Skin tags are common, harmless, and—let’s face it—annoying. These small, soft growths can pop up anywhere on your body, especially around your neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin area. While they’re not dangerous, many people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons or because they get irritated by clothes or jewelry.

If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of skin tags, the good news is: you’ve got options. From natural methods to in-office procedures, this guide will walk you through the safest and most effective ways to remove skin tags—without surgery.

Let’s start by understanding what skin tags are and why they form.

What Are Skin Tags and Why Do They Appear?

Skin tags, also known as acrochordons, are non-cancerous growths made of collagen fibers and blood vessels. They often look like small flaps or bumps hanging off the skin.

While anyone can get them, they’re more common in:

  • People over 40 
  • Individuals who are overweight 
  • People with diabetes or insulin resistance 
  • Pregnant women (due to hormonal changes) 
  • Those who experience frequent skin friction (like from tight clothing or jewelry) 

Skin tags usually show up in folds of the skin, such as:

  • Neck 
  • Eyelids 
  • Underarms 
  • Groin 
  • Under the breasts 

The exact cause isn’t always clear, but genetics, hormone levels, and skin rubbing against skin all play a part.

Now that we know what they are, let’s get into the part you really want to know—how to get rid of them.

Can Skin Tags Go Away On Their Own?

No, skin tags won’t go away on their own. Once they appear, they typically stay unless removed. The good news? You don’t always need surgery to get rid of them.

There are several safe, non-surgical methods you can try at home or through a professional. Let’s explore them below.

1. Professional Skin Tag Removal Options

If you want fast, safe, and guaranteed results, the best option is professional removal by a certified provider like those at Snap Glam Med Spa.

Here are the most common methods:

Cryotherapy (Freezing)

A healthcare provider applies liquid nitrogen to the skin tag, freezing it off. The tag usually falls off within a few days. This method is quick and effective but might cause mild discomfort or scabbing.

Cauterization (Burning Off)

Using a small electric current, the skin tag is burned at the base until it falls off. It’s safe and widely used in clinics. Healing typically takes 7–10 days.

Excision (Cutting Off)

With this method, the provider uses sterile scissors or a blade to cut off the skin tag. It may require local numbing, but it’s simple and quick, especially for larger tags.

Laser Removal

A focused laser beam targets the skin tag, removing it with minimal irritation. It’s ideal for people who want a no-contact method and minimal risk of scarring.

At Snap Glam, all skin tag removal treatments are done by licensed professionals in a clean, safe, and pain-managed environment.

2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Skin Tag Removal Products

There are many OTC treatments available at pharmacies that claim to remove skin tags. These include:

  • Skin tag removal creams 
  • Freezing kits (similar to cryotherapy) 
  • Skin tag patches that dry out the tag over several days 

Most of these work by drying the skin tag out, causing it to shrink and fall off. However, results can vary, and these products aren’t recommended for sensitive areas like the eyelids or groin.

Tip: Always read labels and instructions carefully. Never apply these products to moles or suspicious growths—only confirmed skin tags.

3. Natural Home Remedies: Do They Work?

Many people look for home remedies to remove skin tags naturally. While some find success, these methods aren’t backed by strong scientific evidence. That said, they’re generally low-risk and worth trying for small, non-irritated tags.

Here are a few common ones:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and tape it over the skin tag for 20–30 minutes daily. The acidity may slowly break down the tag tissue. Be cautious—this can cause skin irritation in some people.

Tea Tree Oil

Apply diluted tea tree oil to the tag twice a day. It has natural antimicrobial and drying properties that may help the tag fall off over time. Be sure to do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Baking Soda & Castor Oil Paste

Mix baking soda and castor oil into a thick paste, apply it to the tag, and cover with a bandage. Leave it overnight and repeat daily. This method is thought to dry out the tag gradually.

Dental Floss or Thread Method

Tying a clean piece of dental floss tightly at the base of the tag cuts off blood flow, causing it to fall off in a few days. While it’s effective, it can also cause infection or scarring if not done properly. We don’t recommend doing this at home unless supervised by a healthcare provider.

Professional vs. At-Home Methods

Method Speed Pain Level Risk of Scarring Cost Best For
Cryotherapy Fast Mild Low Moderate Most small skin tags
Cauterization Fast Mild-Mod Low Moderate Tags in tough areas
Excision Instant Low Low Moderate Larger skin tags
Laser Removal Fast Minimal Very Low Higher Face, eyelids, visible areas
OTC Products Slow Low Medium Low Mild, non-sensitive areas
Natural Remedies Very Slow None Medium-High Very Low Very small skin tags

When to See a Professional

Even though most skin tags are harmless, you should always consult a medical professional if:

  • The tag is bleeding, painful, or growing quickly 
  • It has irregular color or shape 
  • You’re unsure if it’s actually a skin tag 
  • You have multiple skin tags forming suddenly 
  • The tag is in a sensitive area like the eyelid or groin 

These could be signs of another skin condition, and it’s better to get a proper diagnosis before starting treatment.

At Snap Glam, we offer expert assessments to determine whether your skin growth is a tag or something else. We also offer affordable, in-house treatments with financing options to make professional care accessible.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Rid of Skin Tags Safely

So, how do you get rid of skin tags? You’ve got multiple options—from home remedies and OTC products to professional in-clinic procedures like cryotherapy, laser removal, and cauterization.

The best method depends on the size, location, and number of skin tags, as well as your comfort level and skin sensitivity. If you want the safest, fastest results with minimal risk, professional removal is your best bet.

And remember, you don’t have to live with irritating or unsightly skin tags. At Snap Glam Med Spa, we’re here to help you remove them safely, quickly, and painlessly.

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