You noticed a skin tag or maybe multiple ones and started searching for a quick fix, and probably came across wart removers or at home skin tag removal kits.
They are cheap, widely available, and promise fast results, seem quick and easy. But can you use these kits or wart removers on skin tags safely?
The short answer is no, and doing so can be risky, ineffective and ultimately a waste of time and money. Sorry if this answer causes disappointment as we all love a quick fix but we will explain the reasons.
Skin Tags vs Warts: Not the same thing
Although skin tags and warts can look similar to the untrained eye, they are very different conditions.
. Skin tags (acrochordons) are benign growths made up of skin, collagen, blood vessels.
. Warts are caused by viral infection (HPV) and affect the top layers of the skin.
Wart removers are designed to destroy virus infected tissue, usually by using strong acids or freezing agents. Skin tags are not vital, so applying wart treatment to them is inappropriate and ineffective.
Why Wart Removers and DIY Kits Often Don’t Work
Many over the counter products claim to “ dry out” or “freeze off” skin tags. In reality
. Skin tags often have a blood supply, meaning surface treatments don’t reach the root
. Products may damage the surrounding skin while leaving the base of the skin tag intact
. Incomplete removal significantly increases the chance of the skin tag returning
As a result, we spend weeks applying products with little to no improvement, only to seek professional help later anyway.
The Real Danger of At home Removal
1- Infection from poor sterilisation
One of the biggest risks with DIY removal is infection. Most people don’t have access to medical grade sterilisation at home.
. Non-sterile tools can introduce bacteria
. Broken skin creates an open wound
. Infections can lead to redness, swelling, pus, pain, and scarring.
In some cases, infections require antibiotics or medical intervention- turning a “small skin tag” into a much bigger problem.
2. Risky areas of the body
The location of a skin tag matters more than most people realise
Skin tags in areas such as:
. Eye Lids or around the eye
. Neck
. Underarms
. Groin
. Breasts
Can be particularly dangerous to treat at home. These areas contain delicate skin, nerves, and blood vessels. Using acids or freezing agents here can cause burns, bleeding , nerve damage , or permanent scarring.
3. Misdiagnosis: Not everything is a Skin Tag
This is one of the most important reasons to avoid self treatment.
Some growths that look like a skin tag may actually be
. Warts
. Moles
. Seborrhoeic Keratoses
. Other benign or ( rarely) concerning lesions
Certain lesions should never be removed without assessment! A trained professional knows when a lesion needs closer examination, monitoring, or referral before removal.
Why Professional Removal is Safer and More Effective
. Proper assessment of the lesion before treatment
. Medical- grade hygiene and sterilisation
. The correct removal method for the size, depth and location
. Minimal risk of infection and scarring
. Lower chance of the skin tag returning
Professionals also ensure the entire skin tag, including its base, is removed properly which is to preventing regrowth.
The Risk of Skin Tags Returning
If a skin tag is not removed fully it can
. Regrow in the same place
. Become inflamed and/or painful
. Scar due to repeated failed attempts
DIY methods often remove only the visible part of the skin tag, leaving deeper tissue behind. Proper removal significantly reduces the likelihood of of recurrence.
Using wart remover or at home skin tag kits may seem convenient but they are often ineffective and can be dangerous. The risk of infection, scarring, misdiagnosis, and regrowth far outweigh any perceived benefits.,
If you are concerned about skin tags, we at E&G Skin Clinic in Edinburgh are here to help. Come for a free consultation any time that suits you and we will give you a right assessment and guide you in the right direction.