What Causes Skin Tags?

By: Julie Knapp

What causes skin tags? The source of skin tags, those harmless tiny bits of tissue that hang from your skin, might seem like a mystery. Despite that, about 46 percent of people will develop a skin tag at some point in their lives.

Age
Skin tags are more common in individuals over the age of 60.

Gender
Women are more likely to have skin tags than men.

Pregnancy
Skin tags commonly appear during pregnancy, due to the presence of a high level of growth factors.

Weight
Weight gain is another one of the skin tag causes.

Chaffing
Skin tags often occur in areas where clothing or jewelry may consistently rub against skin or in areas where skin rubs together. The irritation may cause skin tags to form.

Diabetes
Insulin resistance is often linked to a prevalence of skin tags.

HPV
Human papilloma virus is associated with skin tags.

Steroids
Even illegal steroid use can cause skin tags. The drugs can interfere with the body and muscles, causing collagen fiber to bond and form skin tags.

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