Skin tags are small. But the myths around them? Huge. People will tell you they’re contagious. That they’re caused by bad hygiene. That you can just slice them off in the bathroom. None of this is true, but it’s advice that still circulates all the time.
Thankfully, you don’t need to rely on guesswork. Clarion Aesthetics, a leading clinic for skin tag removal in Singapore, offers safe, tailored treatments handled by professionals who know skin inside out.
In this article, we’ll walk through the most common skin tag myths and give you the truth, minus the scare tactics or DIY hype. Stick around—you’ll be better informed and better prepared.
What Are Skin Tags, Really?
Let’s start with the basics. Skin tags are small, soft, skin-colored growths that usually hang off the skin. They’re non-cancerous and incredibly common. You’ll often spot them in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing, like the neck, armpits, eyelids, and groin.
They’re more annoying than alarming. Think of them as the skin’s way of reacting to friction or hormonal changes. Most people will get at least one during their lifetime. And no, they’re not caused by dirt, poor habits, or bad luck.
Common Skin Tag Myths You Need to Stop Believing
Myth #1: Skin Tags Are a Sign of Poor Hygiene
Wrong. Skin tags have nothing to do with how often you shower or wash your clothes.
They show up because of genetics, hormones, age, or friction—not because of unclean skin. Even the most meticulous skincare routine can’t stop them from appearing.
In fact, some of the cleanest individuals—those who obsess over skincare—still get them. Hygiene just isn’t part of the equation. Blaming hygiene is not only false but also unfair.
Myth #2: You Can Safely Snip Them Off at Home
Tempting? Sure. Safe? Absolutely not.
DIY removal methods using scissors, threads, or kitchen remedies can cause:
- Pain and bleeding
- Infections
- Scarring
It’s not just about how it looks afterward. There’s also the chance you might not be dealing with a skin tag at all. Warts, moles, or even something more serious can easily be mistaken for a tag. Leave the scissors in the drawer. Your skin will thank you.
Myth #3: Skin Tags Are Contagious
They’re not warts. You can’t catch a skin tag by touching someone who has them.
They’re made of normal skin tissue, not caused by viruses or bacteria. So you can relax—there’s no need to keep your distance.
This myth likely stems from confusion with other skin conditions that are contagious. But skin tags? Harmless and non-infectious.
Myth #4: Skin Tags Are Always Cancerous
This one causes a lot of unnecessary fear. Skin tags are almost always benign.
Still, any unusual growth should be looked at by a doctor. Especially if it:
- Changes color
- Bleeds
- Grows rapidly
Most tags are completely non-threatening. But don’t play guessing games—if you’re unsure, a quick consult clears it up.
Myth #5: They’ll Grow Back No Matter What
If removed correctly, a skin tag usually won’t grow back in the same spot.
However, your skin might form new tags in the future. That’s just how skin works, especially if the causes—like friction or genetics—are still present.
It’s like pulling weeds. You remove one, but others may pop up elsewhere. That doesn’t mean removal doesn’t work—it just means the conditions for new tags are still around.
Myth #6: Only Older Adults Get Skin Tags
Age can be a factor. But it’s not the only one.
Skin tags can show up on teens, young adults, pregnant women, or people dealing with weight changes. Anyone, at any age, can get them.
Hormonal shifts, friction from clothing, or simply genetics can lead to skin tags long before the senior years.
Myth #7: Removing Skin Tags Leaves Permanent Scars
Not if it’s done right.
Professional treatments like cauterization, cryotherapy, or laser removal are designed to minimize scarring. When performed by a trained aesthetician or dermatologist, they’re quick, clean, and mostly leave little to no trace.
Home methods, on the other hand, come with higher risks. Especially if you’re cutting, scraping, or using chemical agents. These methods often leave behind marks that take much longer to heal, if at all.
When Should You See a Specialist for Skin Tag Removal?
Not all skin tags require removal. But there are situations when a specialist is the best option:
- The tag is irritated, bleeding, or painful
- It’s in a sensitive area like the eyelid
- You’re unsure if it’s a tag or something more serious
- You want it gone for cosmetic reasons without the risks of DIY
Clinics offering professional removal can ensure safe results using evidence-based methods tailored to your skin type.
Clearing Up the Confusion
Skin tags aren’t dangerous, but misinformation about them can be. From hygiene myths to risky DIY tactics, the best way to handle skin tags is with knowledge—and, when needed, help from a qualified professional.
Don’t believe everything you hear. If a skin tag is bothering you, get it checked, get it treated, and do it the right way. Your skin deserves that much.
