Genital skin tags are harmless, fleshy growths in the groin area that often form due to friction between skin folds. While they're typically painless, if they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns, a healthcare provider can suggest safe removal methods.
How Can You Identify Genital Skin Tags?
- Small, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths
- They often have a thin stalk (pedunculated)
- Usually, they are painless and not itchy
- May become irritated or sore from friction
- Typically slow-growing
- Commonly appear in skinfolds or moist areas of the genital region
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Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2025.
Why Do They Develop?
Skin tags tend to occur in older adults and in people who:
- Carry excess weight
- Have diabetes
- Have loose skin
- Are pregnant
Skin tags also occur when skin rubs against skin. This can happen anywhere on the body, including in the groin. Other areas that are prone to skin tags are:
- Eyelids
- Neck creases
- Underarms
- Under breasts
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2025.
Genital Skin Tags vs. Genital Warts
Genital Warts
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Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection (STI)
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Small bumps or clusters; may be flat, raised, or cauliflower-shaped
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Usually firm or hard
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Sexually transmitted
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Most common STI in the United States, but not all HPV cases show warts
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Genital area, sometimes spreading or clustering
Genital Skin Tags
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Noncancerous growths unrelated to infections
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Soft, flesh-colored growths, often hanging by a thin stalk
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Soft and pliable
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Not sexually transmitted
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Very common and generally harmless
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Typically in skinfolds in the genital area
How Do Healthcare Providers Identify Them?
Genital skin tags are typically diagnosed during an exam by a healthcare provider, such as a primary care provider or a dermatologist (a specialist of disorders of the skin).
The provider will inspect the growths closely, assessing their size, shape, color, and location to determine whether they are consistent with common skin tags. In most cases, a visual examination is sufficient for diagnosis.
If the appearance of the growth is unusual or if there is reason for concern, your provider may order further tests to determine if it is something else, such as a wart, a mole, or skin cancer. To diagnose a more serious cause, a provider may order a skin biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of the tissue for laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
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Safe Ways to Get Rid of Genital Skin Tags
Genital skin tags generally do not need to be treated unless they are causing pain or become irritated. Some people may not like how they look and will choose to have them removed.
A healthcare provider will examine the skin tags and determine the best method for removing them. The methods for removal are:
- Excision: The provider numbs the skin and cuts off the skin tag.
- Cryosurgery: The provider applies liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag, which may scab before falling off.
- Cauterization: The provider uses a tool to burn off the skin tag.
- Ligation: A thread is tied around the base of the skin tag, cutting off blood flow so it falls off.
Avoid removing skin tags at home. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved products for home removal. Attempting this can cause scarring, infection, or misdiagnosis of a more serious condition.
