Skin tags
Removingskin tags
Don't try to remove a skin tag without speaking to your GP first. If you have a skin tag that's causing problems, consider making an appointment with a privately practisingGP to have it removed.
Skin tags can easily be burnt or frozen off in a similar way to how warts are removed . They can also be surgically removed, sometimes using local anaesthetic .
Freezing or burning skin tags can cause irritation and temporary skin discoloration, and the skin tag may not fall off and further treatment may be needed.
Surgical removal has the advantage of removing the skin tag completely, but there is a risk of minor bleeding.
If your skin tag issmall with a narrow base, your GP may suggest that you try to remove it yourself by:
- tyingoff the base of the skin tag with dental floss or cotton to cut off its blood supply and make it drop off (ligation)
- cutting it off with fine sterile scissors
Never attempt to remove large skin tags yourself because they'll bleed heavily.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about skin tags (small flesh-coloured growths), including why they occur, when they can be a problem and how they can be removed.
Why skin tags occur
Skin tags are made of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Collagen is a type of protein found throughout the body. Both men and women can develop skin tags. They tend to occur
When skin tags can be a problem
Skin tags are harmless and don't usually cause pain or discomfort. However, you may consider having skin tags removed if they're affecting your self-esteem, or ifthey snag on clothing or jewellery an
Removingskin tags
Don't try to remove a skin tag without speaking to your GP first. If you have a skin tag that's causing problems, consider making an appointment with a privately practisingGP to have it removed. Skin
Skin tag or wart?
Compared to warts, skin tags are: smooth and soft (warts tend to be rougher with an irregular surface) knobbly and hang off the skin (warts are usually slightly raised or flat) not contagious (war
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