We call them ‘bumps’ or skin tags, which are painless lumps that grow out of the skin like small bumps. In medical terms, these are called ‘acrochordons’. These are just normal, non-cancerous cell growths (benign). They occur when collagen fibers and blood vessels in the skin grow excessively and accumulate in one place. Here are the main reasons that lead to this:
Constant friction between skin (Friction): Skin tags are usually found in areas where the skin folds (for example: neck, armpits, eyelids, under the breasts). In these areas, the cells are irritated by the skin between the skin or by the constant rubbing of tight clothing or necklaces on the skin, which leads to the growth of skin tags.
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: The rapid increase in skin tags is a major symptom in the body. When the level of insulin hormone increases in the blood (Insulin Resistance), it causes the skin cells (Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts) to grow excessively. People with diabetes and pre-diabetes often have dark spots around the neck (Acanthosis Nigricans) along with a lot of spots.
Obesity and metabolic changes (Obesity): Excessive weight gain doubles the risk of skin tags. Firstly, in obese people, there are more areas where the skin folds. Secondly, the metabolic syndrome that occurs in them stimulates cell growth in the body.
Hormonal changes (Pregnancy): Skin tags often appear suddenly on the neck and chest in pregnant women. This is due to the sharp increase in the hormones ‘estrogen’ and ‘progesterone’ during pregnancy and weight gain. In most people, their number decreases after childbirth.
Genetics and age: If your parents or close relatives have a history of skin tags, the next generation is more likely to have them. Also, as skin elasticity decreases with age, they naturally increase in people over the age of 50.
