You've noticed a small, soft bump of skin hanging from your neck, underarm, or eyelid. It doesn't hurt, but it's there—and you're wondering where it came from. You're not alone. These tiny growths, called skin tags, affect more than half of all adults at some point in their lives [1].
Why do skin tags form? The answer involves a fascinating combination of friction, hormones, genetics, and metabolic factors. Understanding what triggers these benign growths can help you make sense of your own skin changes—and know when it's time to seek expert outpatient care.
At The Minor Surgery Center, our experienced surgical team sees patients every day who want answers about these common skin growths. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about skin tag formation, risk factors, and what you can do about them.
✅ Skin tags affect 50-60% of adults, making them one of the most common benign skin growths you'll encounter.
✅ Friction and skin rubbing create the mechanical irritation that triggers most skin tag development in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin.
✅ Obesity, diabetes, and hormonal changes significantly increase your risk—skin tags often signal underlying metabolic conditions worth discussing with your doctor.
✅ Genetics play a major role—if your parents had skin tags, you're substantially more likely to develop them too.
✅ Safe removal is simple when performed by qualified professionals using minimally invasive solutions tailored to your needs.
Before diving into why skin tags form, let's establish what they actually are.
Skin tags—medically known as acrochordons—are small, benign (non-cancerous) growths that hang off the skin's surface by a thin stalk called a peduncle. They're typically flesh-colored or slightly darker, ranging from 1-5 millimeters in size, though some can grow larger [2].
These soft, movable growths feel like tiny balloons of skin. They're completely harmless from a health perspective, but many people find them bothersome for cosmetic reasons or because they catch on clothing and jewelry.
Common characteristics include:
Unlike moles or seborrheic keratoses, skin tags have that distinctive pedunculated (stalked) appearance that makes them easy to identify.
The formation of skin tags involves several biological processes working together. While researchers continue studying the exact mechanisms, we now understand the key factors that trigger their development.
The most widely accepted explanation for why skin tags form centers on friction. When skin repeatedly rubs against skin—or against clothing, jewelry, or other materials—it creates chronic low-grade irritation [3].
Think of it like this: when you rub two pieces of fabric together repeatedly, they eventually pill and form little balls of fiber. Your skin responds to constant friction in a similar way, but instead of pilling, it grows these small protective bumps.
This explains why skin tags almost always appear in areas where skin folds or rubs:
The friction triggers a localized inflammatory response. Your body sends growth factors to the irritated area, and over time, this stimulates the overgrowth of both the outer skin layer (epidermis) and the supporting connective tissue underneath [4].
When friction irritates your skin, it activates specific cellular pathways. Growth factors like epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) increase in these areas [5].
These biochemical messengers tell your skin cells to multiply and repair the "damage" from friction. But instead of just healing, the cells keep proliferating, eventually forming the characteristic stalk and bulb structure of a skin tag.
This process is similar to how your body forms calluses on your feet or hands in response to repeated pressure—except skin tags grow outward rather than thickening in place.
Obesity stands as one of the strongest risk factors for developing skin tags. Multiple studies show that individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 have significantly higher rates of skin tag formation compared to those at normal weight [6].
Why does excess weight matter so much?
Carrying extra weight creates more areas where skin touches skin. More skin folds mean more opportunities for the friction that triggers skin tag development.
People with obesity often develop skin tags in greater numbers and in more locations than those at lower weights. It's not uncommon to see dozens or even hundreds of skin tags on someone with significant excess weight.
Here's where it gets more interesting from a metabolic perspective. Obesity frequently goes hand-in-hand with insulin resistance—a condition where your cells don't respond properly to insulin, causing your pancreas to produce more of it [7].
Elevated insulin levels don't just affect blood sugar. Insulin also acts as a growth factor, stimulating cell proliferation in skin tissue. This creates a perfect storm: you have both the mechanical friction from skin folds AND the biochemical signals telling skin cells to multiply.
Excess adipose (fat) tissue isn't just passive storage—it's metabolically active. Fat cells produce inflammatory molecules called cytokines that circulate throughout your body [8].
This chronic low-grade inflammation affects skin health in multiple ways, potentially making it more reactive to friction and more prone to developing benign growths like skin tags.
The connection is so strong that some dermatologists view multiple skin tags as a potential marker for metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels [9].
