At-home approaches and nonprescription products may encourage skin tags to dry up and eventually fall off. Medical removal methods, such as cryosurgery, can eliminate skin tags more rapidly.
Skin tags are soft, benign bumps that commonly appear in skin folds like the neck, underarms, breasts, groin, and eyelids. They consist of loose collagen fibers trapped within thicker skin regions.
Skin tags are very common, affecting a large percentage of adults. They also occur more frequently in:
- people over 40
- individuals with metabolic syndrome or diabetes
- people who are overweight
These growths are typically harmless but may become painful if they catch on jewelry or clothing. If they bother you, home treatments or medical procedures may help remove them.
This article outlines removal strategies for skin tags, including at-home remedies, over-the-counter products, and clinical procedures.
Home remedies for skin tag removal
Skin tags rarely require medical attention. Most home methods aim to dry out the tag until it shrinks and detaches.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antiviral and antifungal properties and is considered safe on skin when diluted in a carrier oil.
Begin by cleansing the area. Then, using a cotton swab, gently apply the diluted oil to the skin tag. Cover the site with a bandage overnight. Repeat nightly until the tag desiccates and drops off.
Read more about treating skin tags with tea tree oil.
Banana peel
Some people recommend placing a banana peel on a skin tag to help it dry out, attributing the effect to the banana’s antioxidant content. There’s no scientific proof for this technique, but it’s unlikely to cause harm unless you have a banana allergy.
Apply a piece of banana peel to the tag and secure it with a bandage. Repeat each night until the tag separates.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
Although there’s no clinical evidence, some claim ACV’s acidity can break down the tissue around a skin tag, causing it to fall away. If you try this folk remedy, dilute the vinegar to reduce the risk of skin burns.
Saturate a cotton swab in diluted apple cider vinegar and press it onto the skin tag. Cover with a bandage for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse the area. Repeat daily for a couple of weeks.
Read more about using ACV on skin tags.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports skin health, so applying liquid vitamin E to a skin tag may make the growth less noticeable over time.
Massage the oil onto the tag and surrounding skin each day until the tag diminishes.
Garlic
Garlic can reduce inflammation and improve the look of skin. Some people crush garlic and apply it to the tag, covering the spot with a bandage overnight, in hopes that the tag will resolve.
If you use this home remedy, wash the area thoroughly each morning and repeat until the tag shrinks.
Over-the-counter (OTC) products for skin tag removal
In addition to home remedies, several OTC products sold at pharmacies and supermarkets can remove skin tags safely.
Cryotherapy kits use very low temperatures to destroy unwanted skin tissue.
Benign lesions such as skin tags generally need temperatures around −13°F to −58°F (−25°C to −50°C) to be destroyed. Because OTC cryotherapy products might not reach the extreme cold levels that a dermatologist can provide, they may not be effective for every skin tag.
When choosing a product, look for an OTC wart or skin tag removal kit that attains the lowest temperature possible when used correctly. Be aware that skin tag removal creams and cryotherapy can cause irritation or contact dermatitis, though they may still work for short-term use.
Surgical procedures for skin tag removal
Medical removal of skin tags is commonly done on an outpatient basis. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, a clinician may use one of several methods based on the tag’s size and location:
- Cauterization: Heat is used to remove the skin tag.
- Cryosurgery: Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze off the growth.
- Electrocautery: An electric current burns the tag away.
- Ligation: The blood supply to the tag is cut off using surgical thread.
- Surgical excision: The provider snips the tag off at its base with surgical scissors; bandages or stitches depend on the size and location.
Skin tag removal aftercare tips
Complications and infections are uncommon after removing a skin tag. Some people may develop a scar, which often fades over time.
For at-home removal kits, apply an antibiotic ointment to the treated area and cover it with a bandage, as you would a minor cut, to lower infection risk. See a clinician if the area becomes painful or starts to bleed.
After a medical procedure, your doctor may advise keeping the site dry for at least 48 hours, then gently washing with soap and water.
Your clinician may also schedule a follow-up visit to inspect the wound and remove stitches if necessary.
How long does it take to recover from skin tag removal?
Following removal, the area usually heals within about 7 to 10 days. However, a provider may recommend continuing aftercare for up to 2 weeks.
When to see a doctor about skin growths
Other skin issues, such as warts and moles, can look like skin tags. Because some moles may be malignant, it’s advisable to have skin growths evaluated by a healthcare professional.
A dermatologist or another clinician can typically identify skin tags during an in-person exam, and telehealth might be an option in some cases.
Most skin tags are benign, but if a growth appears unusual or suspicious, a doctor may perform a biopsy to be certain.
Possible causes of skin tags
The exact cause of skin tags isn’t fully understood. Because they often appear in skin folds, friction may contribute. They are composed of blood vessels and collagen covered by an outer skin layer. Potential factors include:
Frequent skin irritation
Skin tags may be more likely to form where the skin experiences regular irritation.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Research suggests a link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and some skin tags.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance, which can lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, may also be associated with skin tag development. People with insulin resistance don’t process glucose efficiently, and the risk may increase if cardiovascular disease risk factors are present.
A 2020 study of patients in a hospital-based bariatric program found that multiple skin tags were associated with diabetes and hypertension.
Pregnancy
Skin tags commonly appear during pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes and weight gain. In rare situations, multiple skin tags may suggest a hormonal imbalance or endocrine issue.
Genetics
Genetic influences can affect your likelihood of developing skin tags. It’s not uncommon for several family members to have them, but skin tags are not contagious.
The takeaway
Skin tags are generally harmless, so treatment isn’t necessary unless they cause discomfort.
While home remedies and OTC products can be low-cost, effective options, see your doctor if a skin tag doesn’t respond to home care, starts bleeding, or continues to grow.
Several medical procedures can remove a skin tag with minimal pain and scarring.
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