Yes. Skin tags can develop during pregnancy and are usually harmless, noncancerous growths. They are often small, soft bumps that may hang from the skin and commonly appear where skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, under the breasts, or groin. Pregnancy-related body changes may make them more likely. Still, a new or changing growth should be checked if its appearance is unusual or it bleeds or hurts.
Why can skin tags appear during pregnancy?
Skin tags are small growths made up of skin tissue that may extend outward from the surface. They are common and generally harmless. During pregnancy, changes in the body may make new skin tags more likely to develop, particularly in areas where skin folds or rubs together.
The exact cause of skin tags is not fully understood. According to DermNet, friction between skin surfaces and higher levels of growth factors, particularly during pregnancy, may contribute to their development. These factors can help explain why some pregnant people notice new growths, although they do not establish the cause of any individual skin tag.
Where do skin tags usually develop during pregnancy?
Skin tags often appear in areas that experience friction, moisture, or repeated contact between skin surfaces. As the body changes during pregnancy, these areas may become more noticeable or experience additional rubbing.
Common locations include:
- Neck: Small growths may appear along the sides or in the folds of the neck.
- Underarms: Skin tags may develop where the upper arms rub against the body.
- Under the breasts: Skin-to-skin contact in this area can contribute to friction.
- Groin and inner thighs: Skin folds and contact with clothing may irritate these areas.
- Other areas: Skin tags may also occur on the eyelids, abdomen, or other parts of the body.
According to the NHS, skin tags are usually soft, skin-colored or slightly darker growths that appear to hang from the skin. They are often painless, although rubbing against clothing or nearby skin can make them uncomfortable.
Are skin tags during pregnancy harmful to the mother or baby?
Typical skin tags are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Their appearance during pregnancy is generally not a cause for concern, and an ordinary skin tag is not itself a sign of a pregnancy complication.
However, not every new bump is a skin tag. Other skin growths can look similar, including warts and certain moles. If you are unsure what a growth is, having it examined is more reliable than identifying it by appearance alone.
Can skin tags disappear after childbirth?
Skin tags that develop during pregnancy may remain after delivery. Do not assume that every growth will disappear when pregnancy-related changes settle. If a skin tag remains but does not cause discomfort, treatment may not be necessary.
If a growth catches on clothing, becomes irritated, or bothers you, ask a healthcare professional about removal options. The timing and method can be discussed with your obstetric clinician or dermatologist, taking your pregnancy or postpartum stage and the location of the growth into account.
When should you have a skin growth checked?
Although skin tags are usually harmless, a healthcare professional should assess a growth that changes or causes persistent problems. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeking professional care when a skin tag becomes irritated, bleeds, feels painful, or affects vision when located on an eyelid.
Arrange an assessment if a growth:
- Grows or changes noticeably.
- Becomes painful or repeatedly bleeds.
- Looks different from an ordinary skin tag or has an unusual appearance.
- Appears alongside a sudden increase in the number of growths.
- Occurs in the genital area and you are uncertain whether it is a skin tag.
These changes do not necessarily mean that a growth is dangerous. They are reasons to have it evaluated rather than assuming it is a skin tag. A clinician can examine the area and decide whether further assessment is needed.
What if a bump appears on the vulva or around the vagina?
Skin tags can occur in the genital area during pregnancy. However, growths around the vulva or vagina can resemble other conditions, including genital warts. Appearance alone may not be enough to distinguish them. Cleveland Clinic explains that pregnancy and friction may contribute to the development of vaginal skin tags, but an uncertain genital growth should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Avoid trying to remove a genital growth yourself. Arrange an appointment with your obstetric clinician or another appropriate healthcare professional to establish what it is and whether treatment is needed.
How can you manage skin tags safely during pregnancy?
Most uncomplicated skin tags do not need treatment. If a growth is not bothersome and has been identified as a skin tag by a healthcare professional, leaving it alone is usually reasonable. Reducing friction with comfortable clothing may also help limit irritation in areas where skin rubs together.
Do not cut, pull, burn, or tie off a skin tag at home. According to MedlinePlus, cutting a skin tag yourself can cause significant bleeding. Home removal products and harsh chemicals can also injure the surrounding skin, cause infection, or leave scars. These risks make self-removal particularly unwise when a growth has not been correctly identified.
If removal is necessary because a skin tag is painful, repeatedly irritated, or bleeding, a clinician can discuss an appropriate procedure. Professional options may include freezing the growth or removing it with sterile instruments. During pregnancy, discuss the benefits, risks, and timing of any planned procedure with your healthcare team rather than arranging cosmetic removal on your own.
What is the main takeaway about pregnancy skin tags?
Skin tags are a common, usually harmless type of skin growth that may become more noticeable during pregnancy. They often develop in areas where skin rubs together, and they do not usually require treatment. A growth that changes, bleeds, hurts, or appears in an uncertain location deserves professional assessment. Avoid home removal and seek advice from your obstetric clinician or dermatologist if you have concerns.