Dermatologist Tips for Removing Skin Tags
Dr. Janani Sree C M
July 14, 2025
Skin tags are common, benign skin growths that usually appear in areas prone to friction, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, and groyne. They are soft, flesh-colored, and generally harmless, but can become irritated when rubbed by clothing or accessories, or when they affect personal appearance. It's estimated that nearly half of all adults will develop at least one skin tag in their lifetime.
Noticing new growth can naturally raise questions, and it's normal to feel uncertain whether removal is necessary. With the abundance of home remedies and mixed information available online, making an informed decision can be difficult. Discovering skin tags can be worrying and confusing, especially when faced with conflicting advice and unclear treatment options. This article aims to provide clear, evidence-based guidance on skin tag removal, outlining safe, dermatologist-led approaches to help you understand your options and what to expect.
Before exploring treatment options, it is essential to understand what skin tags are, their causes, and how to differentiate them from other skin conditions that require different treatments.
Skin tags are benign growths connected by a thin stalk, usually flesh-colored or slightly darker, measuring 1-5mm, commonly developing in friction-prone areas such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, groyne, and beneath the breasts.
Understanding when skin tag removal is unnecessary is essential for making informed choices about your skin health. Skin tags are painless, non-cancerous growths that remain harmless throughout their lifetime. Although many patients choose to have them removed for comfort or cosmetic reasons, there is no medical necessity.
Dermatologists emphasize that removing skin tags immediately is not medically necessary if they cause no discomfort, pain, or bleeding, and many people live comfortably with such harmless growths without needing removal.
However, there are times when removing a skin tag is medically recommended or personally desired for cosmetic reasons.
While skin tags are usually harmless growths, there are certain vital situations where removal is recommended. Recognising these cases can help you decide when to seek professional treatment.
Skin tags in high-friction areas often cause considerable discomfort; for example, those on the neck may catch on necklaces, and tags near the underarms can make shaving challenging and uncomfortable.
Visible skin tags on areas like the face and neck can affect one's confidence, especially when they are large or numerous. Professional removal improves appearance and provides emotional relief, often restoring self-esteem in social and professional settings.
While skin tags are usually stable and harmless, specific changes require prompt medical evaluation. Skin tags that bleed frequently, catch on clothing or jewelry, or exhibit changes in size, color, or texture may signal complications.
Any skin tag that darkens, bleeds, or changes in appearance should be examined by a dermatologist, who may recommend a biopsy to rule out malignancy and guide treatment.
When it's clear that skin tag removal is necessary—whether for comfort or medical reasons—many people initially consider at-home methods. However, it's essential to understand the limitations and risks associated with DIY removal approaches.
If a skin tag begins to change, feel irritated, or cause discomfort, it's a good time to consult a doctor. At Velantis Dermatology, early evaluation by experienced dermatologists ensures accurate diagnosis and the safest path forward for skin tag removal.
Although DIY skin tag removal methods are popular online, dermatologists discourage their use because they can lead to serious health risks such as infection, scarring, and improper removal.
Over-the-counter skin tag removal products may contain harsh chemicals or freezing agents that can cause skin injury, infections, scarring, and discoloration, making them unsafe without professional supervision.
Standard DIY methods include tying off skin tags with dental floss, applying acidic substances like apple cider vinegar, or using nail polish.
Misdiagnosis is a significant risk with home removal; lesions that appear as skin tags could be moles, warts, or cancerous growths, so professional examination is essential before removal.
Improper removal techniques raise the risk of scarring and poor healing; professional procedures reduce these complications.
The American Academy of Dermatology warns that home removal can cause severe infection; professional dermatologists use sterile equipment, proper anaesthesia, and expertise to ensure safe removal.
Doctors advise against shaving or cutting skin tags at home because of risks like bleeding, infection, scarring, incomplete removal, and misapplication on other lesions, which can lead to serious harm.
A clinical setting provides proper wound care, reduces the risk of infection, and enables immediate medical attention if complications arise during the procedure. Dermatologists use proven techniques that reduce complications while ensuring complete removal and optimal healing.
Dermatologists employ several proven techniques for removing skin tags, ensuring safe and effective results. These evidence-based methods have been refined over decades of clinical practise and offer distinct advantages over home remedies.
Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen at -196°C to freeze the tissue of the skin tag. This method causes cellular destruction within the tag, resulting in natural shedding in 7-14 days. Dermatologists use specialised applicators to ensure precise targeting while protecting surrounding healthy skin. The procedure typically takes 10-15 seconds per tag and may cause mild stinging during application.
Most patients tolerate this well, though some temporary redness and swelling are normal. Cryotherapy is widely regarded as an effective method for removing skin tags, offering high success rates and minimal scarring when performed by qualified dermatologists.
Electrosurgery uses high-frequency electrical current to cut through skin tag tissue, while laser therapy employs focused light beams to vaporise the growth. Both methods provide immediate results with precise control. Dermatologists prefer electrosurgery for larger tags because it can simultaneously seal blood vessels, reducing the risk of bleeding.
Laser therapy is particularly effective for small tags in sensitive areas because it reduces damage to surrounding tissue. It employs a focused light beam to precisely remove the skin tag with minimal discomfort and a quick recovery. The procedure is fast, bloodless, and typically leaves little to no visible scarring. Due to its precision, laser therapy is often preferred for cosmetic areas, such as the face or neck, where appearance is of the utmost importance.
