Skin tags are small tissue bumps that form on the skin. Common areas to find skin tags are in the armpit area, the groin region and around the neck. The New Zealand Dermatological Society lists skin tags as being 1 mm to 5 cm in size, soft to the touch and move easily with your fingers. Consult your doctor before attempting a home removal of a skin tag to verify the tissue is a tag and not another type of growth. This will prevent complications or unnecessary pain.
Step 1
Dampen a clean cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol. Rub the 1- to 2-inch area around the tag for a minimum of 30 seconds.
Step 2
Disinfect a manicure scissors and tweezers by wiping them for 30 to 60 seconds a cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Place the tools on a clean towel.
Step 3
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
Step 4
Grasp the skin tag with the tweezers and gently pull the tag away from your body. Snip the skin tag off your body close to the skin with the clean manicure scissors. Make sure you cut only the tag and not your skin.
Step 5
Press a piece a sterile gauze or cotton ball into the wound to stop any bleeding. Hold the gauze tight to the skin for several minutes to promote blood clotting.
Step 6
Wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol or antibacterial ointment to prevent infection. Place a bandage over the wound until bleeding stops and a scab forms.
Tips and Warnings
- Skin tags will bleed once cut off. Avoid using alcohol to clean the wound if you are concerned about a stinging pain.
- Do not attempt to remove a skin tag that appears misshapen or one that is large with a flat appearance. Dermaremedies.com recommends that you consult with a doctor for the best removal procedure for skin tags.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton ball
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Manicure scissors
- Tweezers
- Clean towels
- Soap and water
- Gauze
- Antibacterial ointment
- Bandage
