How to Remove Skin Tags Using Dental Floss

A skin tag is a small piece of benign tissue that hangs from the skin, according to Cleveland Clinic. Skin tags are most commonly found on parts of the body where the skin may fold, such as the groin, armpits, the neck and underneath breasts. While skin tag are not dangerous, they can become irritated by clothing and you may be self-conscious of them.

Close-up of dental floss on a white counter. (Image: monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Identify the skin tag. Make sure the skin tag isn't a mole or other skin lesion. DermNet NZ says skin tags can be the same tone as your skin or slightly darker and will range from 1 to 5mm in size. Look for the connecting tissue or "stalk" between the skin tag and the body's skin.

Step 2

Use dental floss to tie off the skin tag. Place a piece of dental floss around the neck of the skin tag, just above your natural skin. This method ensures you will remove the skin tag and its stalk. Knot the floss around the tag, tight enough to cut off circulation.

Step 3

Check the area around the skin tag daily. Do not touch the skin tag or the dental floss. The skin tag should fall off within a week.

Step 4

Recheck the dental floss if the skin tag has not fallen off after a week. It is possible that you did not tie the dental floss tight enough to cut off the blood supply to the skin tag. If the skin tag has a large base, you may not be able to cut off the circulation.

Warning

Skin tags can be a symptom of a medical condition, always consult with a doctor if you have skin tags.