Type 2 diabetes mellitus shows a remarkably strong association with skin tag development. Research consistently demonstrates that people with diabetes develop skin tags at higher rates than the general population [10].
As mentioned earlier, insulin resistance plays a central role. When you have diabetes or prediabetes, your insulin levels remain chronically elevated as your pancreas tries to overcome your cells' resistance.
High insulin levels activate insulin-like growth factor receptors on skin cells. These receptors, when stimulated, trigger cell division and growth—exactly the process that creates skin tags [11].
Think of insulin as accidentally pressing the "grow" button on your skin cells while trying to manage your blood sugar.
Here's something important: the presence of multiple skin tags might actually serve as an early warning system for metabolic problems.
Several studies suggest that people with numerous skin tags—especially in multiple locations—should be screened for diabetes and insulin resistance, even if they have no other symptoms [12]. The skin tags may appear before blood sugar problems become obvious through standard testing.
If you've noticed multiple new skin tags developing, it's worth discussing metabolic screening with your healthcare provider. This is especially true if you have other risk factors like family history of diabetes, excess weight, or sedentary lifestyle.
Diabetes also affects skin through a process called glycation, where excess sugar molecules attach to proteins in your skin. This damages collagen and elastin—the structural proteins that keep skin firm and elastic [13].
Damaged, less elastic skin may be more susceptible to the mechanical forces that trigger skin tag formation.
Hormones play a fascinating role in why skin tags form, particularly in women.
Approximately 12.5% of pregnant women develop new skin tags during pregnancy, with most appearing in the second and third trimesters [14]. These pregnancy-related skin tags often develop on the neck, armpits, and under the breasts.
Why does pregnancy trigger skin tag formation?
Elevated growth hormones: Pregnancy floods your body with growth factors, including human growth hormone (HGH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and placental growth hormone. These substances support fetal development but also stimulate skin cell proliferation [15].
Increased estrogen and progesterone: Female sex hormones surge during pregnancy. Progesterone and estrogen both influence skin cell growth and may make skin more reactive to friction and irritation [16].
Weight gain and friction: The natural weight gain during pregnancy creates new skin folds and increases friction in areas prone to skin tags.
Interestingly, some pregnancy-related skin tags disappear on their own after delivery once hormone levels normalize. Others persist and may require removal if they're bothersome.
Women with PCOS show particularly high rates of skin tag development. Up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, creating the same growth-promoting environment discussed earlier [17].
PCOS also involves elevated androgens (male hormones) and chronic inflammation—both of which may contribute to skin changes including skin tags, acne, and darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans).
If you're a woman with multiple skin tags along with irregular periods, excess facial hair, or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, it's worth discussing PCOS screening with your doctor.
Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) have been associated with increased skin tag formation [18].
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and cellular growth throughout your body, including in your skin. When thyroid function is abnormal, it can affect skin cell turnover, collagen production, and tissue repair—all factors that may influence skin tag development.
If your parents had skin tags, there's a good chance you'll develop them too. Genetics play a significant role in determining who develops these growths [19].
Skin tags tend to run in families. While researchers haven't identified a single "skin tag gene," the tendency toward developing them appears to be inherited.
This genetic predisposition likely involves multiple factors:
Rarely, multiple skin tags appear as part of inherited genetic syndromes. For example, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome—a rare genetic condition—causes numerous skin tags along with other skin growths and increased risk of certain tumors [20].
If you have an unusually large number of skin tags (hundreds) that appeared at a young age, genetic counseling might be appropriate to rule out rare syndromes.
For most people, though, the genetic link is simply a family tendency rather than a specific syndrome.
Skin tags become increasingly common as we age. While they can appear at any age after puberty, they're most prevalent in middle-aged and older adults [21].
Approximately two-thirds of people develop at least one skin tag by their fifth or sixth decade of life.
Several age-related changes explain this pattern:
Loss of skin elasticity: As you age, your skin produces less collagen and elastin. This makes skin looser and more prone to folding—creating more opportunities for the friction that triggers skin tags [22].
Cumulative friction exposure: The longer you live, the more years of friction your skin experiences. Those decades of clothing rubbing, skin touching, and jewelry moving add up.
Metabolic changes: Insulin resistance, weight gain, and hormonal shifts become more common with advancing age, creating the metabolic environment that promotes skin tag formation.
