How to Remove Skin Tags: Best & Safest Professional Methods vs. DIY
Skin tags are common benign growths that form on the skin. They’re normally harmless, but some people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate discomfort.
If you have a skin tag that's bothering you, it's best to get it removed professionally to reduce the risks that come with DIY removal. Below, we’ll compare professional and DIY methods for removing skin tags.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags are small growths that hang off the skin. They’re often the same color as your skin or darker and appear in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, or under the breasts.
Medically known as acrochordons, skin tags are made up of collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by a layer of skin. They are generally painless, but they can sometimes become irritated if they are constantly rubbed or snagged on jewelry or clothing. In these cases, skin tags may be removed, or some people opt for removal for cosmetic reasons.
Common Reasons for Skin Tags
Skin tags form when the body produces extra cells in the skin’s top layers. Skin tags are benign, meaning they’re non-cancerous and usually pose no health risks. Although skin tags are considered harmless, certain factors make them more likely to develop. They tend to become more common with age and are more frequent in people who are overweight, have diabetes, or have a family history of skin tags.
Friction from Skin-to-Skin Contact
It's common for skin tags to form in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the underarms, neck, and groin. The repeated friction in these areas can stimulate excess skin growth, leading to the formation of skin tags.
Genetics
Genetics play a role in how likely you are to develop skin tags, making some people more predisposed to them than others. If close family members have skin tags, you may be more likely to develop them as well.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in hormones like estrogen and progesterone, or changes that occur during pregnancy such as elevated levels of growth factors may stimulate skin growth, leading to skin tags in some individuals.
Age and Skin Maturity
Skin tags can occur at any age, but the likelihood of having them increases with age. Mature skin is more susceptible to benign growths like skin tags, especially in high-friction areas.
Underlying Health Conditions
Certain health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, are linked to a higher likelihood of skin tags. Factors like insulin resistance and increased skin folds in individuals with obesity may play a role in their formation.
Common Areas Where Skin Tags Occur
Since friction can cause skin tags to form, they tend to appear in skin folds and areas where the skin naturally rubs against itself. The most common areas for skin tags include:
Neck
Underarms
Eyelids
Groin
Under the breasts
Chest
Back
Types of Skin Tags
Skin tags may look similar at first glance, but they can vary in size, color, and texture. These differences can influence the best approach for their removal.
Pedunculated Skin Tags
Pedunculated skin tags are the most common type. These tags are attached to the skin by a thin stalk or stem, giving them a dangling appearance. Since they hang from your skin, pedunculated skin tags are usually easier to remove by snipping with scissors or tying off the base.
Sessile Skin Tags
Sessile skin tags are flatter and lack the distinct stalk of pedunculated skin tags. They are more closely connected to the surface, making removal slightly more challenging.
Flesh-Colored Skin Tags
Most skin tags are flesh-colored and blend in with the surrounding skin. The color can vary slightly depending on an individual’s skin tone.
Hyperpigmented Skin Tags
Sometimes skin tags are darker than your skin (hyperpigmentation) and can appear as brown or black, making them more noticeable on the skin. Their darker appearance might prompt removal for cosmetic reasons, particularly if they develop in visible areas like the neck or face.
Large Skin Tags
Larger skin tags, typically measuring over 5 millimeters, are more prone to irritation due to their size, sometimes catching on clothing or jewelry. Larger skin tags may require specific removal methods, such as excision, to minimize scarring and discomfort. These procedures should be performed by a professional, as larger skin tags are more prone to bleeding.
How to Remove Skin Tags – The Best and Safest Professional Option
Skin tags do not need to be removed but they can be removed for aesthetic reasons or if they become uncomfortable or irritated. This is often done using heat, freezing, or cutting them off with scissors or a surgical blade. When done by a professional, removal is the most effective and safe option, with minimal risk of complications. You may see DIY methods like over-the-counter kits or natural remedies to treat skin tags, but these options are often not effective and carry higher risks of complications.
