Everything you need to know about removing a skin tag

Skin tags can be a bit alarming or annoying when you first notice them, but the good news is there’s usually nothing to worry about when removing skin a tag. At the Mole Institute, we often reassure our patients that skin tags are benign (non- cancerous) growths and are not contagious. In this post, we’ll explain what skin tags are, why they form, where they tend to appear, and how to handle them safely.

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are small, soft pieces of skin that protrude from the surface on a thin “stalk” of tissue. They are usually the same color as your skin (though some can be slightly darker) and typically only a few millimeters in size – about as big as a grain of rice. These little growths are extremely common; researchers estimate that roughly half of all adults will develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime. Skin tags are benign growths, meaning they are not cancerous and generally not harmful. You might notice a skin tag and feel concerned or self-conscious about it, but medically speaking, it’s usually harmless.

Why do skin tags form? While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, many physicians believe skin tags tend to form in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. The constant friction may trigger excess skin cell growth, creating these tags. Skin tags often pop up in natural skin creases or folds. Common spots include the neck, armpits, eyelids, under the breasts, and the groin area . They can really appear almost anywhere on the body, but those warm, frequently rubbed areas are favorites for skin tags. Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing skin tags – for example, they become more common with age, and people who are overweight, pregnant, or have diabetes might get them more often. There also seems to be a genetic tendency, so if your close family members have lots of skin tags, you might get them too. The important thing to remember is that skin tags arise from your own skin tissue; they are not caused by a virus or infection, and you cannot “catch” a skin tag from someone else.

Are Skin Tags Dangerous?

In almost all cases, skin tags are not dangerous. They are benign, meaning they won’t turn into cancer and usually don’t pose any health threat. Unlike some other skin growths (like warts), skin tags are not contagious, so you don’t have to worry about them spreading to other people or other parts of your body by touch. Most skin tags cause no pain or symptoms at all. In fact, you might not even notice you have one unless it’s in a spot that catches on something.

The main issues skin tags cause are cosmetic or mechanical. For example, a tag on your neck might get irritated by shirt collars or jewelry, or one in your armpit might snag while shaving. Occasionally, constant rubbing can make a skin tag red, tender, or even cause it to bleed a little, but this doesn’t mean it’s harmful – it’s just irritated. Because skin tags are soft and pliable, they usually don’t hurt when touched.

If you have a skin tag that suddenly changes in appearance – for instance, it becomes very dark, irregular, or grows quickly – it’s important to have a physician examine it to make sure it really is just a skin tag and not something else. On rare occasions, people might mistake a small mole, wart, or other skin condition
for a skin tag. A quick check by a physician can confirm the diagnosis. Overall, you can rest assured that typical skin tags themselves are not a sign of cancer or disease . Still, if you ever feel uncertain about a new or changing growth, it’s wise to have it looked at by a medical professional for peace of mind.

Risks of Removing Skin Tags at Home

Seeing a skin tag, you might be tempted to remove it yourself – perhaps by tying it off with a piece of thread, cutting it with scissors or nail clippers, or trying one of many home remedy kits. However, dermatologists and physicians strongly discourage at-home removal of skin tags. Removing a skin tag may seem straightforward, but doing it yourself can lead to several issues and complications:

Bleeding and Pain: Skin tags contain blood vessels, so cutting or clipping one off can cause a lot of bleeding. Without proper technique (and sometimes a numbing agent), it can be quite painful to remove a tag by yourself. If the tag is larger, the bleeding can be significant and hard to control at home.
Infection: Any time you create a cut in the skin, there’s a risk of infection – especially outside of a sterile medical environment. Using non-sterile tools or methods (like household scissors or unproven home remedies) can introduce bacteria. This may lead to redness, swelling, pus, and a potentially painful infection in the area.
Scarring: Improper removal techniques can damage the surrounding skin. This might leave a noticeable scar or mark after the tag is gone. For example, applying harsh chemicals or “freezing” agents incorrectly could burn the skin and cause scarring.
Incomplete Removal: It’s common for DIY methods to only remove part of the skin tag. If the base of the tag isn’t completely taken out, the skin tag could grow back (or a small bump could remain). This means you went through the trouble of removing it only to have it reappear.
Misidentifying the Growth: Perhaps the biggest risk is that you might misidentify something more serious as a skin tag. If what you’re trying to remove is not actually a skin tag – for instance, a mole or a small skin cancer – you could not only be delaying proper treatment but also causing that condition to worsen. It’s safest to have a physician determine that a growth is truly a harmless skin tag before removing it.

Because of these risks, experts say do not try to remove skin tags on your own. Home remedies like tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar can also irritate or burn your skin without effectively getting rid of the tag. In short, at-home removal can do more harm than good. If a skin tag is bothering you, it’s best to let a medical professional handle it in a safe way.

Benefits of Professional Skin Tag Removal

A physician carefully examines a patient’s skin growth before removal. Having your skin tag removed by a physician is a quick, low-risk procedure that offers a lot of advantages. In a medical office, skin tags can be removed safely and usually with minimal discomfort. You’ll also gain peace of mind knowing that the growth was properly evaluated. Here are some of the key benefits of professional skin tag removal:

Proper Diagnosis: First and foremost, a doctor will confirm the growth is a skin tag and not something else.
Quick, Simple Procedure: Removing a skin tag is typically an in-office procedure that can be done in just minutes. There’s no need for general anesthesia or a hospital visit.
Minimal Discomfort and Low Risk: Because professionals use proper techniques and sterile tools, the removal process is usually very well-tolerated. Any discomfort is minimal and brief, and bleeding is controlled on the spot.
Little to No Scarring: Physicians take care to minimize any damage to the surrounding skin. They often use tools (like surgical scissors or cautery devices) that precisely target the skin tag. As a result, scarring is typically minimal to none.
Peace of Mind: After professional removal, you have the reassurance that the entire skin tag is gone and it was indeed a harmless lesion. If there’s any doubt about the nature of the growth, the physician can send it for lab analysis to rule out issues.

Overall, seeing a physician for removal means the job will be done safely, correctly, and with minimal fuss. The area will heal up typically within a week or two with proper aftercare, and you can get back to your normal life right away (there’s no downtime needed). By choosing professional removal, you avoid the mess and risks of the DIY route and ensure the best outcome for your skin.

Should You Remove a Skin Tag?

Since skin tags are generally harmless, removing them is usually optional and considered a personal choice. That said, it’s also completely valid to want a skin tag removed for comfort or peace of mind. You might consider removal if the skin tag gets irritated, catches on clothing or jewelry, or bleeds easily, or if you simply don’t like how it looks.

For example, a tag on your collar line that always rubs against your shirt can be pretty annoying. Having it removed will prevent ongoing irritation. Some people also choose removal just so they don’t have to worry about it anymore. It can be reassuring to have a doctor examine the growth and take it off, especially if you were anxious about it. In short, removing a skin tag is largely a cosmetic decision, but it can improve your comfort and confidence in your skin.

Request a Consultation

If you’d like to have a skin tag examined or removed, the Mole Institute is here to help. Our experienced physicians can evaluate any new skin growths and, if needed, remove your skin tags with minimal discomfort and a focus on scar-free healing. Removal is a simple outpatient procedure, and we’ll make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. You can call our office or request a consultation online to discuss your options. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you take care of your skin with confidence and peace of mind.