What Are Skin Tags and What Does Removal Entail?
Acrochordons, commonly called skin tags, appear as small, soft skin growths, often on a thin or broad stalk. Skin tags commonly develop on sites of friction, such as the neck, armpits, and groin region. Although skin tags are harmless, they can become symptomatic (eg, become irritated and bleed), which is commonly why people seek to have them removed. They can also be cosmetically bothersome, which is another reason people might want to get them removed.
Medical professionals typically remove skin tags using:
- Scissor removal by cutting the stalk, called snip excision.
- Burning with an electric current (electrocautery).
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery).
Can I Safely Remove Skin Tags at Home?
No. Although several at-home skin tag removal products can be found on the market, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any and they are not always effective. It is important to see a medical professional for skin tag removal so they can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other similar-appearing lesions, such as moles or skin cancer.
The good news is skin tags can be easily and safely removed during a same-day office visit with a medical professional.
What Can I Expect During Skin Tag Removal?
Numbing with local anesthetic is generally not needed for most skin tags, but for larger skin tags or those with a thicker stalk, your medical professional may use a local anesthetic prior to snip excision or electrocautery.
If needed following removal, bleeding can be controlled with gentle pressure to the affected area. If the stalk of the skin tag is broad, your medical professional may stop the bleeding with a liquid known as aluminum chloride or a small electrical hot-metal tip, known as electrocautery.
What to Expect Following Skin Tag Removal?
There may be bleeding following skin tag removal, but the bleeding is typically minor and can be controlled by applying pressure with a gauze pad for 5-10 minutes.
What Follow-up Care Is Needed Following Skin Tag Removal?
Your medical professional will recommend what at-home measures are needed following skin tag removal. Typically, such measures involve keeping the area clean, covered with petroleum jelly (eg, Vaseline), and bandaged until the affected area heals.
What Are the Risks and Potential Side Effects of Skin Tag Removal?
Skin tag removal is simple and safe with a very low risk of side effects. However, there may be some bleeding following removal, which your medical professional can help manage. Another potential risk of skin tag removal is skin infection, although this is exceedingly rare.
Do I Need to Return to My Medical Professional Following Skin Tag Removal?
You shouldn’t need to follow up with your medical professional following skin tag removal, but contact your doctor or another medical professional if you:
- Have persistent bleeding.
- Have signs of infection, such as pain, spreading redness, pus drainage, and/or fever.
- New skin tags appear and you want to have them removed.