How To Avoid Skin Tags
While skin tags (also called acrochordons) are usually harmless and quite common, especially in adults over 40, there are some ways to potentially reduce your risk of developing them.
🧬 What Causes Skin Tags?
Skin tags often form due to:
- Friction (skin rubbing against skin or clothing)
- Hormonal changes
- Weight gain
- Insulin resistance or diabetes
- Genetic predisposition
They’re most common in areas like:
- Neck
- Armpits
- Groin
- Eyelids
- Under breasts
âś… How to Avoid Skin Tags
⚖️ 1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Excess skin folds from weight gain increase skin-on-skin friction.
- A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce this.
đź‘• 2. Reduce Skin Friction
- Wear loose, breathable clothing (especially in hot or humid weather).
- Use anti-chafing powders or creams in high-friction areas (like armpits or thighs).
🧴 3. Keep Skin Dry and Clean
- Moist areas encourage irritation and friction.
- Dry thoroughly after showers, especially in folds or creases.
- Use talc-free powders in areas prone to rubbing.
đź©ş 4. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
- People with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance are more likely to develop skin tags.
- If you’re at risk, maintain a low-glycemic diet, stay active, and consult your doctor regularly.
🧬 5. Know Your Risk Factors
- If skin tags run in your family, you may be more prone.
- Hormonal shifts (like during pregnancy) can also trigger them—so extra skin care may be helpful at those times.
đźš« Myths to Ignore:
- You can’t “catch” skin tags from someone else.
- They’re not caused by poor hygiene.
✂️ Already Have Skin Tags?
While you can’t always prevent them, you can have them safely removed by a doctor if they’re painful, irritated, or bothersome.