What Could Trigger Skin Tags? 15 Possible Causes

High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a natural substance produced in the liver and released into the blood. It is carried by lipoproteins, which are proteins that circulate throughout the bloodstream. When an individual’s body begins to produce too much cholesterol, it can lead to various complications, and high cholesterol levels can cause skin tags.

One theory is that skin tags occur when the body attempts to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Still, instead of excreting it through urine or feces, the body deposits it back into the skin in a small lump. This can occur due to high cholesterol levels in the blood, but it can also occur in areas of the skin with large pores or hair follicles—areas where excess amounts of dirt and oil may build up.