Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, benign skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body. Their presence on the eyelids introduces concerns because this location is one of the most delicate areas of the body, requiring extreme care and professional precision for removal. While these growths are medically harmless, their proximity to the eye can cause irritation, affect vision, and create cosmetic distress. Because the skin around the eye is thin and the risk of permanent damage to the eye itself is significant, seeking professional guidance before pursuing any removal technique is necessary.
Understanding Eyelid Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft, non-cancerous growths that hang off the skin by a thin stalk, or pedicle. They are composed of collagen fibers, nerve cells, and blood vessels surrounded by an outer layer of skin. These growths are common, affecting approximately 50 to 60 percent of adults during their lifetime.
They frequently appear on the eyelids due to friction, a primary cause of their formation. The constant movement of blinking or rubbing from glasses can cause skin layers to rub against each other, leading to the overgrowth of skin cells. Factors such as age, obesity, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and diabetes also increase the likelihood of developing skin tags. It is important to have any new growth near the eye evaluated by a medical professional to rule out other skin conditions that can look similar.
Why Attempting Self-Removal is Dangerous
The temptation to remove a visible skin tag at home should be avoided, especially when the growth is on the eyelid. The skin surrounding the eye is thin and sensitive, and the potential for severe complications far outweighs the benefit of a quick fix. Common do-it-yourself methods, such as tying off the base of the tag with thread (ligation) or attempting to snip it off with scissors, carry unacceptable risks in this area.
Even small cuts can lead to significant bleeding due to the high concentration of blood vessels within the tag, which is difficult to manage near the eye. The use of non-sterile tools, including household scissors or nail clippers, introduces a high risk of bacterial infection near the tear ducts. Over-the-counter freezing kits or chemical applications like apple cider vinegar are also unsafe, as they are not designed for the delicate nature of eyelid tissue. These harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures can cause chemical burns, permanent scarring, or damage to the cornea and vision if accidentally introduced into the eye. Furthermore, self-removal prevents a medical professional from examining the growth, which is necessary to confirm it is a benign skin tag and not a more concerning lesion.
Safe and Professional Removal Methods
The only safe way to remove a skin tag from the eyelid is through a procedure performed by a trained medical specialist, such as a dermatologist, oculoplastic surgeon, or ophthalmologist. These professionals use specific, sterile techniques to protect the delicate eye area and minimize the risk of scarring. A local anesthetic is typically administered to numb the area, making the procedure quick and comfortable.
Surgical Excision
One of the most common and effective methods is surgical excision, also called a surgical snip. This technique involves using sterile, sharp surgical scissors or a scalpel to precisely cut the skin tag off at its base. Excision offers instant results and is preferred for larger skin tags or those with a wider base. The removed tissue is frequently sent for a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and verify the growth is benign.
Electrocautery and Cryotherapy
Electrocautery uses controlled heat delivered by a fine probe to burn the skin tag off. This method is precise and beneficial because the heat simultaneously seals the blood vessels, which helps to prevent bleeding and lowers the chance of infection. For smaller tags, cryotherapy may be used, where liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth to freeze it. The frozen tag then forms a scab and naturally falls off over the following week or two, though it may require more than one session. Post-procedure care is usually minimal, involving keeping the small wound clean and protected from the sun, with the area healing quickly within a few days.