Professional Skin Tag Removal Options
Professional skin tag removal methods are performed by trained medical experts in controlled environments, ensuring safety and precision. Common techniques include shaving, excision, cryosurgery electrodesiccation, and radiofrequency cautery treatments. These methods cut, freeze, burn, dry out, or use medical devices that focus electricity or specific energies on the skin tags to remove them.
Shaving
Shaving is a quick and safe way to remove skin tags without leaving a scar. First the skin tag is anesthetized with injectable local anesthetic. The area is cleaned off and the skin tag is shaved off the skin. This method heals quickly without a scar.
Excision
Excision is widely used as a quick and effective way to remove skin tags. In this procedure, a doctor uses sterile scissors or a scalpel to cut off the skin tag. Prior to removal, a local anesthetic is usually applied to numb the area, making the process virtually painless. This method is particularly effective for larger skin tags and has a low risk of scarring when performed by a professional.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery freezes the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, causing the tag to fall off naturally. Dermatologists often use this technique, as it is very effective, especially for small to medium-sized skin tags. Patients may experience mild redness or blistering, but these side effects typically resolve quickly.
Hyfrecation
Hyfrecation works by emitting an electrical current through a fine probe, effectively burning off the skin tag. This technique is often used for skin tags in delicate areas, such as the face, due to its precision and minimal risk of scarring.
Electrodesiccation
Electrodesiccation is a quick technique that uses a tiny needle-like device to zap the skin tag with a high-frequency electrical current. This dries out the cells and causes them to fall off. This precise method is good for small tags or sensitive areas. Electrodesiccation is typically performed in a professional office setting, with a local anesthetic applied to ensure comfort. Recovery is minimal after the procedure.
Radio Cautery
Radiofrequency cautery uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy the tissues of the skin tag without making direct contact with the skin. That means no bleeding and minimal recovery and scarring. Specialists often prefer this quick and accurate method, especially for more visible or sensitive areas due to its precision.
Secondary Medical Treatments for Skin Tags
Medical professionals may offer preventative measures or treatments for patients who are prone to skin tags.
Prescription Topical Treatments
Physicians may prescribe topical creams or treatments to prevent skin tags from forming. These might contain ingredients that minimize irritation or address skin conditions that contribute to skin tag formation. While they don’t guarantee prevention, they can help reduce the likelihood of future growths.
Post-Removal Care and Monitoring
Removing a skin tag is a simple procedure, but you'll still need to care for the area to minimize scarring and promote healing. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water daily, unless your doctor gives you different instructions. Your provider may also recommend using petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment on the wound before covering it with a non-stick bandage.
If you experience any redness, increased pain, or excessive pus around the area, these are signs of infection and you should contact your doctor's office immediately.
For individuals who are prone to developing skin tags, scheduling follow-up appointments may help monitor your skin and address any new growths early on.
DIY Skin Tag Home Removal Methods (and Why We Don’t Recommend Them)
While it can be tempting to remove skin tags at home to save time and money, DIY methods come with significant risks. From over-the-counter kits to natural remedies, and even attempting to cut the skin tag off yourself, these approaches can lead to complications like infection, scarring, and incomplete removal. Professionals strongly discourage these methods for good reason, as they lack the safety and precision of medical procedures.
Over-the-Counter Kits
Over-the-counter (OTC) kits often include tools or topical treatments meant to freeze or dry out the skin tag. While these products are marketed as a convenient solution, there are currently no FDA-approved over-the-counter drugs to treat skin tags. These skin tag remover kits have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality, and are not endorsed by medical professionals. Application can be challenging to control, which could lead to damaging surrounding tissue or leaving skin tags partially removed. Additionally, without proper sterilization, the tools included in these kits may introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Overall, OTC kits do not provide the same level of safety as in a controlled, professional setting.
Natural Remedies
Some people turn to natural remedies like tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or other common household products in an attempt to dry out or dissolve their skin tags. While these methods are often recommended online, there is no real scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Even if a remedy appears to work, these home remedies are unreliable and often lead to partial or unsuccessful treatment and increased risk of infection. Professionals don't recommend these natural treatments, as they can actually cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even burns.
