Skin tags are benign, usually small, skin growths that protrude from the skin. The tags commonly appear on areas of the body that experience a lot of friction, such as skin folds, and they are more common in those who are overweight or diabetic, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although skin tags do not typically cause any problems, some people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Because home removal methods carry risks, it is best to have skin tags removed by a doctor.
Infection and Bleeding
Removing skin tags with scissors is a common do-it-yourself method. Doctors often remove skin tags in the same way, but they use sterile instruments and materials. In the Mayo Clinic's Medical Edge newspaper column, Dr. Katherine Lim warns of the risk of infection from self-removal of skin tags. When you cut your skin tag off at home, you may develop an infection from contaminated scissors or contamination of the wound after removal, she says. Skin tags may also bleed excessively when they are cut, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Discoloration
If you try to apply acids or other substances to your skin tag, you might also damage healthy skin. You may find it difficult to keep the acid from coming in contact with surrounding skin, and this can lead to discoloration of your skin around the tag, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Scarring
Scarring is not likely after proper medical removal of skin tags, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, if you try to cut or destroy a skin tag on your own, you may cause skin damage that could lead to permanent scarring, according to Columbia University Health Services.
Misdiagnosis
One of the biggest risks of self-removal is the possible misdiagnosis of skin cancer as a skin tag. If you are not completely sure that your growth is a skin tag, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis. In addition, multiple skin tags are sometimes associated with underlying hormonal or endocrine disorders, according to the Mayo Clinic, and you might miss a chance to receive a diagnosis if you attempt to deal with the problem at home.
