(See also Overview of Skin Growths Overview of Skin Growths Cells of the skin and underlying tissue may accumulate and cause growths. Growths may be raised or flat and range in color from dark brown or black to skin-colored to red. They may be present... read more .)
Usually, skin tags cause no trouble, but they may be unattractive, and clothing or nearby skin may rub and irritate them so that they bleed or hurt. Some people who have many skin tags have diabetes or prediabetes (insulin resistance).
A doctor can easily remove skin tags by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, cutting them with scissors or a scalpel, or burning them with an electric needle (electrodesiccation). Some doctors recommend testing for diabetes for people who have multiple skin tags.
