a problem
Skin tags are harmless and don't usually cause pain or discomfort.
However, you may consider having skin tags removed if they're affecting your self-esteem, or ifthey snag on clothing or jewellery and bleed. You'll usuallyneed to pay to have this done privately.
This is because skin tag removal is regarded as cosmetic surgery , which is rarely available through the NHS. Cosmetic surgery is usually only available on the NHS ifthe problem is affecting your physical or mental health.
Sometimes, skin tags fall off on their own if the tissue has twisted and died from a lack of blood supply.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about skin tags (small flesh-coloured growths), including why they occur, when they can be a problem and how they can be removed.
Why skin tags occur
Skin tags are made of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Collagen is a type of protein found throughout the body. Both men and women can develop skin tags. They tend to occur
When skin tags can be a problem
Skin tags are harmless and don't usually cause pain or discomfort. However, you may consider having skin tags removed if they're affecting your self-esteem, or ifthey snag on clothing or jewellery an
Removingskin tags
Don't try to remove a skin tag without speaking to your GP first. If you have a skin tag that's causing problems, consider making an appointment with a privately practisingGP to have it removed. Skin
Skin tag or wart?
Compared to warts, skin tags are: smooth and soft (warts tend to be rougher with an irregular surface) knobbly and hang off the skin (warts are usually slightly raised or flat) not contagious (war
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