How to remove skin tags

A skin tag is a soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker growth that often hangs from a narrow stalk. It commonly appears where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin. It may catch on jewellery or fabric and become irritated. A new, changing, bleeding, crusted, or unusually firm growth should not be assumed to be a skin tag without examination.

Do not cut, tie off, burn, or freeze a growth at home: bleeding, infection, scarring, or an incorrect diagnosis can follow. A dermatologist may remove a confirmed tag with a small snip, electrosurgery, or cryotherapy, depending on its size, position, stalk, and appearance. Skin tag removal is generally selected for irritation or appearance rather than because the tag needs treatment. Follow wound-care instructions and keep the area clean while it heals.

Book a skin assessment if the growth changes in colour or shape, grows quickly, bleeds without rubbing, becomes persistently painful, or does not resemble your other tags. Seek prompt care for ongoing bleeding, spreading redness, pus, or fever after removal.

Ask how the diagnosis was made, which removal method fits the site, what mark or wound to expect, and how to protect the area afterward. Ask whether any other lesion should be examined before removal.