Skin tags are small, harmless growths that commonly appear in areas where the skin folds or rubs frequently. They’re soft, flesh-colored, and often go unnoticed until they catch on clothing or jewelry. While painless, their sudden appearance can be confusing or concerning.

The most common places for skin tags include the neck, underarms, groin, eyelids, and under the breasts. These areas experience the most friction from movement, skin-to-skin contact, clothing, and moisture. Constant rubbing triggers excess skin growth, which is why tags often form there. Shaving, sweating, and tight clothing can also increase irritation and raise the chances of developing them.

Certain factors make skin tags more likely to form: warm, humid environments, natural skin folds, aging, being overweight, and conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance. Because these areas are prone to repeated micro-irritation, tags often develop gradually over time without causing symptoms.

Although skin tags are generally harmless, you should see a doctor if they become painful, bleed, change color, or grow quickly. Knowing where they typically appear and why they form can help you recognize them early and understand that, in most cases, they’re simply a cosmetic concern—not a medical emergency.