Topical Steroids Are Not Effective for Treating Skin Tags
Topical corticosteroids are not effective for treating skin tags and should not be used for this purpose. While topical steroids are valuable for treating various inflammatory skin conditions, there is no evidence in the medical literature supporting their use for the removal or treatment of skin tags.
What Are Skin Tags?
Skin tags (acrochordons) are benign, soft, flesh-colored or slightly darker growths that typically appear on the neck, armpits, eyelids, groin folds, and under breasts. They consist of loose fibrous tissue and are not inflammatory in nature.
Why Topical Steroids Don't Work for Skin Tags
- Skin tags are not inflammatory lesions but benign fibroepithelial growths
- Topical corticosteroids work by suppressing inflammation and immune response 1
- None of the clinical guidelines for topical corticosteroid use mention skin tags as an indication 2, 1
- The mechanism of action of corticosteroids does not address the structural nature of skin tags
Appropriate Treatments for Skin Tags
Instead of topical steroids, skin tags can be effectively treated through:
Physical removal methods:
- Snip excision (cutting off with sterile scissors)
- Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
- Electrodesiccation (burning with electric current)
- Ligation (tying off with surgical thread)
When to seek treatment:
- Cosmetic concerns
- Irritation from friction with clothing or jewelry
- Bleeding due to trauma
Potential Risks of Misusing Topical Steroids
Using topical steroids inappropriately for skin tags could lead to:
- Skin atrophy (thinning)
- Telangiectasia (visible blood vessels)
- Striae (stretch marks)
- Hypopigmentation
- Perioral dermatitis
- Steroid acne 3, 4
These side effects are particularly concerning when steroids are applied to thin-skinned areas where skin tags commonly occur, such as the neck, face, and skin folds 5.
Appropriate Uses for Topical Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are indicated for inflammatory skin conditions such as:
- Atopic dermatitis/eczema 2
- Psoriasis 6
- Lichen sclerosus 2
- Bullous pemphigoid 2
- Sarcoidosis skin lesions 2
Conclusion
For skin tags, physical removal methods are the appropriate treatment approach. Topical corticosteroids should be reserved for inflammatory skin conditions where they have proven efficacy and should not be used for structural skin growths like skin tags.