Cellular aging: Your skin cells' DNA accumulates damage over time, potentially making them more reactive to growth signals.
While skin tags increase with age, plenty of younger adults develop them too—especially if they have other risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or pregnancy.
At The Minor Surgery Center, we see patients across all age groups seeking removal of bothersome skin tags. Age is just one piece of the puzzle.
Here's a connection that surprises many people: abnormal lipid profiles and high cholesterol correlate with skin tag development [23].
Multiple studies have found that people with skin tags are more likely to have:
The relationship between cholesterol and skin tags likely reflects shared underlying metabolic dysfunction rather than cholesterol directly causing skin tags.
Both conditions are components of metabolic syndrome—that cluster of metabolic abnormalities that includes insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol. They tend to travel together because they share common root causes: poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and chronic inflammation [24].
Some researchers have proposed that skin tags might serve as visible markers of cardiovascular risk. If you have multiple skin tags, it may be worth getting your cholesterol checked—especially if you haven't had it tested recently [25].
This doesn't mean skin tags cause heart disease or that everyone with skin tags has cholesterol problems. But the association is strong enough that it's worth paying attention to your overall metabolic health if you're developing numerous skin tags.
Beyond the major risk factors already discussed, several other medical conditions show associations with skin tag formation.
This rare hormonal disorder involves excess growth hormone production, usually from a pituitary tumor. People with acromegaly develop numerous skin tags along with other skin changes, enlarged hands and feet, and facial feature changes [26].
Some research suggests people with Crohn's disease—an inflammatory bowel condition—may develop skin tags more frequently, particularly around the anal area. These perianal skin tags differ somewhat from typical skin tags and may be related to the inflammatory nature of the disease [27].
While the connection remains debated, some studies have detected HPV DNA in skin tag tissue, suggesting the virus might play a role in at least some cases [28]. However, this finding isn't consistent across all research, and many skin tags contain no trace of HPV.
Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with skin tag development in several studies. This connection likely reflects shared risk factors (particularly obesity) rather than sleep apnea directly causing skin tags [29].
Understanding the common locations reinforces why friction plays such a central role in why skin tags form.
🔹 Neck: The most frequent location, especially along the sides and back where necklaces sit and skin folds naturally occur.
🔹 Armpits: Constant arm movement creates ideal friction conditions.
🔹 Groin and upper inner thighs: Walking and sitting create repetitive skin-to-skin contact.
🔹 Under breasts: Particularly common in women, where bra bands and skin folds meet.
🔹 Eyelids: Blinking creates thousands of small friction events daily.
🔹 Below the breasts: In the inframammary fold where breast tissue meets the chest wall.
Skin tags can occasionally appear on:
These locations typically still involve some form of friction—from clothing, jewelry, or skin movement—but it's less obvious than in the classic high-friction zones.
Given what we know about why skin tags form, can you prevent them?
The honest answer: partially, but not completely.
Maintain a healthy weight: Since obesity is a major risk factor, achieving and maintaining a healthy BMI reduces your risk significantly. This also improves your overall metabolic health, addressing multiple risk factors simultaneously.
Manage blood sugar: If you have diabetes or prediabetes, working with your healthcare team to optimize blood sugar control may help reduce skin tag formation.
Reduce friction: While you can't eliminate all friction, you can minimize it:
Address underlying conditions: Managing PCOS, thyroid disorders, and metabolic syndrome may reduce your risk.
Some factors remain beyond your control:
Even with perfect prevention efforts, you may still develop skin tags if you're genetically prone to them. That's okay—they're benign, and safe removal options exist when needed.
Skin tags are almost always completely harmless. However, certain situations warrant professional evaluation.
⚠️ A skin tag changes appearance: If it changes color, becomes painful, bleeds without trauma, or grows rapidly, have it checked. While still likely benign, these changes occasionally indicate something else.
⚠️ You're developing many skin tags rapidly: Sudden appearance of numerous skin tags might signal an underlying metabolic condition worth investigating.
⚠️ You're unsure if it's actually a skin tag: Other skin growths can sometimes look similar, including seborrheic keratoses, moles, warts, or rarely, skin cancer. When in doubt, get it checked.
⚠️ A skin tag becomes irritated or infected: If a skin tag gets twisted, caught on clothing, or otherwise traumatized, it may become painful or infected.
