What causes small skin tags on the neck?

Small skin growths appearing on the neck may result from various causes: 1. **Filiform warts**: Primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, these warts clinically present as single, skin-colored or grayish-brown, soft, thread-like projections with rough, firm tips. 2. **Epidermoid cysts**: Some cysts may be primary with unknown causes, while others may be triggered by trauma, friction, surgery, or other factors. They can present as cystic masses with a smooth surface and a black punctate spot on the cyst's surface. When squeezed, they may discharge a cheese-like substance. They may occur singly or multiple, are usually non-tender, and may become inflamed if squeezed or traumatized. 3. **Soft fibromas**: The exact cause is unknown, but they may be associated with factors such as obesity, hypertension, and metabolic disorders. They mainly manifest as papules, filiform projections, or polypoid projections, with a soft texture and slow progression. Most cases are asymptomatic. 4. **Skin tags**: These are typically harmless skin growths commonly found on the neck, especially in skin folds. They are small, soft, pedunculated skin tumors that are neither painful nor itchy and are associated with heredity, age, and skin friction. 5. **Moles or intradermal nevi**: These are clusters of pigmented skin cells. Most are congenital, although some may develop over time. They are usually round or oval in shape, varying in color from light brown to black.