There are over-the-counter treatments, home removal techniques and surgical options for skin tags. Some dermatologists also use electrocauterization for thicker skin tags or those in delicate areas, such as the eyelids.
Cutting or clipping skin tags can be painful and may cause bleeding in the affected area. You should only try this method with the approval of a health professional at Skin Tag Removal.
Skin tags are small, soft growths that hang off the body by a connective stalk. They’re usually flesh-colored or slightly darker and range in size from a speck to several centimeters. They’re harmless, but can cause irritability and discomfort when they get caught on clothing, seatbelts or jewelry. They can also aggravate itchy, dry skin. Fortunately, there are many treatments that can safely remove skin tags.
There are a variety of OTC products that claim to remove skin tags, including removal creams and freezing kits. Most of these treatments are relatively painless, but require consistent application over a period of weeks or months to show results.
Liquid iodine is another common home treatment for removing skin tags, but it’s not without risks. The acidic liquid can cause itchy, dry skin rash (contact dermatitis) and may sting or burn when it touches the tag. It’s important to protect the surrounding skin with petroleum jelly or coconut oil before applying the iodine.
Tea tree oil is also a popular treatment for skin tags, and can be found in many skincare and beauty products. It’s thought that the antifungal and antiviral properties of the oil can help to kill the germs that lead to skin tags. A small amount of the solution is mixed with a carrier oil, and then applied to the skin tag. The oil is then covered with a bandage and left to sit overnight. Some people have reported that this home treatment can be painful and take a while to work.
Some health care professionals are also trained in the safe and effective removal of skin tags, including dermatologists and specially trained nurses. These specialists have the expertise and equipment to distinguish between a skin tag and something more serious, such as a wart or even skin cancer. Other health care professionals, such as primary care physicians and general practitioners, may also be able to remove skin tags, but it’s important to ensure that they have the proper training and equipment.
Home removal techniques
While a quick search on Google or TikTok will likely send you down a rabbit hole of at-home skin tag removal techniques (from freezing kits to using duct tape), it’s important to remember that before trying anything on your own, you should consult a healthcare professional for guidance. This ensures that the proper assessment of the situation takes place and reduces the risk of complications, especially bleeding and infection.
One of the most common home removal methods involves cutting off a skin tag at its base. While this can be effective, it is not recommended for people who are on blood thinners or those with bleeding disorders, as the process can lead to excessive bleeding. In addition, the cutting can damage surrounding skin tissue and cause scarring. It’s also important to sterilize the area and any tools before performing this treatment.
Another popular method for removing skin tags involves using a styptic powder, which works by causing the blood supply to the skin tag to coagulate and eventually break it off. This is also a very safe procedure, but it can be painful for some people and should not be done on sensitive areas, such as around the eyes or genitals.
Other home remedies involve scrubbing or rubbing the skin tag to cause it to dry up and fall off. This is not recommended for most people, as it can cause painful redness, bleeding and scabbing. It’s also easy to accidentally nick a blood vessel or vein, which could result in severe bleeding and infections.
Some home treatments are based on the idea that natural products can effectively remove skin tags, such as garlic or banana peels. While these treatments might have some benefit, it’s not necessarily because of the ingredients. It may be more about the fact that they irritate or “trauma” the skin tags, which can trigger them to dry up and fall off on their own.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that liquid iodine can also help to remove a skin tag by breaking down the cell structure. However, it’s important to use a povidone-iodine ointment and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding skin.
Surgical removal
Skin tags are non-cancerous lumps connected to the surface of the skin by a stalk of tissue. They can either remain small and go largely unnoticed, or grow large enough to irritate or rub against clothing or jewellery. Despite their harmlessness, many people want them removed for aesthetic reasons or when they start to rub and cause discomfort. Although there are several home removal techniques for skin tags, they may not be effective or safe. Home removal of these growths can lead to complications such as bleeding, infection and scarring. Instead, you should see a dermatologist for safe, effective removal.
Dermatologists can use extreme cold (cryosurgery), heat or a chemical solution to destroy the skin tag. They can also use a special scalpel to cut off the growth. The procedure is usually painless but can be uncomfortable if the growth is on the face or neck. The area may bleed after the surgical removal but will heal quickly.
A newer method for removing skin tags involves interrupting the blood flow to the growth using a specialist band. This method, known as ligation, works by cutting off the supply of blood to the skin tag. Without a blood supply, the cells in the skin tag die and fall off the skin. This technique is especially useful for areas where skin tags are prone to forming, such as in the armpits, groin or neck.
While there are no proven methods to prevent skin tags, you can reduce your risk of developing them by following good hygiene practices and wearing loose-fitting clothing. It is also important to stay at a healthy weight, as obesity is a known contributing factor to their formation. Pregnant women are also more likely to develop skin tags, due to hormonal changes.
While you can remove skin tags at home, you should not try to cut them off or tie them off with string, as this can lead to bleeding and infections. The Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends contacting your doctor or health care provider if you have questions about the appearance of any unusual lumps or bumps on your body. They can assess your condition and offer advice about what steps you should take next.
Post-procedure care
Skin tags (medically known as acrochordons) are harmless, non-cancerous growths that can appear anywhere on the body. These soft, flesh-coloured, non-strangling growths are common in the neck, underarms and groin areas. They may be the same colour as your skin or darker, and some turn red when irritated. Although they aren’t harmful, they can be unsightly, especially when they rub against clothing and jewellery. Some people choose to have them removed to improve their physical comfort and appearance.
A dermatologist can perform a number of different treatments for skin tag removal. These options range from excision to cryotherapy. During treatment, the skin tag is numbed with a local anesthetic to minimise discomfort. After a brief recovery period, the skin tag is removed as close to the base as possible. This can be painful but is typically quick and rarely requires sutures.
Another option is ligation, where a healthcare professional or the individual themselves ties off the base of the skin tag. This cuts off the skin tag’s blood supply, causing it to dry up and eventually fall off. This method is less common than excision but can be effective for larger skin tags.
Some risks and complications of skin tag removal include bleeding, infection and scarring. Bleeding can occur during or after the procedure, and infection can also develop at the removal site if patients are not careful with post-procedure care. Scarring is a risk with any surgical procedure, but can be particularly problematic with skin tag removal.
At Clinica London, we ensure that our clients have a comfortable experience during the removal process. The procedure is relatively quick, and the use of local anaesthetics makes it virtually pain-free.
While there are many benefits of skin tag removal, it is important to discuss the decision with a healthcare professional to ensure you understand the different methods available and any associated risks and healing times. It is also important to follow any specific aftercare instructions given by the healthcare professional, as this will promote proper healing and minimise the chance of complications. This includes keeping the area clean, avoiding picking at or irritating the area and avoiding certain medications and supplements that can impact the procedure.