Skin tags are benign, flesh-colored growths typically appearing around folds of skin on the armpits, neck or groin. Although the causes of skin tags are unknown, the New Zealand Dermatological Society explains that factors including chronic irritation, excess growth hormones, insulin resistance and human papilloma virus (HPV) may contribute to their growth. Dermatologists can remove skin tags with surgical excision or by freezing or burning them off, but you can remove skin tags at home with little pain or risk of complications.
Step 1
Sterilize sharp scissors. The Ohio State University Medical Center outlines the proper procedure: Begin by thoroughly washing your hands and then the scissors with soap and warm water. Next, place the scissors into a covered pan containing enough water to fully submerge it. Bring the water to a boil and leave the scissors in the boiling water for 15 minutes. When the time elapses, drain the water and allow the scissors to cool to room temperature. Leave it in the covered pan until you're ready to use them. When removing the scissors, don't touch the blades.
Step 2
Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin tag and surrounding area with a cotton ball or clean piece of gauze. Pat it on, minimizing the risk of infection after removal of the skin tag.
Step 3
Pull the skin tag gently away from your skin, exposing the narrower neck that connects it to your body. With moderate pressure, snip the growth quickly as close to the skin as possible, taking care not to cut the skin.
Step 4
Stop the bleeding, which is usually minimal after skin tag removal. The Mayo Clinic recommends applying gently pressure with a sterile bandage or cloth. Hold it in place continuously for up to half an hour as needed. If the bleeding doesn't stop by then, get medical assistance.
Step 5
Clean the wound by dabbing on an antibiotic ointment or cream with a cotton ball or piece of gauze. To keep it clean and minimize the risk of infection, keep a bandage or clean gauze with adhesive tape over the wound for a day or two.
Tips and Warnings
- When removing multiple skin tags at one time, rub the scissors down with gauze and rubbing alcohol between each cut to keep the implement sterile. Hold an ice cube to the area around the skin tag until the skin is numb if you prefer not to feel the sting that may accompany removing the growth.
- The National Institutes of Health explains that benign skin tags generally don't change their appearance, so if you have a skin tag that grows or changes, see your dermatologist.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Rubbing alcohol
- Gauze
- Sterile bandage
- Topical antibiotic
References
- New Zealand Dermatological Society: Skin Tags
- National Institutes of Health: Cutaneous Skin Tags
- Ohio State University Medical Center: How to Sterilize Equipment
- Dermatology Online Journal: Surgical Pearl---A Rapid Technique for Destroying Small Skin Tags and Filiform Warts
- Mayo Clinic: Cuts and Scrapes---First Aid
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