Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths of skin that often appear in areas where skin rubs together — like the neck, armpits, eyelids, or under the breasts. They’re harmless but can be annoying or cosmetically bothersome. Here’s how to handle them safely.

✅ Safe Professional Removal Methods

1. Ligation (Tying Off)

A doctor ties a tiny thread or suture around the base of the tag.

• Cuts off blood supply — the tag dries up and falls off in 5–7 days

• Quick, low-risk, and done in-office

• ✅ One of the safest, simplest methods

2. Cryotherapy (Freezing)

Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the tag.

• The tag darkens and falls off in 1–2 weeks

• May require 1–2 treatments

• ✅ Offered at dermatology clinics and some urgent care centers

3. Excision (Cutting)

A doctor numbs the area and snips off the tag with sterile scissors.

• Immediate results

• Minimal bleeding when done professionally

• ✅ Best for larger or bothersome tags

4. Electrocautery (Burning)

Uses a small electric current to burn off the tag.

• Done under local anesthesia

• Minimal scarring when performed by a pro

• ✅ Often used for multiple tags at once

🚫 Dangerous DIY Methods to Avoid

• ❌ Candle wax — causes burns, blisters, and scarring

• ❌ Nail polish remover or essential oils — irritates skin with no proven effect

• ❌ Cutting with scissors or nail clippers — risk of infection, bleeding, and scarring

• ❌ String or dental floss at home — can lead to infection or incomplete removal

• ❌ Apple cider vinegar (long-term use) — can cause chemical burns

⚠️ The skin around your neck, eyes, and armpits is thin and sensitive — not a place for risky experiments.

🛒 Over-the-Counter Options (Use With Caution)

Some FDA-cleared kits use cryotherapy (freezing) at home, such as:

• Compound W Freeze Off

• Wartner Wart & Skin Tag Remover

✅ These use propane or dimethyl ether to freeze the tag
✅ Safer than fire or harsh chemicals — but still carry a risk of blistering
✅ Follow instructions carefully

❌ Not for use on the face or genitals without doctor approval

🚨 When to See a Dermatologist

See a professional if:

• The growth is dark, bleeding, or painful

• It grows quickly

• You’re unsure if it’s a skin tag (could be a mole, wart, or skin cancer)

• It’s in a sensitive area (eyelid, genitals)

🔍 A dermatologist can remove it safely and confirm it’s benign.

💡 Final Thoughts

Skin tags are common, harmless, and usually just a cosmetic issue.
But your skin deserves safe, respectful care — not risky home hacks that could leave scars or cause infections.

While the idea of removing a skin tag with a candle or vinegar might sound simple, it’s not safe or effective.
Instead, choose a proven method — whether it’s a professional procedure or an FDA-cleared OTC freezing kit.

Because true self-care isn’t about quick fixes.
It’s about treating your body with smart, safe choices.