Skin tags have a way of quietly appearing and then refusing to be ignored. One day your skin feels completely normal, and the next, there’s a small, soft growth catching on your necklace or rubbing against your collar. Naturally, once it’s removed, the next question most people ask is a very practical one: will it come back?
The reassuring news is that a skin tag usually doesn’t grow back in the same place once it’s been properly removed. That said, new ones can show up over time, especially if you’re prone to them. Understanding why skin tags form, how skin tag removal works, and what you can do to reduce future occurrences makes all the difference.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags, or acrochordons, are small, benign growths made up of collagen fibres and blood vessels. They’re typically soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker, and often hang off the skin by a thin stalk.
They tend to appear in areas where skin is repeatedly rubbed—think the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, or under the breasts. While they’re medically harmless, many people find them uncomfortable or cosmetically bothersome, which is why skin tag removal is so common.
Do Skin Tags Actually Grow Back?
Once a skin tag is completely removed, it doesn’t regenerate in that exact spot. The tissue is gone, and your body doesn’t “rebuild” it.
However, this doesn’t mean your skin can’t develop new tags nearby or in other areas altogether. People who develop one skin tag are more likely to develop more later in life. This can make it feel like the skin tag has returned when in reality, it’s a new growth influenced by the same underlying factors.
It’s also worth mentioning that incomplete removal—often from home remedies—can leave behind tissue that looks like regrowth. This is one reason professionals strongly advise against attempting removal on your own.
Skin Tags vs Warts: Why the Difference Matters
Skin tags are often mistaken for warts, leading to improper treatment. A viral infection causes contagious warts, which is why warts removal requires a very different medical approach.
Skin tags:
- Are not caused by a virus
- Are not contagious
- Do not spread through contact
Warts:
- Are linked to HPV
- Can spread through skin-to-skin contact
- Often recurs if the virus remains active
Getting the correct diagnosis ensures you receive the right treatment and reduces the chances of recurrence or complications.
Why Do New Skin Tags Appear After Removal?
If skin tags don’t grow back, why do some people keep getting them? The answer lies in a mix of lifestyle, biology, and genetics.
1. Constant Skin Friction
Areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing are prime spots for skin tags. Tight collars, bra straps, jewellery, or even repetitive movement can trigger new growths over time.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts—especially during pregnancy—can make skin tags more common. Conditions like PCOS can also increase susceptibility.
3. Insulin Resistance
There’s a well-established link between skin tags and insulin resistance. People with diabetes or prediabetes often notice more skin tags, particularly around the neck and underarms.
4. Genetics
Some people are more prone to skin tags. If they run in your family, prevention becomes more about management than complete avoidance.
5. Ageing Skin
As skin ages, it loses elasticity and resilience, making certain areas more prone to tag development.
Does the Removal Method Affect Regrowth?
Yes, the method used for skin tag removal plays a big role in the outcome. Professional treatments are designed to remove the entire growth safely while minimising damage to surrounding skin.
Common clinical methods include:
- Cauterisation, which seals the skin tag at the base
- Cryotherapy, where the tag is frozen and falls off naturally
- Minor surgical excision, done under sterile conditions
When done correctly, these methods significantly reduce the chances of regrowth or scarring. In contrast, DIY techniques—such as tying off the skin tag or using unverified products—can lead to infection, bleeding, or incomplete removal.
Can You Prevent Skin Tags From Coming Back?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent skin tags entirely, especially if genetics are involved, a few practical steps can help reduce their likelihood.
Reduce Friction
Choose comfortable, breathable clothing and avoid accessories that constantly rub against your skin.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight management can reduce skin folds, which are common sites for skin tag formation.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
If you’re insulin resistant or diabetic, managing blood sugar may help reduce the development of new skin tags over time.
Be Kind to Your Skin
Avoid unnecessary irritation, harsh fabrics, or repeated trauma to areas where skin tags commonly form.
Don’t Delay Professional Care
Early and proper skin tag removal reduces irritation and prevents secondary issues that could lead to further growths.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
While skin tags are usually harmless, it’s important to consult a professional if:
- A growth changes colour, shape, or size
- It becomes painful, bleeds, or is inflamed
- You’re unsure whether it’s a skin tag or a wart
This is particularly important because warts removal requires a different treatment strategy and should never be self-diagnosed.
Conclusion
Skin tags don’t typically grow back once they’ve been properly removed—but new ones can appear if the conditions that caused them in the first place are still present. Understanding the difference between skin tags and warts, choosing safe skin tag removal methods, and making small lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in keeping your skin clear.
In the end, skin tags are common, manageable, and nothing to panic about. With the right approach, you can deal with them confidently—and keep them from becoming a recurring concern.
