A doctor ties a tiny thread or suture around the base of the tag
Cuts off blood supply — the tag falls off in 5–7 days
Quick, low-risk, and office-based
✅ One of the safest at-professional methods.
2. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the tag
The tag darkens and falls off in 1–2 weeks
May require 1–2 treatments
✅ Available at dermatology clinics and some urgent care centers.
3. Excision (Cutting)
A doctor numbs the area and snips off the tag with sterile scissors
Immediate results
Minimal bleeding when done properly
✅ Best for larger or bothersome tags.
4. Electrocautery (Burning)
Uses a small electric current to burn off the tag
Done under local anesthesia
Leaves minimal scarring when performed by a pro
✅ Often used for multiple tags.
🚫 Dangerous DIY Methods to Avoid
❌
Candle wax
Causes
burns, blisters, and scarring
❌
Nail polish remover or essential oils
Can irritate or damage skin — no proven effect
❌
Cutting with scissors or nail clippers
Risk of
infection, bleeding, and scarring
❌
String or dental floss (at home)
Can lead to
infection or incomplete removal
❌
Apple cider vinegar (long-term use)
Can cause chemical burns — limited evidence
⚠️ The skin around your neck, eyes, and armpits is thin and sensitive — not a place for risky experiments.
🛒 Over-the-Counter Options (Use with Caution)
Some FDA-cleared kits use cryotherapy (freezing) at home:
Compound W Freeze Off
Wartner Wart & Skin Tag Remover
✅ These use propane or dimethyl ether to freeze the tag
✅ Safer than fire or chemicals — but still carry risk of blistering
✅ Follow instructions carefully
❌ Not for use on the face or genitals without doctor approval.
🚨 When to See a Dermatologist
See a professional if:
The growth is dark, bleeding, or painful
It grows quickly
You’re unsure if it’s a skin tag (could be a mole, wart, or skin cancer)
It’s in a sensitive area (eyelid, genitals)
🔍 A dermatologist can remove it safely and confirm it’s benign.
