Skin tags are common, harmless growths. Some home remedies may remove skin tags, but doctors often warn against their use. Instead, a person should contact a doctor to discuss medical procedures to remove a skin tag.


Almost half of all adults have skin tags. They cause no medical complications, but they can be bothersome.

While skin tags require no treatment and may fall away on their own, a doctor may recommend a simple medical procedure to remove any that catch on clothing or cause pain.

People may also want to remove skin tags for cosmetic reasons, especially when they are on visible areas, such as the face.

In this article, Medical News Today spoke with skin expert Kemunto Mokaya, MD, a board certified dermatologist, to learn about the safest and most effective ways to remove skin tags at home.

Skin tags are also called acrochordons. It is unclear why they develop. However, one theory is that skin irritation may play a role in their formation.

Other theories put forward as to why skin tags may develop include:

Some techniques for removing skin tags at home are more effective and safer than others. There are also plenty of products on the market for this purpose.

However, it is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about the dangers of using over-the-counter products for skin tag removal. These dangers include skin injuries, infections requiring antibiotics, and scarring.

It is best to check with a doctor before trying any of the following:

Skin tag removal bands and patches

A skin tag removal band cuts off the supply of blood to the base of the skin tag. Without a supply of blood, the cells die, and the tag falls away. This process is known as ligation.

Removal patches contain medications. If a person leaves a patch on a tag for several days or weeks, the tag may come off.

However, Dr. Mokaya says, “I’m honestly not a fan of over-the-counter skin tag removal devices, and especially removal patches. They are not regulated [by the FDA]. Many simply don’t work.”

Instead, she strongly recommends having skin tags removed in a medical setting.

Removal creams

These creams can be effective in some cases. Dr. Mokaya recommends avoiding products that contain salicylic acid and tea tree oil because these ingredients can irritate the skin or cause contact dermatitis.

The instructions for using some of these creams recommend cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe and filing down the tag before applying the cream to ensure that the skin fully absorbs it.

According to the labeling on some of these products, the skin tag should fall off within 2–3 weeks.

Freezing kits

In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals use liquid nitrogen to destroy unwanted skin tissue. This is known as cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy may involve temperatures of −320.8°F (-195°C), says Dr. Mokaya. Benign lesions such as skin tags require temperatures of −4°F to −58°F.

Dr. Mokaya recommends doing research and selecting an over-the-counter kit that can reach the lowest temperature when used appropriately.

As always, follow the instructions. People may need to apply the product several times before the growth falls away.

When using home freezing kits, avoid letting the spray touch the surrounding skin. Applying petroleum jelly to the area around the tag beforehand can help protect the skin.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that may help treat several skin conditions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help get rid of skin tags.

People who try it apply a few drops of the oil to a cotton ball, which they affix to the skin tag with a bandage. They leave the cotton ball on the skin tag for 10 minutes, three times per day. It may take several days or weeks for the tag to fall off.

However, a person should exercise caution, as tea tree oil can irritate sensitive skin. Do not use this oil on tags in the eye area.

Apple cider vinegar

There is little research into whether apple cider vinegar can remove skin tags.

People who try this often soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and affix it to the tag with a bandage for 10 minutes, two or three times per day, until the tag falls away.

However, a person should watch for skin irritation and stop using it if any signs of a reaction occur. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic and can cause chemical burns. Avoid using it near the eyes.

Iodine

Anecdotal reports suggest that people can use liquid iodine to remove skin tags. However, there is little scientific evidence of this.

Anyone who wants to try should first protect the skin surrounding the tag by applying petroleum jelly or coconut oil to it. Next, soak a Q-tip in iodine and spread the liquid across the tag. Cover the area with a bandage until the iodine has dried.

Repeat this treatment twice per day until the tag drops off.

It is important to note that some substances can irritate the skin. Using liquid iodine to remove a skin tag may lead to an itchy rash, known as contact dermatitis, in some people.

Cutting or clipping

Cutting or clipping off a skin tag with a sharp blade, nail clippers, or scissors can be tempting. Only do this with the approval of a healthcare professional, and cleanse the skin and the tool thoroughly to prevent infection.

While this provides the immediate gratification of removal, it is painful, says Dr. Mokaya. People who use blood thinners or have bleeding disorders should avoid this method, she adds.

Also, do not cut or clip off medium or large tags — doing so can cause bleeding. Tags usually measure anywhere from a few millimeters to 2 inches in width.

In addition, do not try this method on tags around the eyes or genitals.

The American Academy of Dermatology cautions that trying to remove a mole or skin tag at home can cause a deep-seated infection. Also, it can be easy to inadvertently nick a blood vessel or vein, leading to significant bleeding.

Do not try home removal techniques on skin tags that are:

  • located around the eyes
  • located around the genitals
  • very large or long
  • causing pain, bleeding, or itching

Seek medical treatment in these cases. The following are medical methods of skin tag removal:

  • Radiocautery: This is the most commonly performed procedure for skin tag removal. It involves the passage of high frequency radio waves through soft tissue to remove it.
  • Cauterization: This involves burning off the skin tag. Most tags drop away after a couple of treatments.
  • Cryotherapy: This involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze off the tag. Usually, one or two treatments are sufficient.
  • Electrocautery: This involves burning the skin tag off with a specialized electric current.
  • Ligation: This involves a healthcare professional tying a surgical thread around the tag to reduce blood flow, causing it to eventually drop off.
  • Excision: This involves using a blade to cut off the tag.

Skin tag removal is usually considered cosmetic, and it is unlikely to be covered by health insurance.

Health experts advise people to contact a dermatologist before removing any skin tag.

It is safest for an experienced professional to remove a tag in a medical setting — especially if it is large, painful, or located in a sensitive area.

Seek prompt medical attention if a skin tag or mole changes. In some cases, this can indicate skin cancer.

Below are some frequently asked questions about skin tags:

How can you remove skin tags yourself?

A person can remove skin tags at home with over-the-counter removal creams or freezing kits. However, there is some risk associated with removing a skin tag at home. It is safer to have a doctor remove skin tags in a medical setting.

What removes skin tags instantly?

Excision involves using a blade to instantly remove a skin tag. Another procedure for skin tag removal that is quick, but not instant, is cryotherapy. A single session is usually sufficient for removing skin tags.

Can a person cut off a skin tag with nail clippers?

Removing a skin tag in a nonmedical setting carries some risks. A person should only cut off a skin tag with nail clippers with the approval of a healthcare professional. It is best to cleanse the skin and the tool thoroughly to help prevent infection.

What are skin tags a warning for?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, having numerous skin tags may indicate a person has too much insulin in their blood. A doctor may suggest testing for type 2 diabetes.

Skin tags are not typically a cause for medical concern. Once a doctor confirms that the growth is benign, no further action is usually necessary.

For small tags that are not located in sensitive areas, a person may consider a home removal technique. However, it is safest to consult a healthcare professional for removal in a medical setting.

Also, contact a doctor if any skin tag changes or starts causing issues, such as pain or bleeding.