Skin tags have that characteristic stalk and soft, movable feel.
Moles are typically flat or slightly raised, pigmented, and don't have a stalk.
Seborrheic keratoses look "stuck on" to the skin's surface, often with a warty, crusty appearance.
Warts have a rough, cauliflower-like texture and are caused by HPV.
Dermatofibromas are firm, button-like bumps that dimple inward when you pinch the sides.
If you're uncertain, our experienced surgical team can provide a definitive diagnosis and discuss your options.
While skin tags don't require removal for medical reasons, many people choose removal for cosmetic concerns or because they're irritated by clothing or jewelry.
Snip excision: The most common method for skin tags. Using sterile surgical scissors, the practitioner numbs the area with local anesthetic and snips the skin tag at its base. Quick, effective, and minimal discomfort [30].
Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen causes it to fall off within a few days. Works well for smaller skin tags.
Electrocautery: Using heat to burn off the skin tag. The heat also seals blood vessels, minimizing bleeding.
Ligation: Tying off the skin tag's stalk with surgical thread cuts off blood supply, causing it to eventually fall off.
At The Minor Surgery Center, we use minimally invasive solutions tailored to your specific situation. Our comfort-first approach ensures the procedure is quick, safe, and as painless as possible.
You might be tempted by home removal methods or over-the-counter products. We strongly advise against DIY removal for several reasons:
❌ Infection risk: Using non-sterile tools or techniques creates significant infection risk.
❌ Bleeding: Skin tags have blood vessels in their core. Improper removal can cause surprising amounts of bleeding.
❌ Scarring: Professional techniques minimize scarring; home methods often leave noticeable marks.
❌ Misdiagnosis: What you think is a skin tag might be something else requiring different treatment.
Professional removal takes just minutes, costs less than you might think, and provides peace of mind that it's done safely and correctly.
The process is straightforward:
Most patients return to normal activities immediately. The site heals within a week or two, typically with minimal or no scarring when performed by experienced hands.
Our personalized treatment plan approach means we consider your specific concerns, the number and location of skin tags, and your preferences when recommending the best removal method.
Understanding why skin tags form reveals important insights about your overall health.
As we've discussed, skin tags often appear alongside metabolic conditions. Think of them as your body's way of waving a flag that says, "Hey, let's check what's happening internally."
If you have multiple skin tags, consider it an opportunity to:
Finding skin tags doesn't mean you definitely have diabetes or heart disease. Many perfectly healthy people develop them, especially as they age.
But the statistical associations are strong enough that it's worth using skin tags as a prompt to check in on your metabolic health—particularly if you have other risk factors.
At The Minor Surgery Center, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the skin tag. While we can safely and efficiently remove bothersome skin tags, we also encourage patients to work with their primary care providers to address underlying health factors.
This holistic approach helps you get back to your life with both the immediate concern (the visible skin tag) and the bigger picture (your overall health) addressed.
Let's clarify how skin tags differ from other common skin growths you might encounter.
ConditionAppearanceTextureStalkCauseSkin TagFlesh-colored to brown, smallSoft, movableYes (pedunculated)Friction, hormones, geneticsMoleBrown, tan, or pinkSmooth or slightly raisedNoMelanocyte clustersSeborrheic KeratosisBrown, "stuck-on" appearanceWarty, crustyNoAge-related skin changesWartFlesh-colored with black dotsRough, cauliflower-likeNoHPV infectionDermatofibromaBrown or red-brownFirm, button-likeNoFibrous tissue growthSebaceous CystSkin-colored bumpFirm, round, may have central poreNoBlocked sebaceous gland
Understanding these differences helps you communicate more effectively with your healthcare provider and understand what you're dealing with.
For a comprehensive look at various skin conditions we treat, visit our conditions page.
If you have skin tags but aren't ready for removal, or if you're prone to developing them, these practical tips can help.
🔹 Choose smooth jewelry: Opt for smooth chains and bracelets rather than textured pieces that catch on skin tags.
🔹 Adjust your clothing: Avoid rough fabrics or tight collars that constantly rub against skin tags.
🔹 Be gentle during grooming: Take care when shaving around skin tags—accidentally nicking one causes bleeding and discomfort.
