Overview
Skin tags are benign tissue growths that develop on the skin, primarily in the armpits, groin or on the neck. They range in size from 1mm to 5cm, and are soft and movable. While they are of no medical significance and do not require treatment, the New Zealand Dermatological Society states that removal for cosmetic reasons or to prevent irritation by clothing is common. After confirming your growth is a skin tag by visiting your doctor, you can safely remove it at home with minimal pain or risk of complications.
Step 1
Sterilize a sharp pair of scissors with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Wipe the skin tag and the surrounding area when a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will reduce the likelihood of infection.
Step 2
Apply ice or a topical numbing agent, such as benzocaine, to the skin tag. Leave the ice in place until the area is completely numb. Most topical numbing agents reach maximum effectiveness within several minutes, according to Drugs.com.
Step 3
Grab the skin tag with your left hand–or right hand if you are left-handed–and gently pull it away from your body. Use your other hand to snip the skin tag as close to your body as possible, being careful not to cut any surrounding skin.
Step 4
Press against the area firmly with a sterile gauze pad for five minutes, or until any bleeding stops. Removing your skin tag should result in only minimal bleeding. Report severe or prolonged bleeding to your doctor.
Step 5
Cover your wound with an antibiotic ointment and a sterile gauze pad. Keep the area clean until it has healed. Report any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or bleeding, to your doctor immediately.
Tips and Warnings
- You can also remove a skin tag at home by tying a fine thread around its base. Tying off the tag will cut off its blood supply, causing it to wither and drop off. This removal method may take several days.
- The National Institutes of Health states that biopsy of unusual looking skin tags is essential to rule out malignancy.
About this Author
Sandra Ketcham is a freelance writer and editor with more than 15 years experience writing for both print and online publications. She specializes in health and wellness, business and travel articles and currently serves as an editor for various ezines and company newsletters. Ketcham is currently pursuing a degree in psychology.
