Skin tag

Skin tags are small, soft pieces of skin that stick out on a stem. They are often the same color as your skin. They most often appear on the eyelids, neck, armpits, upper trunk, groin, and body folds. Skin tags are not moles and usually do not turn into cancer.

You are more likely to get skin tags if you are overweight. They also tend to run in families. They commonly appear after middle age.

Skin tags do not require treatment. But if they are bothersome, a doctor can easily remove them, usually by burning or cutting them off. But new skin tags often form. Don't try to remove skin tags on your own.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.