Dead skin tag: what to know

Skin tags are soft, flesh-coloured growths that often hang from a narrow base in folds such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin. Friction from clothing or jewellery can make one sore, swollen, crusted, or darker. A twisted tag may dry and shrink, yet a mole, wart, inflamed lesion, or other growth can resemble a tag. Appearance from a photograph is not enough to confirm the diagnosis.

Do not pull at a partly attached tag. Note when the colour, size, surface, or tenderness changed, and whether it catches on clothing or bleeds.

Keep the area clean and reduce rubbing with loose clothing. Do not cut, tie off, burn, or apply household acids to the growth because these methods can cause bleeding, infection, scarring, or a delayed diagnosis. After examination, a clinician may discuss skin tag removal. Depending on the lesion and location, options can include cryotherapy or electrosurgery, with aftercare to protect the treated skin.

Book an assessment if the growth changes quickly, becomes persistently painful, bleeds without rubbing, develops an irregular colour or edge, or fails to heal after irritation stops. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever. A clinician may recommend examination before any removal when the diagnosis is uncertain.

Does this look like a skin tag or another lesion? Is removal medically appropriate? Which method fits its size and location? What wound care and warning signs should I expect afterward?