It was just another ordinary Saturday morning when I noticed my husband standing in front of the mirror, tugging at something on his neck. Curious and a bit concerned, I walked over to see what was going on. To my surprise, he was about to remove a skin tag using a pair of nail scissors. I immediately stopped him. While his intentions were innocent, I knew that removing a skin tag on your own could lead to complications. That moment sparked my curiosity and led me to research the topic thoroughly. What I discovered was eye-opening, and I believe it’s important to share what I learned with others who may be considering a similar DIY approach.

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are small, noncancerous growths that commonly appear in areas where skin rubs against itself or clothing. The neck, armpits, eyelids, groin, and under the breasts are frequent locations. They’re generally soft, skin-colored or slightly darker, and vary in size from tiny bumps to larger, more noticeable tags. While they pose no serious health risks, many people find them annoying, especially if they’re in visible areas or get irritated by jewelry or clothing.

Skin tags are composed of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. They don’t cause pain unless they’re twisted, irritated, or subjected to friction. However, their appearance can lead some people to want them gone—quickly. That’s why so many try home remedies, unaware of the potential dangers that come with untrained removal attempts.

Trying to remove a skin tag at home might seem like a money-saving and easy solution, but it comes with a list of possible problems. The biggest concern is infection. If you use unsterile tools or don’t clean the area properly, you risk introducing bacteria into the skin. This can cause swelling, redness, pus, and in severe cases, spread to surrounding tissues. A simple DIY attempt can quickly turn into a doctor’s visit for antibiotics or wound care.

Another issue is bleeding. Skin tags, particularly larger ones, are fed by tiny blood vessels. Cutting them without proper knowledge or tools can lead to more bleeding than expected. And without the right technique, you may not remove the tag completely, which increases the chance it will grow back.

Then there’s scarring. While you might think you’re just snipping a small piece of skin, you could accidentally damage the surrounding tissue. This can result in permanent scarring, which defeats the purpose of removing the tag for cosmetic reasons in the first place. Some people have ended up with scars that are more noticeable than the original skin tag.

Seeing a healthcare professional is the safest route for removal. A doctor can examine the growth to confirm it’s a harmless skin tag and not something more serious, like a mole or wart that requires different treatment. This initial step is essential, especially because other skin conditions can mimic the appearance of skin tags, and misidentifying them could lead to complications.

Doctors have access to sterile tools and specialized techniques that significantly reduce the risks of infection, scarring, and pain. They also provide guidance on how to care for the area afterward to promote healing and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Simply knowing you’re in trained hands brings peace of mind, especially if the tag is in a sensitive area.

One of the most commonly used professional methods is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the skin tag using liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold destroys the cells, and the tag falls off naturally after several days. The process is quick, often completed in minutes, and doesn’t typically leave a scar. Many people choose this method because it’s effective and requires minimal aftercare.

Another option is electrocautery. This technique uses a tiny probe with an electric current to burn the tag off. It’s especially good for controlling bleeding, as the heat seals the blood vessels. Doctors typically use local anesthesia to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. The area may be red or slightly sore afterward, but these effects usually resolve quickly.

Surgical excision is also available, particularly for larger skin tags or those located in sensitive spots. This method involves cutting the tag off with a scalpel or surgical scissors under local anesthesia. It allows for very precise removal and minimizes damage to surrounding skin. Once the procedure is done, the wound is cleaned and covered, and patients receive aftercare instructions to help the site heal properly.

Cost is often a deciding factor. DIY removal methods, such as over-the-counter freezing kits or using string to tie off a tag, generally cost less upfront—between \$10 and \$30. But if complications arise, such as infection or scarring, you may end up spending significantly more on medical treatment. Professional methods typically range from \$100 to \$500, depending on how many tags need to be removed and the technique used. While this may seem expensive, it often saves money in the long run by avoiding potential issues.

While you can’t always prevent skin tags, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting them. Excess weight and friction are contributing factors, so maintaining a healthy weight and wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes can help. Keeping your skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to chafing, is also a good preventive strategy. And if certain accessories or jewelry tend to rub against your skin, it might be wise to limit their use.

You should definitely see a doctor if a skin tag changes in appearance—if it becomes darker, bleeds, grows rapidly, or causes pain. These could be signs that the growth is something other than a skin tag, and only a medical professional can provide a proper diagnosis. Also, if you suddenly develop a large number of tags, it could be linked to underlying health issues, such as insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances.

Finally, there are plenty of real-life stories out there about failed DIY removal attempts. One woman tried to cut off a skin tag with kitchen scissors and ended up with a nasty infection that required antibiotics. Another man used a freezing kit but misapplied it and damaged the surrounding skin, leaving behind a scar. These stories all point to the same lesson: while removing a skin tag might seem simple, it’s usually best left to the professionals.