Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, benign skin growths that appear as small, soft flaps of tissue. They typically form in areas where skin folds or friction occurs, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Many people seek removal for cosmetic reasons or due to irritation from clothing or jewelry. Attempting to remove any growth at home carries inherent risks, including infection, significant bleeding, scarring, and the chance of misdiagnosing a more serious skin condition. Medical consultation remains the safest pathway for any skin removal procedure.
Identifying Skin Tags Versus Other Growths
Skin tags are small, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths attached to the skin by a thin stalk, known as a peduncle. They are typically soft and range in size from two millimeters up to half an inch. They do not change rapidly, bleed without cause, or become painful unless irritated by rubbing.
It is crucial to distinguish a skin tag from other growths that may look similar, such as moles or warts. Moles are usually darker, can be flat or raised, and do not typically hang from a stalk. Warts have a rough, grainy, or cauliflower-like texture and are caused by a contagious virus. Any growth that is dark, has irregular borders, bleeds easily, changes color quickly, or is rapidly increasing in size should never be treated at home, as these signs necessitate immediate evaluation to rule out conditions like melanoma.
Medically Approved Home Removal Techniques
For a small, verified skin tag, two primary methods are used for at-home removal, both aiming to eliminate the blood supply. The first is ligation, which involves tying off the tag’s peduncle to cause the tissue to dry out and fall off. This technique is best suited for tags that have a very thin, clearly defined stalk.
To perform ligation, a piece of clean, thin thread, such as dental floss or fine cotton thread, is tied tightly around the base of the skin tag, right at the point where it connects to the body. The knot must be secure enough to completely cut off the blood flow to the tag. Over the next few days, the tag will darken as the lack of blood supply causes the tissue to die, and it should detach naturally within a week or two.
The second method involves using over-the-counter (OTC) cryotherapy kits, which mimic professional freezing. These kits typically use freezing agents, such as dimethyl ether and propane, applied via a precision tip applicator. The goal is to freeze the tag tissue rapidly, destroying the cells and causing the tag to blister and fall off.
The product instructions must be followed precisely, holding the applicator against the tag’s base for a short, specific duration, often around 40 seconds. OTC cryotherapy kits do not achieve the ultra-low temperatures of liquid nitrogen used by dermatologists. This means they may require repeat applications over a few weeks to be fully effective. Using sharp instruments like scissors or nail clippers to cut off a skin tag is strongly discouraged due to the high risk of excessive bleeding, pain, and infection.
Essential Safety Precautions and Post-Procedure Monitoring
Regardless of the method chosen, maintaining a sterile environment is necessary to prevent infection. Before attempting removal, the skin surrounding the growth and any tools used, such as tweezers or ligation thread, must be thoroughly cleaned. Washing the area gently with mild soap and water is sufficient, and the skin should be completely dry before proceeding.
After the skin tag has been removed or fallen off, the resulting wound needs careful attention to promote healing. The area should be gently cleaned twice daily with soap and water. Applying petroleum jelly or a topical antibiotic ointment and covering the site with a clean, non-stick bandage will help keep the area moist and protected.
Monitoring the wound for signs of infection is necessary in the days following the procedure. Infection may be indicated by increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus development, or a foul odor. If pain worsens significantly or if a fever develops, seek medical attention immediately. Avoid applying harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can slow down the natural healing process.
When Professional Removal Is Non-Negotiable
Attempting self-removal is inappropriate in specific situations, making professional care the only safe option. Skin tags located in sensitive areas, such as near the eyes, on the eyelids, or in the genital area, should always be removed by a dermatologist. These delicate locations pose a high risk of permanent damage, excessive bleeding, or scarring if a non-sterile technique is used.
Any skin tag exceeding five millimeters in diameter or one that has a very wide base should be left to a medical professional. Larger growths are more vascular and result in significantly more bleeding than can be safely managed at home. If home removal methods have been attempted and failed, or if the skin tag has regrown, a professional can use more reliable techniques.
Dermatologists utilize precise, sterile methods such as surgical excision with a scalpel, electrocautery (using heat to burn off and seal the wound), or professional-grade cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen. These in-office procedures minimize the risk of complications and ensure the entire growth is removed cleanly. Consulting a doctor also provides the opportunity to have the removed tissue biopsied if there is concern about its nature.