How to Get Rid of Skin Tags

What Are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-coloured growths that typically appear on the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin area or under the breasts. They’re non-cancerous and harmless, but some people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated by clothing or jewellery. Skin tags are made of collagen and blood vessels surrounded by skin, and they often develop in areas where the skin rubs together or experiences friction.

They are especially common in adults, people who are overweight, or those with type 2 diabetes, and they may also be linked to hormonal changes, including pregnancy. While they don’t pose a medical risk, they can be bothersome or cause self-consciousness depending on their location and size.

Can You Remove Skin Tags at Home?

There are several at-home methods available for removing skin tags, but caution is essential. One of the most common over-the-counter options is a cryotherapy kit, which uses a freezing agent similar to liquid nitrogen to destroy the tissue. These products are generally safe for small skin tags but should be used according to instructions to avoid damaging healthy skin.

Another common approach is using skin tag removal creams or patches, which may contain drying agents that cause the tag to fall off after a few days. Some people also try tying a thin string or dental floss around the base of the tag to cut off its blood supply. This method, called ligation, may cause the tag to shrink and drop off over time, but it can also lead to irritation or infection if not done hygienically.

Home removal should never be attempted on tags that are near the eyes, very large, bleeding, or painful. In these cases, it’s best to seek medical advice rather than risk complications.

Professional Treatment Options

If you prefer a quicker or more reliable solution, professional removal is available through private clinics and some NHS services. One of the most common procedures is cryotherapy, where the tag is frozen off with liquid nitrogen. This is a quick, non-invasive treatment with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Other options include cauterisation, where the tag is burned off using a controlled electrical current, and excision, where it is cut off with sterile scissors or a scalpel. These procedures are usually performed under local anaesthetic and leave little to no scarring when done properly.

Although skin tags can often be removed in one visit, some methods may require follow-up for larger growths. Removal is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is not typically available through the NHS unless the tag is causing repeated irritation or medical concern.

Aftercare and Healing

After removal, the area should be kept clean and dry while it heals. A small scab may form, and it’s important not to pick at it to avoid scarring or infection. Most people heal fully within one to two weeks. Avoiding friction, moisturising with gentle products, and protecting the area from sun exposure can support proper healing.

If the skin becomes red, swollen, or painful after removal, or if any pus appears, it may indicate infection. In such cases, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.

Understanding Why Skin Tags Appear

Skin tags develop when extra skin forms around blood vessels and collagen, often in areas of friction such as the neck, underarms, groin or under the breasts. They tend to appear more frequently in people who are overweight, have type 2 diabetes, or experience hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy. There’s also a genetic component—if your close relatives have skin tags, you may be more likely to develop them as well.

Friction from clothing, jewellery or skin folds can make skin tags more likely to form and more prone to irritation. While they are benign and painless, tags that twist, catch or rub can become inflamed or bothersome, prompting many people to seek removal.

When to Avoid DIY Removal

It’s important to understand that not all skin growths are harmless. Before removing anything at home, it’s best to confirm that the growth is indeed a skin tag and not something else, like a mole, wart or something more serious. Skin tags are typically soft, flesh-coloured, and hang off the skin on a small stalk. If the growth changes shape, bleeds without reason, grows rapidly, or has uneven edges or colours, it should be examined by a medical professional before any removal is considered.

At-home methods can be risky if you’re not certain what you’re treating. Attempting to remove anything unusual or unusually large without diagnosis could delay treatment for more serious skin conditions.

Are Natural Remedies Effective?

You may come across natural or DIY remedies online claiming to remove skin tags using ingredients like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, garlic or iodine. These methods often rely on acidic or drying properties to shrink or irritate the tag until it falls off. However, there is limited clinical evidence to support their safety or effectiveness. In some cases, these methods can cause skin burns, allergic reactions, or prolonged inflammation—especially on sensitive areas like the face or underarms.

If you’re looking for a gentle, low-cost approach, natural methods should only be used after a patch test and with an understanding that results may take weeks and are not guaranteed. For quicker and safer results, medical options remain the most reliable.

The Role of Hygiene in Skin Tag Removal

Whether removing a skin tag at home or after a professional procedure, hygiene is crucial. For at-home methods, tools such as scissors, floss or applicators must be completely sterilised to avoid introducing bacteria into the skin. Applying antiseptic before and after removal, and washing hands thoroughly, can prevent infection.

After professional treatment, following the aftercare advice from your GP or clinician is essential. This usually includes avoiding excessive moisture, friction, or harsh skincare products near the healing site. Letting the skin breathe and using clean, soft dressings only when needed can help the area heal faster and without scarring.

Can Skin Tags Grow Back?

Once a skin tag is removed, it doesn’t typically grow back in the same spot. However, people who are prone to skin tags may continue to develop new ones over time, especially if the original cause—such as skin friction or hormonal imbalance—is still present. Preventive strategies include managing your weight, wearing breathable clothing, reducing skin-on-skin rubbing, and keeping high-friction areas clean and moisturised.

Regular skin checks can help you spot new tags early, and professional removal may be considered if they continue to multiply or become regularly irritated.

Final Word

Skin tags are harmless, but if you choose to remove them, there are both at-home and professional options available. While over-the-counter treatments can work for small, uncomplicated tags, professional procedures offer faster and often more effective results, especially for larger or more sensitive areas. If you’re unsure about the nature of a skin growth or how best to remove it, it’s always worth getting a professional opinion before proceeding.

So getting rid of skin tags is usually straightforward, whether through at-home treatments for smaller tags or professional procedures for larger or more sensitive ones. Knowing when to treat at home and when to seek medical support is key to avoiding unnecessary complications. While most skin tags are harmless, it's important to rule out other skin conditions before attempting removal. With the right approach and proper aftercare, skin tag removal can be simple, safe and effective.