Skin tags are small, benign growths that project from the surrounding skin. They are composed of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels, commonly appearing in areas where skin folds or friction occurs, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. While generally harmless, skin tags are frequently removed for cosmetic reasons or because they become irritated or snagged by clothing. Since all removal methods, especially excision, create a small wound, minor bleeding is a common and expected outcome that can typically be managed safely at home.
Immediate Actions to Control Minor Bleeding
The first step in controlling post-removal bleeding is to ensure the area is clean and to apply direct, sustained pressure. Before touching the wound, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria. Place a sterile piece of gauze or a clean cloth directly over the removal site.
Apply firm, continuous pressure to the gauze for a minimum of ten to fifteen minutes without lifting it to check the wound. This uninterrupted pressure allows the blood’s clotting cascade to effectively seal the small blood vessels. If the wound is on a limb, elevating the affected area above the level of the heart helps decrease blood flow and assists in slowing the bleeding.
Once the initial bleeding has slowed, topical agents can help stop any residual oozing. A styptic pencil (containing aluminum sulfate) or alum powder can be gently pressed onto the wound to constrict the small capillaries and hasten clot formation. Alternatively, a thin layer of petroleum jelly can be applied, which acts as a protective barrier and helps promote a stable clot.
Wound Care After Bleeding Stops
After the bleeding has halted, the focus shifts to preventing infection and promoting healing. Clean the removal site gently with mild soap and water one to two times daily. Avoid harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can irritate new tissue and delay the healing process.
Pat the area dry gently with a clean paper towel or cloth instead of rubbing, which could dislodge the newly formed clot or scab. Following cleansing, apply a thin film of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the wound. This keeps the area moist, which aids wound healing and helps prevent the formation of a large, dry scab that can lead to scarring.
Cover the site with a small, non-stick adhesive bandage to shield it from contaminants and friction. Change the bandage daily, or whenever it becomes wet or soiled, to maintain a clean environment. The treated area will naturally form a small scab that should be allowed to fall off on its own, which usually occurs within three to seven days for smaller wounds.
When Bleeding Requires Professional Help
While minor bleeding is expected, certain signs indicate the situation requires urgent professional medical attention. Severe bleeding, such as a continuous flow that rapidly soaks through multiple layers of gauze, or blood that appears to be spurting, suggests a larger vessel may have been compromised. This type of hemorrhage cannot be controlled by simple pressure and needs medical intervention.
Persistent bleeding is any bleeding that continues steadily for more than fifteen to twenty minutes despite firm, sustained pressure. If this occurs, a healthcare professional must evaluate the wound. Also, watch for signs of a developing infection in the days following the removal.
Symptoms that necessitate a medical consultation include:
- Increasing redness that spreads beyond the immediate wound.
- Worsening swelling or warmth around the site.
- Pain that increases rather than subsides.
- The presence of pus or cloudy discharge.
A fever or red streaks extending from the wound are serious indicators of a spreading infection and require immediate medical care.
Preventing Excessive Bleeding During Removal
The method chosen for skin tag removal significantly influences the likelihood and severity of post-procedure bleeding. Surgical excision, which involves snipping the tag at its base with a sterile blade or scissors, has the highest potential for bleeding, especially with larger or more vascularized tags. This method creates an open wound that relies on direct pressure to achieve clotting.
Techniques that employ heat or cold are associated with less bleeding because they seal the blood vessels during removal. Electrocautery uses a controlled electrical current to burn the tag off, instantly sealing the exposed blood vessels and preventing bleeding. Cryosurgery involves freezing the tag with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the tissue and constricts the blood vessels, leading to minimal or no bleeding when the tag falls off.
Ligation, or tying a surgical thread around the base of the skin tag, works by cutting off the blood supply over several days, causing the tissue to die and fall off without active bleeding. For individuals concerned about bleeding, choosing a professional method like electrocautery or cryosurgery is the most effective preventative measure. Larger skin tags, which have a more substantial blood supply, should always be removed by a medical professional to manage the higher risk of excessive bleeding.