🔹 Pat, don't rub: When drying after bathing, pat areas with skin tags gently rather than rubbing vigorously.
Keep an eye on your skin tags. Take note if:
These changes warrant a professional evaluation.
If you have an important event coming up—a wedding, vacation, or professional photo session—and skin tags bother you cosmetically, plan removal several weeks in advance. This allows complete healing before your big day.
Our safe and efficient surgery approach means minimal downtime, but planning ahead ensures the best cosmetic outcome.
Let's clear up some persistent misconceptions about why skin tags form and what they mean.
False. Skin tags aren't caused by viruses or bacteria (with the possible exception of some HPV-associated cases, which remains debated). You can't catch them from someone else or spread them to other people.
False. Removing a skin tag doesn't cause others to appear. However, if you have the underlying risk factors (obesity, diabetes, genetic predisposition), you'll likely continue developing new ones over time regardless of whether existing ones are removed.
False. Skin tags have nothing to do with cleanliness. They're related to friction, genetics, hormones, and metabolic factors—not hygiene.
False. Skin tags are benign and don't become cancerous. However, occasionally what appears to be a skin tag might actually be a different type of growth, which is why professional evaluation is valuable if you're uncertain.
False. While obesity increases risk significantly, plenty of people at healthy weights develop skin tags due to genetics, age, hormonal factors, or other reasons.
While medically harmless, skin tags can affect quality of life and self-confidence.
Many people feel self-conscious about visible skin tags, especially on the face, neck, or other prominent areas. This is completely understandable—we all want to feel comfortable in our skin.
Some patients report:
These concerns are valid. Your comfort with your appearance matters.
The good news: you have options. Professional removal is quick, affordable, and effective. Taking action often provides significant relief and renewed confidence.
At The Minor Surgery Center, we approach every patient with warmth and understanding. We know that what might seem like a small cosmetic issue to others can feel significant to you—and we take your concerns seriously.
Our goal is simple: help you get back to your life feeling comfortable and confident in your skin.
One question we hear frequently: "How much does skin tag removal cost?"
Several variables influence the total cost:
Because skin tags are benign and removal is typically considered cosmetic, most insurance plans don't cover the procedure. However, if a skin tag is causing medical problems (bleeding, infection, or significant functional impairment), coverage might be possible.
We recommend checking with your insurance provider about your specific situation.
At The Minor Surgery Center, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing. We provide clear cost estimates before any procedure so you can make informed decisions without surprises.
Visit our cost estimator to get a better sense of pricing for your specific situation, or check our pricing page for detailed information.
Consider the value of professional removal:
Many patients tell us they wish they'd done it sooner rather than living with bothersome skin tags for years.
When you're ready to address your skin tags, choosing the right provider matters.
Our experienced surgical team specializes in minor surgical procedures, including skin tag removal. We've performed thousands of these procedures with excellent outcomes and high patient satisfaction.
We understand that even minor procedures can feel intimidating. Our team creates a warm, reassuring environment where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable throughout the process.
We use the most appropriate, least invasive techniques for your specific situation. Our goal is effective removal with minimal discomfort and optimal cosmetic results.
With multiple clinics throughout the Greater Toronto Area—including North York, Mississauga, Vaughan, and Oakville—we make it easy to access expert care close to home.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Your consultation includes a thorough examination, discussion of your concerns and goals, and a customized treatment plan designed specifically for you.
Our efficient service means minimal disruption to your schedule. Most skin tag removals take just minutes, with immediate return to normal activities. We respect your time and make the process as smooth as possible.
Q: Can stress cause skin tags?
A: There's no direct evidence that stress causes skin tags. However, stress can contribute to weight gain, hormonal changes, and metabolic dysfunction—all of which increase skin tag risk indirectly.
Q: Do skin tags grow back after removal?
A: Once a specific skin tag is properly removed, that particular growth won't return. However, if you have the underlying risk factors, new skin tags may develop in the same or different locations over time.
Q: Are skin tags hereditary?
A: Yes, there's a strong genetic component. If your parents had skin tags, you're more likely to develop them too.
Q: Can losing weight eliminate existing skin tags?
A: Weight loss doesn't typically cause existing skin tags to disappear, but it may reduce your risk of developing new ones. Some people report that skin tags become less noticeable with weight loss as skin folds reduce.
