Also called acrochordons, skin tags are harmless skin growths that wont become cancerous.
They can ensure the growth really is a skin tag, as opposed toskin canceroranother pop in of lesion.
It also presents information about professional skin tag removal.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support these home remedies for skin tag treatment.
Others pose risks and should be avoided.
You may be self-treating a skin tag that isnt actually a skin tag.
These are not characteristics of a skin tag.
Toothpaste
Some people claim that using toothpaste can remove a skin tag.
These claims are anecdotal.
There is no scientific evidence that supports this method.
Skin Tag Removal Bands
Skin tag removal bands are also called ligation.
When it stops getting blood, the skin tags cells will die.
Once this happens, the skin tag can be twisted or pulled off.
Ligation should be performed by a dermatologist.
Some healthcare providers consider dental floss an option.
Skin Tag Patch
You may see over-the-counter (OTC) skin tag patches at your local pharmacy.
Most look like round stickers.
You apply a patch over your skin tag.
However, there is not enough evidence that this method works.
It can also cause skin irritation.
In fact, skin tag cream can cause a pop in of skin inflammation calledcontact dermatitis.
Freezing
OTC freezing kits contain chemicals that lower the temperature of the skin tag.
The low temperature destroys the unwanted skin tissue, making it another way to get rid of skin tags.
However, OTC kits do not lower the temperature enough to work immediately.
It may take several applications before you see any results.
Again, people claim this method takes several weeks to work but the evidence is limited.
Plus, some people can have allergic skin reactions to tea tree oil.
Put Down the Clippers
Never use nail clippers or a sharp instrument to cut skin tags off.
A healthcare provider is trained to minimize scarring and control excessive bleeding, should it occur.
They also disinfect the skin and sterilize their instruments to prevent infection.
They use a scalpel (surgical blade) or surgical scissors to do this.
These are much sharper than clippers or scissors you would use at home.
Generally, only smaller skin tags are removed this way.
A chemical compound can be applied after removal to reduce bleeding.
Cauterization
Cauterizationis when a skin tag is burned off at its base.
A provider can do this with an electrical probe or needle that produces an electric current.
This method of skin tag removal also seals the wound to prevent infection and bleeding.
Cryosurgery
Incryosurgery, the skin tag is frozen with liquid nitrogen.
It may burn when the provider applies it to your skin.
After cryosurgery, it takes approximately 10 days for the tag to fall off.
Will My Health Insurance Cover Skin Tag Removal?
Health insurance plans usually will not cover skin tag removal unless it affects your physical or mental health.
A skin tag removal procedure is otherwise cosmetic, which means you will pay for it out of pocket.
You will likely be told to keep the area clean and dry.
Wash it gently once or twice a day and pat dry.
In some cases, you may be told to leave the wound uncovered instead.
Your provider may also suggest applying an antibiotic ointment.
Larger wounds may needstitches.
Your provider will tell you how to care for your stitches and wound.
Will Skin Tags Grow Back?
Skin tags that are removed in full will not grow back.
However, its possible to get a new skin tag near where you had one before.
Summary
Skin tags are usually harmless and do not need to be removed.
However, if they are bothering you, you might want to remove them.
Removing a skin tag on your own at home has risks, including bleeding, infection, and scarring.
A dermatologist can safely remove a skin tag with a scalpel or scissors, cauterization, or cryosurgery.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Cutaneous skin tag.
Harvard Health Publishing.Skin tag removal: optional but effective.
American Academy of Dermatology.5 Reasons to see a dermatologist for mole, skin tag removal.
University of Missouri.Procedures: Skin tag removal.
Mount Sinai.Skin lesion removalaftercare.
American Academy of Dermatology.Skin tags: Why they develop and how to remove them.
2018;8(4):295-296. doi:10.5826/dpc.0804a08
Penn Medicine.The skinny on skin tags.
