The short explanation
Skin tags, small soft flaps of skin, often appear on the neck, armpits and groin. They are common in the general population but are seen more often in people with insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS. They can appear together with darker, velvety skin in body folds, called acanthosis nigricans. Skin tags are harmless. Their presence can be a hint to check for insulin resistance and blood sugar. Improving insulin sensitivity through activity, balanced eating and weight management, if needed, may reduce new skin tags. Existing ones can be removed by a doctor or dermatologist if they bother you.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Do not try to cut or tie off skin tags at home, as this can cause bleeding or infection.
- A skin tag that changes colour, bleeds, grows quickly or looks different from others should be checked.
- Your doctor may suggest blood sugar tests.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell whether your skin tags are related to insulin resistance. A doctor can examine them and suggest tests.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Are my skin tags linked to insulin resistance?
- Should my blood sugar be checked?
- Can they be removed safely?
- What changes would reduce new skin tags?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a couple of weeks if a skin tag bleeds, changes colour or grows quickly.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine appointment to discuss skin tags and checks for insulin resistance.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) NHS
- Prediabetes MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Prediabetes Cleveland Clinic
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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