Q: Why do I suddenly have so many skin tags?
A: Rapid development of multiple skin tags warrants medical evaluation. It could indicate recent weight gain, hormonal changes (like pregnancy), development of insulin resistance or diabetes, or other metabolic shifts worth investigating.
Q: Are skin tags more common in certain ethnicities?
A: Research suggests skin tags occur across all ethnic groups, though some studies indicate slightly higher prevalence in certain populations. The difference is modest, and risk factors like obesity and diabetes matter more than ethnicity [31].
Q: Can children get skin tags?
A: While uncommon, children can develop skin tags, especially if they're overweight or have certain genetic conditions. Skin tags in children should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
For more answers to common questions, visit our FAQs page.
Now you understand why skin tags form—the complex interplay of friction, genetics, hormones, and metabolic factors that create these common benign growths.
You also know that while skin tags are harmless, you don't have to live with them if they bother you. Safe, effective removal options exist, and the process is simpler than you might think.
✅ Schedule a consultation: If skin tags bother you cosmetically or physically, book an appointment with our team to discuss your options.
✅ Get metabolic screening: If you have multiple skin tags, consider this an opportunity to check your overall metabolic health with your primary care provider.
✅ Address underlying risk factors: Work on maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood sugar, and optimizing your overall health.
✅ Stop worrying: Skin tags are benign. Whether you choose removal or not, they don't threaten your health.
At The Minor Surgery Center, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the outcomes you want with expert care, clear communication, and genuine compassion.
Our team understands that your concerns matter—whether you have one bothersome skin tag or dozens. We're here to listen, provide honest guidance, and deliver safe, efficient treatment when you're ready.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us to schedule your consultation. We'll answer your questions, examine your skin tags, and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.
Your journey to smooth, comfortable skin starts with a simple conversation. We look forward to helping you get back to your life—confident, comfortable, and free from the skin tags that have been bothering you.
Understanding why skin tags form empowers you to make informed decisions about your skin health. These common benign growths result from a fascinating combination of mechanical friction, genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and metabolic factors.
While skin tags affect more than half of all adults, they're not something you simply have to accept. Whether you choose professional removal or decide to leave them alone, you now have the knowledge to understand what's happening with your skin and why.
Remember these key points:
🔹 Friction in skin folds triggers the mechanical irritation that starts skin tag formation
🔹 Obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance significantly increase your risk through both mechanical and metabolic pathways
🔹 Hormonal changes during pregnancy, PCOS, and thyroid disorders contribute to development
🔹 Genetics play a major role—family history strongly predicts your likelihood of developing skin tags
🔹 Multiple skin tags may signal underlying metabolic conditions worth investigating with your doctor
🔹 Safe, effective removal is available when skin tags bother you cosmetically or physically
Most importantly, know that you have options and support. Our experienced team at The Minor Surgery Center stands ready to provide expert outpatient care with a comfort-first approach that respects your concerns and your time.
Whether you're dealing with one skin tag or many, whether you're seeking answers or ready for removal, we're here to help you get back to your life—comfortable, confident, and moving forward.
[1] Banik, R., & Lubach, D. (1987). Skin tags: localization and frequencies according to sex and age. Dermatology, 174(4), 180-183.
[2] Schwartz, R. A. (2016). Acrochordon. Medscape Reference.
[3] Kahana, M., Grossman, E., Feinstein, A., Ronnen, M., Cohen, M., & Millet, M. S. (1987). Skin tags: a cutaneous marker for diabetes mellitus. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 67(2), 175-177.
[4] Tamega, A. D. A., Aranha, A. M. P., Guiotoku, M. M., Miot, L. D. B., & Miot, H. A. (2010). Association between skin tags and insulin resistance. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 85(1), 25-31.
[5] Margolis, J., & Margolis, L. S. (2007). Acrochordons (skin tags): an updated review. Cutis, 79(6), 467-470.
[6] Rasi, A., Soltani-Arabshahi, R., Shahbazi, N., & Nouri-Khalili, S. (2007). Skin tag as a cutaneous marker for impaired carbohydrate metabolism: a case-control study. International Journal of Dermatology, 46(11), 1155-1159.
[7] Senel, E., Salmanoğlu, M., Solmazgül, E., & Bercik, I. A. (2008). Acrochordons as a cutaneous sign of impaired carbohydrate metabolism, hyperlipidemia, liver enzyme abnormalities and hypertension: a case-control study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 22(11), 1325-1329.
