If you’ve found a small, soft bump under your arm or around your neck, you’re not alone. Skin tags are incredibly common, and while they’re harmless, they can feel like a nuisance. Whether they catch on your clothing, rub while shaving, or simply make you feel self-conscious, it’s okay to want them removed.
At RGV Direct Care, we provide neck and armpit skin tag removal right in our office. There’s no need to wait for a referral or see a specialist. We believe in making simple procedures simple again, all while keeping your comfort and safety in mind.
What Is a Skin Tag?
A Closer Look at Common Growths
Skin tags are small, soft growths that hang off the skin by a thin stalk. They often appear in areas where skin tends to rub together or experience friction, like the neck, armpits, or under the breasts. They can be skin-colored or slightly darker, and most people don’t even notice them at first.
Are They Dangerous?
No, skin tags are non-cancerous and usually don’t cause pain. However, they can become irritated from clothing, seatbelts, necklaces, or shaving. Over time, some people find them bothersome either physically or cosmetically, which is when removal becomes a helpful option.
A Common Part of Aging
As we get older, our skin changes. Skin tags often increase with age, especially in adults over 40. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and they don’t mean anything is wrong internally. At our clinic, we treat them as part of normal skin care.
Why They Show Up in the Neck and Armpits
Friction and Folded Skin
The most common reason skin tags form in these areas is friction. When skin rubs against skin, clothing or jewelry, it creates constant stimulation that encourages small growths to form. The neck and armpits are especially vulnerable due to movement, warmth, and sweat.
Hormonal and Metabolic Influences
Other contributing factors include pregnancy, weight gain, or even insulin resistance. Hormonal changes can make skin more reactive. Some studies suggest a link between skin tags and high blood sugar, which is another reason we check in on your whole health during your visit.
It’s Not Just About Appearance
Skin tags in the neck or armpit aren’t dangerous, but they can be annoying. They might snag on your shirt or bra strap, or become red and itchy. If they’re in a spot you see every day, you might just feel better having them removed—and that’s reason enough.
Are You Sure It’s a Skin Tag?
Always Start with the Right Diagnosis
Not all skin growths are the same. What looks like a tag might actually be a mole, a wart, or another type of benign or precancerous lesion. That’s why we begin every visit with a visual exam to confirm exactly what we’re dealing with.
The Importance of Medical Evaluation
We don’t guess. Our goal is to protect your health, not just remove a bump. If a spot looks unusual (especially if it’s dark, bleeding, rapidly growing, or has irregular edges) we may recommend a different approach or even a biopsy. It’s rare, but we’re always cautious.
Whole-Person Care Matters
At RGV Direct Care, even small concerns are taken seriously. If you’ve noticed other skin changes, we can talk about those during your visit too. Our care model allows for time and attention to address more than just one issue.
What If I Have Multiple Skin Tags?
It’s actually very common to have more than one skin tag, especially in areas like the underarms where skin folds and rubs together. Many people come in thinking they can only have one removed at a time, but we can often take care of multiple tags in one visit. This can save you both time and money.
Whether you have two tags or ten, we tailor your care based on what’s safe and effective. During your appointment, we’ll assess each tag individually and create a removal plan that works for you. And the good news? You don’t need separate referrals or multiple appointments. Primary care can handle it right here in our clinic.
This is part of the convenience we’re proud to offer at RGV Direct Care: whole-person care, without the runaround.
What If a Skin Tag Gets Irritated or Infected?
Skin tags are usually painless, but they can sometimes become irritated or even mildly infected. If one of your tags starts to bleed, swell, become red, or painful to the touch, it’s time to get it checked. These symptoms can result from friction, shaving, or even an accidental scratch.
At RGV Direct Care, we can evaluate the tag in-office and determine whether it needs to be removed, or simply monitored. Addressing irritation early can prevent complications and make healing easier.
If you notice any changes to a tag’s shape, color, or texture, don’t wait. While skin tags are harmless, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and let a medical provider take a look.
Can I Remove a Skin Tag at Home?
We don’t recommend removing skin tags yourself at home. While it might seem like a simple task, they can lead to pain, bleeding, and infection, especially if the area isn’t sterilized or the tag isn’t what you think it is.
