Skin tags, medically known as acrochordons, are small, benign growths of skin that commonly appear in areas where skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts. While typically harmless, they may cause discomfort, irritation, or cosmetic concerns. Removing skin tags is a common procedure, but patients often wonder, does it hurt to remove them? The answer depends on the removal method, the size of the skin tag, and the patient’s pain tolerance.
Skin tags are composed of loose collagen fibers, blood vessels, and a thin layer of epidermis. They are not cancerous and usually develop due to friction or hormonal changes. Though painless in most cases, they can become irritated if rubbed against clothing or jewelry 1. When skin tags are removed, the process can hurt, but discomfort is typically brief and minor. Several methods are used to remove skin tags, ranging from at-home remedies to in-office medical procedures. Each method has varying levels of discomfort associated with it.
Cryotherapy involves freezing the skin tag with liquid nitrogen. The sensation is often described as a sharp, cold sting that subsides quickly. Some patients may experience mild soreness or a blister at the treatment site as the skin tag freezes and eventually falls off 2.
Cauterization uses heat generated by an electrical current to burn off the skin tag. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia to minimize pain. Patients might feel a brief sting or mild discomfort during the injection of the anesthetic, but the cauterization itself is typically painless 2.
Surgical excision involves cutting off the skin tag with a scalpel or scissors. This method is quick and often performed under local anesthesia. Patients may experience a slight pinch or sting from the anesthetic injection, but the removal itself is pain-free. Post-procedural soreness is minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers 2.
For the ligation of skin tags, a small thread or band is tied tightly around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply, causing it to wither and fall off. The process is generally painless, though mild discomfort may occur as the tag shrinks. This method is often used for small to medium-sized skin tags 3.
Finally, at-home over-the-counter treatments kits for freezing or ligating skin tags are available, but they may not be as effective or comfortable as professional procedures—users often report mild pain or irritation, particularly if the tag is not completely removed in the first attempt 3.
Whether it hurts to remove skin tags depends on several factors, including the tag’s size, location, and sensitivity of the surrounding skin. Tags in areas like the eyelids or groin, where skin is thinner or more sensitive, may cause slightly more discomfort. However, overall, skin tag removal generates little pain 4,5.
Most removal methods are well-tolerated and cause minimal pain. For those concerned about discomfort, anesthetic creams or local anesthesia can be applied before the procedure. After removal, keeping the area clean and applying an antibiotic ointment reduces irritation and promotes healing 6.
References
1. Skin tags. nhs.uk https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-tags/ (2017).
2. Pandey, A. & Sonthalia, S. Skin Tags. in StatPearls (StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL), 2025).
3. Can I Remove Skin Tags at Home? Verywell Health https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-remove-skin-tags-at-home-5180089.
4. Skin Tags (Acrochordons): Skin Tag Removal, Skin Tag on Eyelid. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21528-skin-tags-acrochordons.
5. Skin Tag Removal | University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/cosmetic/skincare-services/skin-tag-removal (2024).
6. How Long Does Skin Tag Removal Take to Heal | Recovery Insight. https://www.theminorsurgerycenter.com/blog/how-long-does-skin-tag-removal-take-to-heal.