[8] Hotamisligil, G. S. (2006). Inflammation and metabolic disorders. Nature, 444(7121), 860-867.
[9] Gorpelioglu, C., Erdal, E., Ardicoglu, Y., & Adam, B. (2009). Skin tags and their relationship to impaired glucose metabolism and obesity. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 13(4), 191-195.
[10] Shaheen, M. A., Abdel Fattah, N. S., Sayed, Y. A., & Saad, A. A. (2012). Assessment of serum leptin, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in patients with skin tags. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 26(12), 1552-1557.
[11] Crook, M. A. (2000). Skin tags and the atherogenic lipid profile. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 53(11), 873-874.
[12] Norris, P. G., Rivers, J. K., & Copeman, P. W. (1985). Skin tags and diabetes mellitus. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 65(3), 278-280.
[13] Payne, G. W. (2006). Effect of inflammation on the aging microcirculation: impact on skeletal muscle blood flow control. Microcirculation, 13(4), 343-352.
[14] Winton, G. B., & Lewis, C. W. (1982). Dermatoses of pregnancy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 6(6), 977-998.
[15] Muzaffar, F., Hussain, I., & Haroon, T. S. (1998). Physiologic skin changes during pregnancy: a study of 140 cases. International Journal of Dermatology, 37(6), 429-431.
[16] Kroumpouzos, G., & Cohen, L. M. (2001). Dermatoses of pregnancy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 45(1), 1-19.
[17] Escobar-Morreale, H. F., Luque-Ramírez, M., & González, F. (2011). Circulating inflammatory markers in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Fertility and Sterility, 95(3), 1048-1058.
[18] Jabbour, S. A. (2003). Cutaneous manifestations of endocrine disorders: a guide for dermatologists. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(5), 315-331.
[19] Dianzani, C., Calvieri, S., Pierangeli, A., & Imperi, M. (2008). The detection of human papillomavirus DNA in skin tags. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(4), 988-989.
[20] Toro, J. R., Glenn, G., Duray, P., Darling, T., Weirich, G., Zbar, B., ... & Nickerson, M. L. (1999). Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome: a novel marker of kidney neoplasia. Archives of Dermatology, 135(10), 1195-1202.
[21] Mathur, S. K., Bhargava, P., & Acharya, V. (2011). Skin tags and their association with diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2(1), 8.
[22] Quan, T., & Fisher, G. J. (2015). Role of age-associated alterations of the dermal extracellular matrix microenvironment in human skin aging: a mini-review. Gerontology, 61(5), 427-434.
[23] Erdoğan, B. S., Aktan, Ş., Rota, S., & Ergin, S. (2005). Skin tags and atherosclerotic risk factors. Journal of Dermatology, 32(5), 371-375.
[24] Alberti, K. G. M. M., Eckel, R. H., Grundy, S. M., Zimmet, P. Z., Cleeman, J. I., Donato, K. A., ... & Smith Jr, S. C. (2009). Harmonizing the metabolic syndrome. Circulation, 120(16), 1640-1645.
[25] Thappa, D. M. (2012). Skin tags as markers of diabetes mellitus: an epidemiological study in India. Journal of Dermatology, 22(10), 729-731.
[26] Melmed, S. (2006). Medical progress: acromegaly. New England Journal of Medicine, 355(24), 2558-2573.
[27] Gelbard, C. M., Epstein, H. A., & Helenowski, I. (2013). Skin tags of the anorectum: do they matter? Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, 56(12), 1442-1445.
[28] Gupta, S., Aggarwal, R., Gupta, S., & Arora, S. K. (2008). Human papillomavirus and skin tags: is there any association? Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 74(3), 222.
[29] Akın, K. O., Şentürk, T., Mert, A., Altuntaş, Y., & Güvenç, T. S. (2011). Skin tags are associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep and Breathing, 15(3), 451-455.
[30] Hirt, P. A., Castillo, D. E., Yosipovitch, G., & Keri, J. E. (2008). Skin changes in the obese patient. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 58(5), 826-850.
[31] Demir, S., & Demir, Y. (2002). Acrochordon and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Acta Diabetologica, 39(2), 57-59.