Cutting It Off Yourself
Some people have the idea to try to remove skin tags themselves at home using scissors or nail clippers. This method poses serious risks, including infection from non-sterile tools, excessive bleeding, and scarring. Even if the tag is removed, improper technique can result in incomplete removal, leaving behind tissue that could lead to regrowth or complications. Professionals strongly advise against this method, as it can cause more harm than good and is difficult to perform safely without the right tools or controlled setting.
Why We Recommend Professional Removal Over DIY Methods
We highly recommend professional removal over DIY methods, as attempting it yourself comes with serious risks. At-home removal could potentially lead to infection, scarring, and incomplete removal. When you go to a professional, the procedure is done in a clean, controlled setting with sterilized equipment, minimizing these risks. This not only ensures a safer experience but also improves the chances of achieving improved outcomes.
Reduced Risk of Infection
One of the biggest risks with DIY skin tag removal is infection. At-home methods often involve using non-sterile tools or substances that can introduce bacteria to the skin. Even if the tools are clean, the environment in which the removal takes place might not be as sterile as a medical office. Professionals work in sanitized environments with sterile tools, minimizing the risk of infection significantly.
Precise and Complete Removal
When you try to remove a skin tag at home, there's a high chance that the removal will be incomplete. Incomplete removal can lead to regrowth or infection. Professionals have the experience and proper tools to ensure that the skin tag is completely removed, reducing the likelihood of complications. Whether by excision, cryosurgery, or another method, a professional can precisely target and safely remove skin tags completely.
Lower Risk of Scarring
DIY methods, especially those involving cutting or freezing, can often result in scarring. Improper techniques or excessive treatment can leave marks that may be more visible than the original skin tag. With professional methods, the risk of scarring is significantly reduced. Dermatologists use precise techniques and tools designed to minimize skin damage, resulting in a cleaner, less noticeable result.
Safe Management of Bleeding
Bleeding is a common concern when removing skin tags, especially if they are larger. At home, people may not be able to manage bleeding effectively, which can lead to more serious complications. Professionals are trained to use sterilized tools, minimize bleeding, and properly treat any that does occur, reducing the risk of infection or complications.
Proper Identification
Sometimes, a skin tag may be mistaken for a mole or a wart which could be something more serious, like skin cancer. Without proper training, it can be difficult to differentiate between benign skin tags and potentially harmful growths. A doctor can accurately assess whether the growth is a simple skin tag or something that requires further medical attention before removal, ensuring your health and safety throughout the process.
Minimal Pain and Discomfort
Many DIY methods can be uncomfortable or even painful. For example, freezing a skin tag or cutting it off yourself can cause unnecessary pain or irritation. Professional skin tag removal is typically done under local anesthesia, making sure the process is as painless as possible. Plus, many of the advanced medical tools and techniques used by professionals make the procedure quick and simple, minimizing patient discomfort.
Follow-up and Aftercare Guidance
Another huge benefit of professional skin tag removal is the guidance you receive afterward. Your doctor will provide important aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. They can also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns. DIY methods, on the other hand, don't offer this support, leaving you without professional medical advice if something goes wrong.
Choosing Between Professional and DIY Skin Tag Removal
If you're trying to decide between removing a skin tag yourself at home or visiting a professional, it's always safer to opt for professional treatment. This is especially important for larger skin tags or those in sensitive areas. A consultation with a dermatologist can help you choose the safest and most effective approach for your situation.
Medical professionals like Dr. Blanka Orloff and her team at SkinMatrx can guide you through the process at their premier medspa in Burbank. If you have any questions about skin tags or anything skin-related, feel free to call SkinMatrx at 818-600-6719 or schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
Conclusion
Skin tags are common harmless growths on the skin, but their removal should be approached with care to avoid unnecessary risks. When it comes to your health and safety, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional for skin tag removal over trying to do it yourself. Professional treatments like excision, cryosurgery, and radio cautery, offer safe, clean results. These procedures are performed in sterile environments by trained specialists, reducing the risk of possible scarring, infection, and incomplete removal, which is much more likely to happen with DIY methods. Seeing a medical professional can also give you peace of mind by assessing whether the growth is benign or something more serious, and deciding the best course of action for treatment.