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Removal of skin tags
Do not attempt to remove a skin tag without consulting a doctor first. Consider arranging an appointment with a GP to have a skin tag removed if it’s causing you troubles. Skin tags can be readily treated by burning or freezing them, more like warts. They can also be surgically removed, with local anesthesia in some cases. Irritation and temporary skin discoloration can result in freezing or burning skin tags, and it may not break out, requiring additional treatment.
Surgical removal has the advantage of entirely removing the lesion, but it comes with the risk of mild bleeding. If your skin tag is small and has a thin base, your doctor may advise you to remove it on your own.
They can recommend putting dental floss or cotton around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply and cause it to fall off (ligation).
Large skin tags should never be removed by hand since they will bleed profusely.
