At Kent Skin and Laser Clinic, we provide dermatology-led assessment and removal of skin tags, ensuring appropriate diagnosis and safe, effective treatment.
Skin tags (acrochordons) are common benign skin growths that may occur in areas of friction, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids and groin. While harmless, they may become irritated or cosmetically bothersome.
Clinical assessment
Although skin tags are typically benign, assessment ensures that the lesion is accurately identified, particularly where other lesions may appear similar.
Consultation includes:
- Clinical examination of the lesion
• Confirmation of benign diagnosis
• Consideration of location, size and symptoms
This approach ensures that treatment is clinically appropriate and individualised.
When is removal considered?
Removal may be appropriate where skin tags:
- Catch on clothing or jewellery
• Become irritated or inflamed
• Bleed or cause discomfort
• Are cosmetically concerning
Management is based on both clinical findings and patient preference.
Treatment method
The method of removal depends on the size, number and location of the skin tags.
Electrolysis treatment (very small lesions)
Very small skin tags may be treated by trained practitioners using electrolysis, which applies a fine probe to deliver controlled energy to the base of the lesion.
This technique is suitable for:
- • Small or delicate lesions
• Areas requiring precision
• Early or less prominent skin tags
Snip cautery
Skin tags are commonly removed using a snip cautery technique, which combines:
- Gentle removal of the skin tag
• Application of electrical cautery to control bleeding and treat the base
This method allows for precise removal with minimal disruption to surrounding skin.
Practical aspects of treatment
- Treatment is performed in-clinic
• No injections are usually required
• The procedure is quick and well tolerated
• Small treated areas typically heal rapidly
Comfort during treatment
Skin tag removal is generally not considered a painful procedure, although mild discomfort may be experienced.
For patients who prefer additional comfort, a topical anaesthetic cream such as EMLA may be applied prior to the appointment.
This can be obtained over the counter and used before treatment to reduce sensation.
Aftercare
Following treatment:
- A small superficial wound may be present
• The area may form a light crust as it heals
• Simple wound care is usually sufficient
Healing typically occurs over a short period, depending on the size and location of the lesion.
Relationship to other lesions
Some lesions that resemble skin tags may represent other benign or pre-cancerous conditions.
Assessment allows differentiation from:
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
• Viral warts
• Other benign lesions
This ensures that appropriate management is selected in each case.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No — skin tags are benign and do not require treatment unless they become symptomatic or bothersome.
The procedure is usually well tolerated. A topical anaesthetic cream can be used beforehand if preferred.
Healing time is generally short, with small areas healing within days to a couple of weeks.
Once removed, the treated skin tag does not return, although new skin tags may develop over time.
In many cases, removal can be carried out at the same visit following assessment.