WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Skin tags and heat rash

Pregnancy
Beauty during pregnancy
Skin tags and heat rash
Skin tags are small, harmless growths that can pop up during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. They're like tiny little accessories that can appear on your skin, and are usually found in places where skin rubs together. 

Heat rash, on the other hand, is a common itchy rash that happens when sweat gets trapped in your pores.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
While they can be uncomfortable or unsightly, they are generally harmless and should go away after you give birth. 

And believe it or not, you’re far from alone. It's estimated that around 50% of women will develop skin tags during their pregnancy, while heat rash is also a common and normal occurrence due to increased sweating and higher temperatures .
Prevent and care
Many skin tags will shrink and may go away on their own after you give birth. If they don’t disappear completely, they should at least become smaller and easier to remove (should you choose to do so).
  • Avoid excessive friction by wearing loose-fitting clothing. 
  • If needed, consult with a healthcare provider for safe removal options post-pregnancy. 
  • Keep skin folds clean and dry to reduce the risk of skin tag irritation. 
  • Stay away from perfumes, fragranced lotions, harsh soaps, Petroleum-based ointments or mineral oil creams
Skin tags during pregnancy can appear at any of the common skin tag sites — including on the folds of your neck, armpits, breasts, or vagina.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
If you want to have a skin tag removed, discuss it with your doctor. 

And definitely schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if a skin tag becomes painful, changes colors or is a different color than the surrounding skin, has raw or bleeding areas, or if a growth on your skin is firm and you can’t wiggle it easily.
Top Asked Questions
Why do hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to skin tags, and when do they typically appear?

Increased insulin levels and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can result in skin tags, and they often appear in the second and third trimesters.

Can I remove skin tags during pregnancy, or should I wait until after childbirth?

It's advisable to wait until after childbirth for removal to ensure safety. Consult with a healthcare provider for post-pregnancy removal options.

Are there specific areas where skin tags are more likely to occur during pregnancy?

Skin tags often develop in body folds and areas prone to friction, such as the neck, underarms, and groin.

View Sources
B
Bryana
7 Jun 2023

This rash appeared on my leg after work one day I work with kids so I’m out in the heat and it was a water day so u guys think it’s like a heat rash or from my thighs rubbing tg?

Pregnancy Beauty during pregnancy
4 comments
S
Steph♡
Looks like how my thigh looks after a day of my thunder thighs rubbing together 😅
27 Mar 2024

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B
Bryana
Lol okay good I was worried I was like wth is this
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sarah
15 Jan 2023

Has anyone been experiencing skin tags forming on their eye lids due to being pregnant?

Pregnancy Beauty during pregnancy
4 comments
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Nicole
same!
27 Mar 2024

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J
Juliet
3 May 2022

So skin tags... Is there anyone starting to get them? I have like 10 coming up on my boobs😫😫

Pregnancy Beauty during pregnancy
11 comments
A
Anna
I have one that popped up on my actual areola 😳🤦‍♀️. It's sooo annoying
27 Mar 2024

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J
Juliet
me too.. I have like 7 new ones there... Google said they go away after but I keep thinking about breastfeeding with them..
27 Mar 2024

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