Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, benign skin growths that appear as small, soft, often flesh-colored or hyperpigmented bumps. These growths usually hang off the skin by a tiny stalk, or peduncle, and are typically found in areas where skin creases or rubs against clothing, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and eyelids. While they are generally harmless and painless, many people seek removal for cosmetic reasons or because the tags become irritated by friction. One of the most popular home remedies suggested online is the application of apple cider vinegar (ACV).
The Proposed Mechanism of Apple Cider Vinegar
The popular home remedy involves soaking a small cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, applying it directly to the skin tag, and securing it with an adhesive bandage, often leaving it in place overnight. Proponents suggest that repeated application causes the skin tag to darken, dry out, and eventually fall off within days or weeks.
The rationale for this effect is attributed to the high concentration of acetic acid in ACV, typically 5% to 8%. Acetic acid is a strong organic acid that proponents believe acts as a corrosive agent, chemically cauterizing the skin tag tissue. This continuous exposure is intended to destroy the cellular structure of the growth, leading to necrosis and separation from the healthy skin.
Evaluation of Efficacy and Clinical Support
Despite widespread anecdotal evidence, there is a distinct lack of rigorous, peer-reviewed clinical evidence supporting ACV as a safe or effective treatment for skin tags. Medical literature contains no scientific studies formally investigating ACV for acrochordon removal. The claims of success are based entirely on personal accounts and non-scientific sources, which do not meet the standards of medical proof.
Dermatologists generally do not recommend this method because it lacks standardization and control over the chemical process. The purported effectiveness is often the result of the acid causing an uncontrolled chemical burn that destroys the tissue. The absence of clinical trials means the true success rate, necessary concentration, and long-term outcomes are completely unknown. Without formal medical oversight, using an acidic agent like ACV for removal is considered a highly risky practice.
Potential Adverse Effects on Skin Health
Applying undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the skin for an extended period, especially under occlusion with a bandage, carries significant dermatological risks. The acetic acid concentration in ACV is high enough to be caustic, meaning it can cause chemical burns to the skin. The healthy skin surrounding the skin tag is particularly vulnerable to this damage.
Case reports have documented instances where topical ACV application resulted in serious chemical burns requiring medical treatment. The intense acidity can erode the top layer of the skin, leading to pain, blistering, and irritation. This corrosive action compromises the skin’s protective barrier, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infections.
Beyond acute injury, ACV use can lead to long-term cosmetic issues, including scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). These permanent marks can be far more noticeable and difficult to treat than the original skin tag.
Professional Methods for Skin Tag Removal
For individuals seeking safe and effective removal, dermatologists offer several controlled, sterile procedures designed to minimize scarring and provide rapid results with minimal risk.
Cryotherapy
This method involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag to freeze and destroy the tissue. The extreme cold causes the tag to blister and fall off, typically within seven to ten days.
Excision
This quick and precise technique involves a healthcare provider using sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel to snip the skin tag off at its base. For larger growths, a local anesthetic is often administered.
Electrocautery
This uses a high-frequency electrical current to generate heat and burn the skin tag off. This process immediately destroys the tissue and simultaneously seals the blood vessels, resulting in minimal bleeding.