For years I didnt know what they where called but apparently close to 50% of people have them there little bits of skin that stick out normally found in around the creases of skin like under your arms.

I had one years ago but it eventually fell off

Nope.

Yes!

my mum does

For some reason I just find that photo fascinating. Weird.

I had one that fell off; well actually I think I might have caught it with my shaver but it was gone anyway - luckily I didn't feel it when it came off.

I don't but know folk that get them.

I've been told that if you tie floss around them it cuts blood supply (or something) and they fall off.

johnart said:

I don't but know folk that get them.

I've been told that if you tie floss around them it cuts blood supply (or something) and they fall off.

yeah thats true.

Yes, I've had them, too. They were in my arm pits and on my shoulder and neck. My dermatologist told me they could be cut off with scissors or in the case of under arm, shaved off. I remember reading somewhere that people who get them are more predisposed to contracting cancer. Don't know how true that is, but I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. I'm completely assymptomatic now, thank goodness. However, my dad had them, and he died of lung cancer in 2001.

Skin tags are common, acquired, benign skin growths that look like a small piece of soft, hanging skin. Skin tags are harmless growths. Some individuals may be more prone to tags (greater than 50-100 tags) either through increased weight, part combined with heredity, or other unknown causes. Males and females are equally prone to developing skin tags. Obesity and being moderately overweight (even temporary increases) dramatically increase the chances of having skin tags. Normal weight individuals with larger breasts are also more prone to skin tags under their breasts. Some small tags spontaneously rub or fall off painlessly and the person may not even know they had a skin tag. Most tags do not fall off on their own and stay around once formed. The medical name for skin tag is acrochordon.

Skin tag are bits of skin- or flesh-colored tissue that project from the surrounding skin from a small, narrow stalk. Some people call these growths "skin tabs" or barnacles. Skin tags typically occur in characteristic locations including the base of the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin folds, and under the breasts (especially where underwire bras rub directly beneath the breasts). Although skin tags may vary somewhat in appearance, they are usually smooth or slightly wrinkled and irregular, flesh-colored or slightly more brown, and hang from the skin by a small stalk. Early or beginning skin tags may be as small as a flattened pinhead-sized bump around the neck. While most tags typically are small (2-5 mm in diameter) at approximately one-third to one-half the size of a pinky fingernail, some skin tags may become as large as a big grape (1 cm in diameter) or a fig (5 cm in diameter).

Where do skin tags occur?

Skin tags can occur almost anywhere on the body where there is skin. However, the top two favorite areas for skin tags are the neck and armpits. Other areas include the eyelids, upper chest (particularly under the female breasts), buttock folds, and groin folds. Tags are typically thought to occur in characteristic friction locations where skin rubs against skin or clothing. More plump or chunkier babies may also develop skin tags in areas where skin rubs against skin like the sides of the neck. Younger children may develop tags at the upper eyelid areas, often in areas where they may rub. Older children and preteens may develop tags in the underarm area from friction and repetitive irritation from sports.

Who tends to get skin tags?

More than half if not all of the general population is reported to have skin tags at some time in their lives. Although tags are generally acquired (not present at birth) and may occur in anyone, more often they arise in adulthood. They are much more common in middle age, and they tend to increase in prevalence up to age 60. Children and toddlers may also develop skin tags in these underarm and neck areas. Since skin tags are thought to arise more readily in areas of skin friction or rubbing, tags are also more common in overweight people.

Skin tags are a benign condition and not directly associated with any other major medical conditions. Skin tags are commonly found on healthy people and do not have to be removed.

skin tags? not that i've noticed. but, i will have a look and get back to you on this