Skin tags (acrochordons) are common, benign skin growths appearing as small, soft flaps of tissue attached by a thin stalk (peduncle). They are typically flesh-colored or slightly darker and develop where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. While harmless, many people seek removal for cosmetic reasons or because friction from jewelry or clothing irritates them. Over-the-counter (OTC) products allow for at-home removal using methods like freezing or ligation to cause the growth to detach.
Essential Pre-Removal Safety Checks
Before initiating at-home removal, confirm the growth is a skin tag and not a more concerning lesion. A true skin tag is soft, flexible, and hangs from the skin on a slender stalk, usually measuring between two and five millimeters. Other growths, such as moles or seborrheic keratoses, can be mistaken for skin tags, making self-assessment important.
Do not use an OTC removal kit if the growth is larger than five millimeters, is located near the eye or genitals, or is firmly attached without a peduncle. Consult a dermatologist immediately if the growth is rapidly changing, bleeds spontaneously, or appears dark, firm, or unevenly colored. If the growth passes the safety check, clean the area gently with mild soap and water to remove oils or lotions, which reduces the risk of infection.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Common At-Home Methods
At-home removal methods primarily rely on two mechanisms: cutting off the blood supply (ligation) or freezing the tissue (cryotherapy). Ligation kits use a process called banding, restricting blood flow to the skin tag, causing it to necrose and fall off. A small rubber band is applied at the base of the skin tag’s stalk using an applicator device. Ensure the band is placed as close to the skin’s surface as possible to completely restrict circulation.
Once positioned, the band remains in place, and the skin tag typically begins to darken, shrivel, and detach within three to seven days. The tag must be allowed to fall off naturally; pulling it off prematurely can cause bleeding and irritation. This method is most effective for tags that have a distinct, narrow stalk.
The second approach is cryotherapy, which uses a freezing agent to destroy the tissue. The kit usually includes a foam-tipped applicator saturated with the freezing solution, which is pressed directly onto the skin tag. Application duration is typically brief, often between 10 and 20 seconds, and is usually accompanied by a mild stinging or burning sensation.
The extreme cold causes the skin tag cells to die, and a blister may form beneath the treated area in the following hours or days. The treated skin tag will then scab over and detach within seven to fourteen days.
Managing the Removal Site and Aftercare
After the skin tag has been treated by either method, proper care of the removal site is necessary to prevent complications. Immediately following treatment, it is normal to experience minor redness, slight swelling, or mild soreness in the surrounding skin. Cryotherapy, in particular, may result in a small blister or scab forming where the tag was located, which is a normal part of the healing cascade.
Keep the area clean by washing it gently with soap and water twice daily. Avoid harsh products like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can slow healing. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly and covering the area with a small, non-stick bandage helps keep the wound moist and protected from bacteria, minimizing scarring. Do not pick at any scabs, as this increases the risk of infection and a noticeable scar.
You must monitor the site for signs of infection, which include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, excessive pain that persists beyond the first few hours, or the presence of yellow or green pus. If any of these symptoms appear, or if you develop a fever, discontinue self-care and seek medical attention immediately. While minor discoloration may occur, the potential for significant scarring is low if the area is kept clean and allowed to heal without disruption.