Skin tag

small benign skin tumor

A skin tag is a small growth on the skin that is usually benign (harmless). It may have a short narrow stalk which connects it to the skin. They are usually small but may grow up to a half-inch long.[1]

Close-up of skin tags.

Treatment change

Skin tags are usually harmless and do not need treatment. A person may decide to have a skin tag removed if it is irritating them or they do not like the way it looks. If so the skin tag may be removed by:

  • Surgery: removed using a scalpel or surgical scissors.
  • Cryotherapy: freezing it.
  • Cauterization: burning it off.

References change

  1. Benign skin tumors. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 20.