Simple surgical excision involves using sterile surgical scissors or scalpels to cut the skin tag at its base. This method provides immediate and complete removal, allowing for histopathological examination if required.
For larger or sensitive skin tags, local anaesthesia is usually applied to ensure comfort during the brief procedure, which allows immediate and complete tissue removal. According to clinical data, surgical excision is highly effective with minimal recurrence when performed under sterile conditions.
These techniques are safest and most effective when performed by certified dermatologists in controlled, hygienic settings. For safe and personalised skin tag removal, book a consultation with the certified dermatologists at Velantis Dermatology.
While skin tag removal is generally considered a safe and routine procedure, it's essential to understand the potential risks and complications before proceeding. Being informed about these factors helps ensure you can make the best decision for your situation and follow proper aftercare protocols.
Even professional skin tag removal carries inherent risks that patients should be aware of. Infection remains the most common complication, particularly when proper aftercare isn't followed. Signs include increased redness, warmth, pus, or red streaking from the removal site. Bleeding is another concern, especially for larger tags or those in vascular areas.
Most bleeding stops within minutes; however, patients on blood thinners face a higher risk. Scarring, although minimal with professional techniques, can happen, especially in those prone to keloids. Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation may develop, especially in patients with darker skin tones. These colour changes usually resolve within months but can sometimes last longer.
Specific anatomical locations require special consideration when removing skin tags. The eyelid area poses risks to vision and needs ophthalmological expertise. Genital regions require extreme caution due to a higher risk of infection and potential functional issues.
Tags near moles or other pigmented lesions should never be removed without proper evaluation. Dermatologists must confirm the surrounding context to avoid removing suspicious lesions that require different treatment approaches.
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of safe skin tag removal. What appears to be a simple skin tag may be a seborrhoeic keratosis, a small mole, or another type of skin growth that requires different treatment methods.
Dermatologists use dermoscopy and thorough clinical examinations to identify skin growths accurately. This ensures appropriate treatment and helps avoid unnecessary or incorrect procedures.
Assessing for systemic issues, such as diabetes or hormonal imbalances, enables the development of management strategies that may reduce the risk of new skin tags forming.
Getting the correct diagnosis and assessing risks set the stage for successful skin tag removal. After professional removal, proper aftercare is crucial for healing and preventing complications.
Healing after removal typically involves scab formation within days, followed by natural peeling over 7-10 days, with mild redness and tenderness being normal.
To care for the area, gently wash it twice daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Apply a thin layer of prescribed antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage. Keep the area out of direct sunlight—UV rays can cause the new skin to darken. If it's near clothing seams or jewellery, use a soft bandage until healing is complete.
Mild discomfort post-removal is usual and manageable with paracetamol; watch for persistent redness, swelling, oozing, or fever as signs of complications. While these are uncommon, a study of 972 dermatological excisions reported an infection rate of approximately 8.7%, underscoring the importance of proper aftercare and early medical attention if symptoms arise. Scarring is rare when wounds are adequately treated.
New skin tags that appear near the treated area usually result from friction rather than a failed removal; schedule a follow-up as needed.
To prevent new skin tags:
Maintaining skin health and reducing friction can lower the likelihood of developing skin tags that require removal.
Start by explaining that correctly identifying skin growths is crucial before removal, as some may resemble skin tags but require different treatments; then outline the removal methods. Trying home remedies or trusting unverified advice can lead to unnecessary complications.
Choosing a licenced dermatologist for skin tag removal ensures safe, effective results with minimal risk of infection, scarring, or recurrence. Making informed decisions, professional care, and proper aftercare result in better outcomes and lasting peace of mind.
If you're considering skin tag removal and want trusted, doctor-led guidance, explore Velantis Dermatology, which prioritises ethical care, personalised treatment plans, and medically approved procedures. Book your consultation now.
Q1. Is skin tag removal painful?
A1. Skin tag removal by a dermatologist is typically quick and painless, with local anaesthesia if needed. Mild post-procedure discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol.
Q2. How long does healing take after skin tag removal?
A2. Healing from skin tag removal typically takes 5–10 days, accompanied by minor redness or scabbing. Cryotherapy may take slightly longer, but most recover fully within two weeks.
Q3. Do skin tags come back after removal?
A3. Skin tags removed by a dermatologist rarely return in the same spot. However, new tags may form elsewhere due to friction or genetics, requiring preventive measures.
Q4. Can I safely remove skin tags myself?
A4. Self-removal with over-the-counter products carries the risk of infection, scarring, or incomplete hair removal. Dermatologists recommend professional skin tag removal for safety and effectiveness.
Q5. What causes skin tags to develop?
A5. Skin tags often form in areas prone to friction, such as the neck and armpits, and may be associated with genetics, obesity, and hormonal changes.
Q6. Are skin tags a sign of a serious condition?
A6. Skin tags are benign and not linked to severe conditions. However, a dermatologist should evaluate any growth that changes in size, shape, or colour to rule out skin cancer.
Q7. How much does skin tag removal cost in India?
A7. Depending on the method and dermatologist, skin tag removal costs ₹1,000–₹3,000 per tag. As a cosmetic procedure, it's typically not covered by insurance.
Q8. How can I tell if a growth is a skin tag or something else?
A8. Skin tags are soft, small, and often hang on a stalk, unlike warts or moles. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend a safe method for skin tag removal.
