There are several effective ways to remove skin tags, ranging from professional medical procedures to home remedies. The most common and dermatologist-approved methods include:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen, which causes it to blister and fall off after a few days to weeks.
- Snip removal (excision): Numbing the area and cutting off the skin tag with sterile surgical scissors or a scalpel.
- Electrocautery (cauterization): Using heat from an electric current to burn off the skin tag, sealing the wound and minimizing bleeding.
- Ligation: Tying off the base of the skin tag with a surgical thread to cut off blood supply, causing it to shrivel and fall off.
- Laser treatment: Using a laser to break down the cells in the skin tag.
- Home remedies: Some people use diluted tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, banana peel, garlic, or vitamin E oil to try to dry out or shrink skin tags, though these methods lack strong scientific evidence and should be used cautiously.
It is generally advised to have skin tags removed by a healthcare professional to avoid complications and ensure proper care. Over-the-counter products are available but may not be as effective or safe as professional treatments. Aftercare typically involves keeping the treated area clean, avoiding irritation, and following any instructions given by the healthcare provider to prevent infection and promote healing.
