What should you know about skin tag scissors?

A skin tag is a soft, often flesh-coloured growth that may hang from a narrow stalk. A similar-looking mole, wart, cyst, or other lesion may need a different approach. Cutting without an examination can injure nearby skin and may make it harder to assess a changing lesion.

Bleeding can be difficult to control, especially if the growth has a blood supply or the person takes medicine that affects clotting. Shared or unsterile scissors can also introduce bacteria.

Do not cut, pull, or repeatedly nick the growth. Arrange a dermatology assessment if it catches on clothing, bleeds with friction, becomes irritated, or bothers you cosmetically. A clinician can confirm what it is and discuss removal methods such as snip removal, cryotherapy, or electrosurgery.

Until reviewed, keep the area clean and reduce rubbing from jewellery or tight clothing. Do not share tools or apply caustic household products.

Seek prompt medical care for bleeding that does not settle with firm continuous pressure, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, severe pain, or rapid swelling. Arrange an assessment soon if the lesion changes colour or shape, develops a persistent sore, or starts bleeding without friction.

Ask whether the growth has features of a skin tag, which removal method fits its location, how to protect the wound afterward, and what changes should trigger a review.