Why You Should Never Remove a Skin Tag by Yourself

That small, flesh-colored growth hanging from your skin might seem harmless enough to snip off at home, but we strongly advise against DIY removal. Acrochordons (skin tags) are benign growths that typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing. 

While they’re usually painless, removing them improperly can lead to complications far worse than the original skin tag.

At Vivida Dermatology in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and St. George, Utah, our expert team safely removes skin tags using proven medical techniques that minimize pain, scarring, and infection risk.

Home removal methods can cause serious complications

Many people attempt to remove skin tags using scissors, nail clippers, string, or over-the-counter (OTC) products. These approaches might seem simple, but they pose serious risks:

• Infection from non-sterile tools breaking the skin
• Excessive bleeding if you cut too deep
• Scarring 

What might start as a minor skin concern can quickly escalate into a medical issue requiring more extensive treatment. Even small skin tags can bleed profusely when removed incorrectly because they often contain tiny blood vessels.

Not every growth is actually a skin tag

One of the most dangerous aspects of self-removal is misdiagnosis. What you believe is a skin tag might actually be:

• A seborrheic keratosis (a benign growth with a different structure)
• A mole that could potentially be cancerous
• A small wart caused by a virus
• A nevus that requires proper evaluation

Only trained dermatologists can accurately identify these different skin growths. Removing something without proper identification may delay the diagnosis of a more serious condition or spread infection in the case of viral growths.

Professional removal is quick, safe, and effective

When you visit our office for skin tag removal, we take several important steps:

• Thoroughly examine the growth to confirm it’s truly a skin tag
• Clean the area with medical-grade antiseptics to prevent infection
• Use appropriate numbing techniques to minimize discomfort
• Select the most appropriate removal method for your specific case

Our dermatologists typically use one of three techniques for skin tag removal:

Snipping excision 

Removing a skin tag with surgical scissors after proper numbing allows for clean, controlled removal with minimal discomfort.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze the skin tag, causing it to fall off naturally within a week or two.

Electrocautery 

This technique uses a small electrical current to burn off the skin tag while simultaneously sealing blood vessels to prevent bleeding.

All these procedures are quick — often completed in just a few minutes — and performed with proper sterile technique to prevent complications.

Schedule professional skin tag removal today

At Vivida Dermatology, we understand that skin tags can be annoying or embarrassing, especially when they appear in visible areas or catch on clothing. We’re committed to providing safe, effective removal that leaves your skin looking clear and natural.

Don’t risk infection, scarring, or misdiagnosis with home removal attempts. Contact our office today or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment for professional skin tag removal.