The common, small, and generally harmless growths known as skin tags often prompt a search for quick, easy removal methods. These benign growths, medically termed acrochordons, are extremely common, affecting nearly half of the adult population at some point. Due to the desire for fast and accessible solutions, many people consider using over-the-counter products intended for different skin conditions, such as corn removers. This article addresses the specific question of whether corn removers can be safely and effectively used on skin tags, detailing the differences between the two growths and the recommended removal procedures.
Understanding the Structure of Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft, non-cancerous skin tumors that frequently form in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. They range in size from a tiny bump to a growth several millimeters long. Microscopically, an acrochordon is composed of a fibrovascular core, which contains loosely arranged collagen fibers and small blood vessels. This soft tissue composition is covered by a layer of epidermis. Skin tags are essentially small flaps of loose skin tissue, not characterized by thick, hardened layers of dead skin cells.
How Corn Removers Work
Corn removers, which are commonly used to treat corns, calluses, and warts, function through a chemical process that breaks down thickened skin. The primary active ingredient in most of these products is Salicylic Acid, which is classified as a keratolytic agent. Salicylic Acid works by dissolving the intercellular cement that holds skin cells together, softening and breaking down the protein keratin. This mechanism is highly effective against corns and warts because these growths are characterized by hyperkeratosis, an excessive buildup of hard, dead, keratinized skin cells. These over-the-counter products are formulated in concentrations specifically to penetrate and shed this abnormally thick, hardened tissue.
Why Corn Removers Should Not Be Used on Skin Tags
The use of keratolytic corn removers on skin tags is strongly discouraged because the chemical mechanism is mismatched with the skin tag’s structure. Skin tags are soft, living tissue, unlike the hard, dead, keratinized layers targeted by Salicylic Acid. Applying a high concentration of this acid to a skin tag results in a chemical burn of the soft, healthy dermal and epidermal tissue. This can cause significant pain and irritation to the surrounding skin.
Using these products creates a significant risk of collateral damage to the adjacent healthy skin, leading to unwanted complications. The resulting open wound is susceptible to bacterial or fungal invasion, increasing the risk of a localized skin infection. Chemical burns from misuse can lead to permanent scarring, which may be more noticeable than the original skin tag. Individuals with darker skin tones also face a heightened risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where the damaged skin area heals with a persistent dark discoloration. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers against using unapproved products for the removal of skin lesions like skin tags.
Medically Approved Removal Methods
For safe and effective removal, a healthcare professional, typically a dermatologist, should be consulted. Professional removal ensures the growth is correctly identified and the procedure is performed under sterile conditions to minimize scarring, infection, and the risk of misdiagnosis.
Snip Excision
One common in-office procedure is snip excision, where the skin tag is quickly removed at its base using a sterile scalpel or surgical scissors. This method is often performed after a local anesthetic is applied, minimizing discomfort and providing an immediate result.
Cryotherapy
Another widely used method is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold destroys the cells within the tag, causing it to fall off after several days to a couple of weeks.
Electrocauterization
Electrocauterization is a common procedure where a specialized device uses heat from an electrical current to burn and destroy the tissue of the skin tag.
While some targeted over-the-counter cryotherapy products are available and FDA-cleared for skin tag removal, they must be used strictly according to instructions to avoid burning the surrounding skin.