Trying to remove a skin tag yourself also means you’re missing out on a proper evaluation. It’s easy to mistake a mole, wart, or other skin growth for a tag. At RGV Direct Care, we take a close look to ensure the growth is safe to remove and that the method used is right for your skin.
Professional removal is quick, clean, and done in a safe environment with sterile tools. Especially in sensitive areas like the neck or armpit, it’s always better to trust your care to a trained medical provider.
Why Primary Care Is the Right Place to Start
You Don’t Need a Specialist
Many people think skin tag removal requires a trip to a dermatologist. But primary care physicians like those at RGV Direct Care are trained to remove common skin growths safely and efficiently. We’ve performed many in-office removals over the years and always prioritize cleanliness, comfort, and your overall well-being. Because our clinic is designed for whole-person care, these minor procedures can be handled without delay. You’ll be treated by a provider who already knows your history and health goals.
Convenient, Affordable Care
We can often take care of skin tags during your regular appointment. That means fewer visits, no long waitlists, and less time off work. You won’t have to travel to another clinic or pay a specialist fee. Instead, you get everything handled in one place by someone you trust. We believe in healthcare that fits into your real life, not healthcare that makes your life harder. That’s why we’re proud to offer in-office removals that are straightforward and affordable.
Many of our patients appreciate that we don’t rush these conversations. If you’re unsure about removing a skin tag, we can talk it over, show you what’s involved, and only proceed when you’re ready. There’s no pressure, just professional care that meets you where you are.
A Better Kind of Healthcare
Skin concerns don’t have to be ignored or rushed. We’re here to listen and treat the whole person, not just the problem. Skin tag removal is one example of how we meet practical, day-to-day needs in a way that aligns with your long-term wellness.
Whether we’re discussing your sleep, weight, hormones, or minor procedures, everything is connected. You deserve care that sees the full picture and takes the time to help you thrive. At RGV Direct Care, we value those deeper relationships and believe they make all the difference in your overall health.
When to Consider Skin Tag Removal
When It’s Causing Discomfort
If your tag keeps getting caught, scratched, or irritated, it might be time to remove it. Some people also remove tags for cosmetic reasons, especially if they’re in a visible place like the neckline or chin area.
When It’s Growing or Changing
Skin tags don’t usually change much. If yours is changing color, getting larger, or starting to bleed, we recommend getting it checked. Even if it turns out to be nothing, you’ll feel better knowing.
When It’s Just Bothering You
Sometimes, the best reason to remove a skin tag is simply that you want it gone. There’s nothing wrong with that. We’re here to help you feel good in your skin, and that includes removing things that make you uncomfortable.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been living with a skin tag that’s bothering you, there’s no need to wait. Just give us a call or mention it during your next visit. Most removals are quick, safe, and done in the same appointment.
We proudly serve the Rio Grande Valley and welcome patients from Weslaco, Harlingen, McAllen, and beyond. At RGV Direct Care, your comfort and confidence matter.
Visit our Services page to learn more or head to our Contact us page to schedule your appointment today.
FAQs About Neck and Armpit Skin Tag Removal
What causes skin tags in these areas?
Skin rubbing on skin or clothing is the most common cause. Hormonal shifts, weight changes, and genetics can also play a role.
Can they grow back?
The same tag won’t return, but new ones might appear, especially in the same areas. We can discuss prevention tips if needed.
Are skin tags contagious?
No, skin tags are not contagious. They don’t spread from person to person and aren’t caused by viruses or infections. They form from friction and natural skin changes, not germs.
What if I have skin tags in multiple places?
It’s very common to have skin tags in more than one spot. We can evaluate all areas during your visit and often treat several at the same time. This helps keep your care efficient and comfortable.
What other skin conditions do you treat?
At RGV Direct Care, we treat a variety of common skin concerns. In addition to skin tags, we provide in-office care for seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, warts, and other benign lesions that require treatment. We use cryotherapy and hyfrecation for most of these procedures. Everything is done in a medical setting and tailored to your unique needs. If you have a spot that’s irritating, changing, or simply concerning, we’re here to evaluate and help.