Should You Cut Off Skin Tags With Scissors

At first glance, It's easy to get super freaked out by peel tags, specially since these weird fleshy growths tin can wait much like cancerous moles. But before you assume the accented worst, it's skilful to know the peel tag facts. For example, almost are actually beneficial, equally the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology suggested that these harmless growths (which appear on areas where there are skin folds) are more of a cosmetic nuisance if anything.

With that said, you may have stumbled upon plenty of old wives' tales, Reddit threads, and over-the-counter products online claiming to remove skin tags safely. However, earlier yous accomplish for some floss or nail clippers , we tapped three board-certified dermatologists to weigh in on the rubber of these at-dwelling house removal methods, especially if you lot won't exist getting into your dermatologist'south office whatever time soon.

From the dangers of snipping skin tags with pair of scissors, to concerns about picking them off your face, read their expert advice ahead.

Never Cut Pare Tags At Home

Cutting your skin tags at home may seem tempting, especially if your tags are noticeable and on the larger side.

Nonetheless, a 2018 article published by the University of Utah revealed that only pocket-size skin tags can be removed with sharp cuticle scissors , making this something to keep in mind before yous go along with removing them on your ain.

If you decide to follow the at-home scissor removal route, lath-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Bard, Dr., explained that cuticle scissors demand to be sterilized thoroughly before you lot apply them. Unclean scissors can lead to inflammation and possible infection if you aren't careful, she said.

"I e'er advise patients not to cut off their pare tags with unsterile tools," Dr. Bard told StyleCaster. "This tin can definitely lead to infection."

Similarly, snipping those peel tags at abode besides causes a lot of bleeding. This, in plow, also ups your hazard for infection, according to lath-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Physician.

"Skin tags exercise have a blood supply– meaning that there is a small blood vessel that goes into the pare tag," Dr. Zeichner said. "Because of this, there can be a surprising corporeality of bleeding if i tries to cutting off a pare tag at habitation."

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Don't Pick Your Skin Tags

Big skin tags hanging off your face tin can be very frustrating, only according to Dr. Bard, you won't want to choice them off your face. Doing so, she suggested, tin lead to scarring that may have a long fourth dimension to remove.

Similarly, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, as well noted that picking your skin tags tin lead to infection and serious bleeding. This makes it something to avoid, every bit many doctor and dermatologist appointments are emergency-only at this time.

"Your risk of infection goes upwards each time you selection skin tags," Dr. Jaliman said. "This tin can lead to serious haemorrhage and or an infection."

Don't Remove Your Pare Tags With Floss

Popular at-domicile peel tag removal techniques also include using floss or fine thread to cut off circulation, and ultimately, kill pare tags.

However, Dr. Zeichner explained that this method has its share of downsides. Not only is this time-consuming and uncomfortable, merely information technology can also lead to infection also.

"I don't recommend this method considering I have seen the aftermath, and it can be uncomfortable and tin can take a very long time for it to work," he said. "Information technology tin also atomic number 82 to infection every bit well."

Avoid Over-The-Counter Treatments

Over-the-counter remedies and treatments for skin tags aren't hard to detect online these days, especially over-the-counter liquid products that claim to burn off skin tags safely and effectively.

However, Dr. Bard suggests that these liquid treatments can atomic number 82 to more harm than skillful, as peroxide preparations, for example, tin can cause unwanted chemical burns to the peel.

Similarly, you lot'll also want to avoid preparations that contain essential oils, equally she added that tea tree oil can cause contact dermatitis if used incorrectly.

Don't Skip the Doctor'southward Function

Yeah, removing peel tags on your own may seem like a plausible selection for those who can't wait to get into a dermatologist's office.

Nevertheless, Dr. Jaliman brash resisting the urge and waiting for an in-office appointment stay-at-abode orders are lifted. Professionally removing tags ensures they are removed safely and reduce your risk of scarring.

"In the office, skin tags are removed past cut them off or burning them by electrodesiccation," she said. "When you run across a dermatologist you are in a sterile environs, and y'all won't be left with a scar."

Additionally, Dr. Baird said it's important to hold out for an in-office appointment in instance there is a risk your peel tag is actually something more dangerous. Many skin tags appear similar to warts and moles, she said, making a professional diagnosis crucial before you effort to remove them on your own.

"There is a chance that what y'all thought was a peel tag really turned out to exist a wart or a mole," she said. "As some moles can be cancerous, it's preferable to see your board-certified dermatologist for confirmation of diagnosis and for treatment."

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