Skin tags, or acrochordons, are small, benign growths of tissue that generally develop in or near skin folds. They are harmless and usually cause no symptoms, but many people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons. In most cases, you can safely and painlessly remove skin tags at home by tying them off. This procedure, called ligation, will cut off circulation to the tag, causing it to die and fall off your skin, according to Dr. Jennifer Shu of the Children's Medical Group.
Step 1
Sterilize the area around the skin tag with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This will help prevent infection from occurring.
Step 2
Pull the tag away from your skin to determine the width of its base, or neck. Thicker tags may require removal by a dermatologist or other medical professional. Tags with thin necks generally respond well to home treatment.
Step 3
Tie a small string, suture thread or dental floss around the base of the skin tag. The string should be tied as tightly as possible and as close to your skin as you can get.
Step 4
Replace the string if it becomes damaged or soiled or if it loosens. It may take up to five days for your skin tag to fall off. If you experience pain, swelling or other symptoms, or if your tag fails to fall off within one week, consult your doctor about other treatment options.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton balls
- Rubbing alcohol
- String
