Though tags up to 13 mm (1⁄2 inch) long have been seen,[2] they are typically the size of a grain of rice.

Microscopically, an acrochordon consists of a fibrovascular core, sometimes also with fat cells, covered by an unremarkable epidermis.

[2] Studies have shown existence of low-risk human papillomaviruses 6 and 11 in skin tags, hinting at a possible role in their pathogenesis,[3] although a 2012 study found no association between skin tags and either low- or high-risk HPV.

Acrochorda were once thought to be associated with colorectal polyps, but studies have shown no such connection exists.

[8] Elevated blood sugar and insulin is linked to an increased incidence of skin tags through an unknown mechanism.