Clear and Yellowish Drainage After Skin Tag Ligation
This clear to yellowish drainage is normal serous fluid expected after skin tag ligation and does not indicate infection. 1
What This Drainage Represents
The fluid you're seeing is serous exudate from the ischemic necrosis process occurring at the ligated skin tag base. 1 When the ligature occludes blood vessels at the base of the skin tag, it causes tissue death (ischemic necrosis), and this process naturally produces clear to yellowish fluid without foul odor. 1
Why This Is Not Infection
Minimal clear to yellowish drainage without foul odor is the expected post-procedure course, not a sign of infection. 1 Several key features distinguish normal healing from infection:
- Timing: Surgical site infections rarely occur within the first 48 hours after any procedure, and fever or drainage during this early period is usually from non-infectious causes. 1
- Drainage characteristics: Serous (clear/yellowish) fluid is normal and expected, whereas purulent (thick, opaque, foul-smelling) discharge would indicate infection. 1
- Systemic signs: Normal post-procedure course includes temperature below 38.5°C (101.3°F) and heart rate below 110 beats per minute. 1
- Local signs: No expanding redness or less than 5 cm of erythema around the site indicates normal healing. 1
Appropriate Management
Keep the area clean and dry when possible, but gentle cleansing with soap and water is acceptable. 1 You may apply a simple absorbent dressing if the drainage is bothersome or staining clothing. 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not assume all drainage is infection—serous fluid is normal and expected. 1
- Do not start antibiotics empirically without clear signs of infection such as fever, expanding erythema greater than 5 cm, or purulent discharge. 1
Red Flags Requiring Medical Attention
Contact your physician immediately if you develop:
- Purulent (thick, cloudy, foul-smelling) discharge instead of clear/yellowish fluid 1
- Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) or heart rate above 110 beats per minute 1
- Expanding redness greater than 5 cm from the ligation site 1
- Severe pain beyond expected mild discomfort 1
- Significant bleeding when the necrotic tissue eventually sloughs off (typically 1-2 weeks after treatment) 1
Special Consideration for Crohn's Disease Patients
If you have Crohn's disease and underwent perianal skin tag removal, contact your physician immediately regardless of drainage appearance, as these patients have high rates of poor wound healing and complications. 1