skin tag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Medical/Everyday
Quick answer
What does “skin tag” mean?
A small, soft, benign growth of skin, typically flesh-colored, that hangs from the surface by a narrow stalk of tissue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, soft, benign growth of skin, typically flesh-colored, that hangs from the surface by a narrow stalk of tissue.
In dermatology, a common type of acrochordon or fibroepithelial polyp; medically benign but can be irritated or removed for cosmetic reasons. Metaphorically used to describe any small, dangling, superfluous attachment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use 'skin tag' identically.
Connotations
Neutral medical/descriptive term in both varieties. Slightly less clinical sounding than 'acrochordon'.
Frequency
Equally common in both BrE and AmE. The formal synonym 'acrochordon' is more frequent in medical writing than in general speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “skin tag” in a Sentence
[Patient] has a skin tag on [Body Part].[Doctor] removed the skin tag with [Method].A skin tag appeared/grew.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skin tag” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The dermatologist said the skin tag was harmless and could be frozen off if it bothered me.
- He developed a small skin tag in his armpit.
American English
- My doctor removed a skin tag during my annual checkup using a cautery pen.
- Skin tags are often found in areas where skin rubs against skin, like the neck or groin.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of dermatology clinics, cosmetic procedure marketing, or medical insurance.
Academic
Common in medical and dermatology texts, often alongside the formal term 'acrochordon'. Used in patient-facing educational materials.
Everyday
Very common in general conversation about minor skin conditions, health, and personal appearance.
Technical
The primary layperson's term. In precise technical writing, 'acrochordon' (ICD-10 code L91.8) is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skin tag”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skin tag”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skin tag”
- Confusing it with a wart or mole. Using 'skin tag' to refer to a mole (родинка). Spelling as one word 'skintag'. Treating it as a serious medical condition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, skin tags are almost always benign (non-cancerous) and pose no health risk. They are removed primarily for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated.
The exact cause is unknown, but they are associated with friction (skin rubbing), hormonal changes (like pregnancy), insulin resistance, and genetics. They become more common with age.
Common removal methods include snipping with sterile scissors, cryotherapy (freezing), and cauterization (burning). Removal is a minor procedure usually done in a doctor's office.
It is the standard, widely understood term. The formal medical term is 'acrochordon', but 'skin tag' is perfectly acceptable in both clinical and lay contexts.
A small, soft, benign growth of skin, typically flesh-colored, that hangs from the surface by a narrow stalk of tissue.
Skin tag: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskɪn ˌtæɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskɪn ˌtæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, soft 'tag' or label made of your own skin, hanging on by a small stalk.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKIN IS A SURFACE FOR GROWTHS; A MINOR FLAW IS A TAG/LABEL.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'skin tag'?