How to get rid of skin tags

A skin tag is a soft, flesh-coloured or slightly darker piece of tissue that often hangs from a narrow stalk. It commonly appears where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, groin, or beneath the breasts. Skin tags are usually harmless, but a changing or unusual growth may be something else and should be examined before treatment.

Do not cut, tie off, burn, or freeze a growth yourself. Bleeding, infection, scarring, and an incorrect diagnosis are possible. A dermatology clinician may use cryotherapy to freeze the tissue, electrosurgery to heat and remove it, or a sterile instrument to snip it away. The choice depends on the size, stalk, location, and appearance. Keep the area clean afterwards and follow the wound-care instructions provided.

Arrange an examination if the growth bleeds without being rubbed, becomes painful, changes colour or shape, grows quickly, or repeatedly catches on jewellery or clothing. Seek prompt care for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, spreading redness, pus, fever, or worsening pain after removal.

Ask whether the growth has features that need testing, which removal method suits its location, how to protect the wound, and what changes should trigger a follow-up visit.