Skin tags (acrochordons) are common, benign skin growths that often appear in areas where skin folds or clothing causes friction, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. They are harmless and do not require medical removal, but many people seek solutions due to cosmetic concerns or irritation. The internet frequently suggests applying toothpaste as an easy, at-home remedy. However, there is no scientific evidence that toothpaste can effectively or safely eliminate these growths.
The Biological Structure of Skin Tags
A skin tag is a small, soft outgrowth connected to the body by a thin stalk, known as a peduncle. This growth is composed of several layers of tissue, unlike a superficial blemish. The core structure contains loose collagen fibers and blood vessels, wrapped within an outer layer of epidermis (the surface skin tissue).
The growth also contains nerve cells, which explains why improper removal can cause pain. This complex, multi-layered structure distinguishes a skin tag from a simple surface irregularity. Formation is often linked to factors such as friction, genetics, aging, and metabolic conditions like obesity and insulin resistance.
Why Toothpaste is Not an Effective Treatment
Toothpaste is formulated for oral hygiene, with active ingredients designed for surface cleaning and bacterial inhibition in the mouth, not for dissolving dermal tissue. Common components include abrasives (like calcium carbonate or silica), detergents (such as sodium lauryl sulfate), and flavorings. These ingredients, effective for cleaning tooth enamel, cannot penetrate and destroy the collagen and blood vessels forming the skin tag’s structural core.
Some believe ingredients like alcohol or baking soda in toothpaste can dry out the growth, causing it to fall off. While these substances might cause surface irritation, drying, or a localized chemical burn to the outer epidermis, they cannot physically sever the peduncle or dissolve the underlying dermal components. The resulting irritation is not the controlled destruction required for proper removal, and applying toothpaste can lead to unnecessary inflammation, infection, or scarring of the surrounding healthy skin.
Clinically Proven Skin Tag Removal Methods
Safe and effective skin tag removal requires a procedure that physically disrupts the growth’s structural integrity at the base of the stalk. These methods are best performed by a physician or dermatologist to ensure sterility, minimize scarring, and confirm the growth is benign. Cryotherapy is one common approach, involving applying liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the tissue. The frozen growth typically shrivels and falls off within a week or two after treatment.
Another effective technique is electrocautery, which uses a controlled electrical current to burn the skin tag off its base. Excision (snip removal) is a straightforward method where a professional uses sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel to quickly cut the tag at its peduncle. These procedures eliminate the entire structure, including the blood supply, allowing for safe and complete removal with minimal complications.