Skin tags (acrochordons) are common, benign skin growths that often appear in areas where the skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. These small, soft, flesh-colored bumps consist of collagen fibers and blood vessels encased in skin. The duration it takes for a skin tag to fall off varies significantly, depending on whether the process occurs naturally or through intentional intervention.
Understanding Natural Detachment
A skin tag can remain firmly attached for years unless its blood supply is interrupted. Natural detachment is an uncommon occurrence that requires the stalk of the growth to twist or be constricted. This restriction of blood flow, often caused by the friction of clothing or jewelry, leads to the death of the tissue.
Once the blood supply is cut off, the skin tag will darken, shrivel, and dry out. The tag usually falls off within several days to one or two weeks. Smaller skin tags are more likely to detach naturally than larger ones, but this spontaneous event is not a reliable expectation for removal.
Timelines Following Professional Removal Methods
Professional removal by a healthcare provider offers predictable and quicker timelines for detachment. The chosen method depends on the size and location of the skin tag, but most procedures are completed rapidly in a single office visit.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin tag tissue. This extreme cold destroys the cells, causing the tag to blister, scab, and eventually detach within 7 to 14 days. The tag will turn dark and form a crust before it falls off, indicating the treatment was successful.
Ligation and Cauterization
Ligation and cauterization quickly disrupt the blood supply to the skin tag. Ligation involves tying off the base of the tag with a suture or surgical thread, causing it to die and fall off, typically within 3 to 10 days. Electrocauterization uses a heated electrical current to burn the tag off. While the removal is immediate, the resulting scab heals within about one week.
Excision
Excision, or snip removal, is a surgical method where the skin tag is cut off at its base using sterile scissors or a scalpel. This results in the immediate removal of the growth, eliminating the waiting period for detachment. The timeline focuses entirely on the healing of the small wound left behind.
Timelines Following At-Home Removal Methods
Many people opt for over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to cause the skin tag to die and detach over time. The timeline for these at-home methods is generally longer and less predictable than professional intervention.
At-Home Ligation Kits
At-home ligation kits use small bands applied to the base of the skin tag to restrict blood flow. If successfully applied, the skin tag will darken and fall off within 4 to 7 days, though some can take up to two weeks. The success of this method relies on the band remaining tightly in place until detachment occurs.
Topical Products
Topical products, such as creams or solutions containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil, work by drying out the tissue of the skin tag. These methods require consistent daily application and can take significantly longer to show results, often spanning 1 to 3 weeks for detachment. Results are highly variable, and complete removal may take several weeks or longer, depending on the tag’s size and the consistency of application.
What to Expect During the Healing Process
Once the skin tag has successfully detached, a small, superficial wound remains that needs time to repair itself. Immediately after the tag falls off, the site will typically appear red and may have a small scab where the stalk was attached. This scab is a normal part of the body’s natural defense mechanism, protecting the new skin underneath.
The general healing timeline for the wound site is approximately 1 to 2 weeks, regardless of the removal method used. Keep the area clean and avoid picking at the scab, as this can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring or infection. The new skin may initially look pink but will gradually blend with the surrounding skin tone over the following weeks.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
If the area shows persistent redness, excessive swelling, severe pain, or discharge like pus, it may indicate delayed healing or an infection. These symptoms warrant immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. Following proper aftercare is important for a quick recovery and to prevent complications.