Self-Remedies for Skin Tags Are Not Recommended
Do not attempt self-removal of skin tags using string or other home methods—seek professional medical removal instead. While the concept of tying off skin tags with string (similar to ligation techniques) exists in medical practice, this should only be performed by healthcare providers using sterile equipment in controlled settings.
Why Self-Removal Is Dangerous
- Infection risk: Home removal without sterile technique can lead to cellulitis, abscess formation, and potentially serious soft tissue infections 1
- Bleeding complications: Improper technique can cause significant bleeding, especially with larger or more vascular lesions 2
- Misdiagnosis risk: What appears to be a simple skin tag could be another lesion requiring different management or pathological examination 3
- Poor cosmetic outcomes: Amateur removal often results in scarring, incomplete removal, or keloid formation 4
Professional Removal Options
Healthcare providers have several safe, effective methods for skin tag removal:
Office-Based Procedures
- Snip excision with scissors: Quick removal using sterile micro-scissors and micro-forceps, often with ethyl chloride spray anesthesia for comfort 1
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen: Freezing destroys the lesion with minimal discomfort and no need for local anesthetic in most cases 5
- Electrodesiccation: Electrical current cauterizes the base 2
Medical Device Options
- Ligation clips (Ligaclip): Professional application of clips that occlude blood flow, causing the tag to fall off in 7-10 days with excellent cosmetic results 3
- Adhesive pressure patches: Medical-grade devices that apply sustained pressure to the base, achieving 90% success for tags up to 1mm and 76% success for tags up to 2mm 6
Important Contraindications
- Never attempt removal of perianal skin tags if you have Crohn's disease—excision leads to poor wound healing, chronic non-healing ulcers, extensive scarring, and may necessitate proctectomy 7, 8
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Attempting removal without proper visualization of the lesion's characteristics and base 3
- Using non-sterile instruments or techniques that introduce bacteria 1
- Treating lesions in areas with underlying cartilage (like preauricular tags) without proper evaluation, which could lead to chondritis 3
- Assuming all pedunculated lesions are benign skin tags without clinical examination 2