Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are common, benign skin growths that appear on various parts of the body. These growths consist of collagen fibers and blood vessels covered by a layer of epidermis, typically presenting as small, soft flaps of tissue. While generally harmless, their location on the delicate eyelid area can lead to irritation and aesthetic concerns. Because the eye is a highly sensitive organ, any consideration of removal demands professional medical attention.
Identifying Eyelid Skin Tags
An acrochordon on the eyelid usually manifests as a flesh-colored or slightly hyperpigmented growth, often attached to the skin by a narrow stalk, called a peduncle. They are soft to the touch, movable, and typically measure between one and five millimeters. While the precise cause is not fully known, development is associated with friction, genetic predisposition, aging, and hormonal changes. Skin tags are also commonly observed in individuals who are pregnant, obese, or have insulin resistance. Before removal, the growth must be professionally identified by a dermatologist or ophthalmologist, as other lesions like moles, seborrheic keratoses, or sebaceous hyperplasia can visually mimic a skin tag.
The Dangers of At-Home Removal
Attempts to remove eyelid skin tags at home pose significant risks due to the unique sensitivity of the area. The skin of the eyelid is thinner and more delicate than skin elsewhere, which increases the likelihood of severe damage and scarring. Common do-it-yourself methods, such as snipping the tag with scissors or using unsterilized thread, carry a high risk of causing an infection. Since skin tags contain blood vessels, cutting them can result in uncontrolled bleeding that is difficult to manage near the eye.
Using over-the-counter freezing kits or chemical-based topical acids is dangerous. Any accidental contact between these agents and the eyeball can lead to severe corneal damage, vision impairment, or blindness. The proximity of the growth to the lacrimal system means that any self-treatment could inadvertently harm structures responsible for tear production and drainage. Professional assessment is the only safe first step for dealing with growths in this area.
Professional Removal Procedures
Safe and effective skin tag removal on the eyelids is performed by specialized medical practitioners, such as dermatologists, oculoplastic surgeons, or ophthalmologists. Local anesthesia, typically a small injection of a numbing agent, is administered before the procedure to ensure the patient experiences little to no pain.
Excision
One of the most common methods is Excision, or a surgical snip, where the tag is quickly cut at its base using sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel. This method offers immediate results and is often preferred for tags that are larger or have a defined stalk. The small wound heals rapidly, and the tissue sample can be sent for biopsy if the clinician deems it necessary.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery involves using a device to deliver a low-voltage electrical current, which generates heat to burn off the skin tag. This technique simultaneously destroys the tissue and cauterizes the blood vessels at the base, minimizing bleeding. Electrocautery is highly precise and is an excellent option for tags located in sensitive areas of the eyelid.
Cryotherapy
A third option is Cryotherapy, which involves applying liquid nitrogen to the skin tag to freeze and destroy the tissue. The extreme cold causes the tag to blister, dry out, and eventually fall off within a week or two. When used near the eye, the clinician must employ specialized, highly controlled application tools to ensure the freezing effect is limited only to the skin tag itself. All professional methods are quick and designed to reduce the risk of scarring.