Skin tags (acrochordons) are common, benign skin growths that appear in areas where skin folds or rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. These small, soft lesions are typically flesh-colored and hang from the skin on a thin stalk (peduncle). People often seek at-home removal for cosmetic reasons or because the tags become irritated by clothing or jewelry. The method of using floss to tie off the growth, called ligation, is a popular DIY approach. Attempting self-removal is not a substitute for professional medical guidance and carries inherent risks.
Identifying Skin Tags and When to Seek Medical Advice
A true skin tag is characterized by its soft, flexible texture and its small size, often ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters. They are usually painless and easily moveable, distinguishing them from other skin growths. Skin tags are non-cancerous, but a correct initial diagnosis is important before attempting any removal.
Consult a physician or dermatologist if a growth is hard, unusually pigmented, or has an irregular border, as it may be a different type of lesion, such as a wart, mole, or skin cancer. Professional examination is mandatory if the growth is painful, bleeds spontaneously, or changes color rapidly. Removing a misdiagnosed, potentially malignant growth at home can delay a serious diagnosis.
The Ligation Method Explained
Ligation is a technique that restricts blood flow to the skin tag, causing the tissue to die, a process known as ischemic necrosis. This principle relies on the fact that the skin tag is attached by a narrow stalk containing the blood vessels supplying the growth. Applying a tight ligature to this stalk completely compromises the blood supply.
To perform this method, a sterile piece of material, such as thin dental floss or surgical thread, is tied securely around the base of the skin tag. The knot must be tight enough to fully occlude the blood vessels feeding the tag. Once the ligature is in place, the tag will begin to darken and shrivel. The skin tag is expected to fall off naturally within about three to six days following successful ligation.
Safety Risks and Preventing Infection
The ligation method carries risks, and attempting it at home can lead to several complications. One common issue is incomplete removal, which can result in the tag regrowing or leaving an irritated stump of tissue behind. Improper technique can also result in unnecessary pain and lead to noticeable scarring.
The most significant risk is the introduction of bacteria and the development of a localized infection or abscess. Signs of an infection include increased warmth, persistent or worsening pain, excessive redness or swelling, or the presence of pus-like discharge. To minimize the risk of infection, the area should be cleaned thoroughly before the procedure, and the floss used must be sterile. After the tag falls off, the small wound should be kept clean and dry, and a topical antibiotic ointment can be applied to aid healing.
Professional Removal Alternatives
A consultation with a medical professional provides a safer, more controlled environment for skin tag removal, minimizing the risk of complications. Physicians use sterile techniques and instruments, which drastically lowers the chance of infection and scarring. Professional removal is also generally much quicker, providing immediate results rather than a wait of several days.
Common professional methods include surgical excision, where the tag is snipped off at the base using sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel, often after applying a local anesthetic. Another option is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen to destroy the tissue, causing it to fall off after a few days. Electrocautery is also frequently used, employing heat generated by an electrical current to burn off the tag and seal the wound simultaneously.