Skin tags, those fleshy flaps of skin that suddenly seem to appear in middle age, are neither dangerous nor contagious. They can, however, be considered unattractive. A person with skin tags can get them removed at a dermatologist's office, but they may have to return when the skin tags emerge again and again.
There are a number of ways to remove skin tags at home. These methods treat skin tags on an individual, rather than a systemic, basis. One such method involves cutting the skin tag off.
Home Cure
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly with an antiseptic/antibacterial soap before beginning this procedure. You may want to put on a new pair of latex gloves.
Step 2
Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball. Use this to disinfect the skin tag and the surrounding area.
Step 3
Wet a second cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Use this to disinfect the scissors, nail clippers or razor blade.
Step 4
Apply a topical anesthetic to the skin tag and surrounding skin. You also could numb the area by holding an ice cube to it for several minutes.
Step 5
Firmly grasp the head of the skin tag with the fingers of one hand and pull it away from the body.
Step 6
In one quick motion, slice through (if using a razor blade) or cut (if using a scissors) the base of the skin tag, as close to the body as possible. If using nail clippers, position the mouth of the clippers around the base of the skin tag and snip.
Step 7
Apply pressure to the area if it bleeds. Once the bleeding has stopped, moisten a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and clean the area.
Step 8
Apply antiseptic cream or ointment to the area where the skin tag was removed. Cover with an adhesive bandage.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are squeamish, or if the skin tag is in a difficult-to-reach spot, you may wish to enlist a friend or relative to help you. Some skin tags have large heads that nail clippers will not fit over. In those cases, use a scissors or a razor blade. Skin tags have nerve cells so you may feel a slight pinch during this procedure.
- Skin tags contain blood vessels that, when cut, may bleed. Depending upon an individual's clotting ability, the skin may bleed excessively. Those who are slow to heal should have a dermatologist remove the tags. Certain skin disorders look similar to skin tags. Some of these may require medical attention. If you are unsure if the growth is really a skin tag and not something else, see your doctor before attempting removal. Never attempt to remove skin tags on the eyelids yourself. Consult your doctor or dermatologist. Large skin tags should only be incised by a medical doctor. Scarring may occur.
Things You'll Need
- Antiseptic/antibacterial soap
- Latex gloves (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
- Sharp scissors, nail clippers or a new flat razor blade
- Ice cube or a topical anesthetic
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antiseptic ointment
- Adhesive bandages
