FDA Alert: Do Not Use Products for Removing Skin Tags, Other Growths

FDA: Do Not Use OTC Products to Remove Moles or Skin Tags

Thinking about removing a mole, skin tag, or other skin lesion at home? The FDA strongly advises against it.

There are no FDA-approved prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) products for removing moles, seborrheic keratoses (wart-like growths), or skin tags. Still, many unapproved products are sold online and in stores, often labeled as “natural” or “organic.” These items come in forms like gels, sticks, and liquids, and may contain harmful ingredients — especially high levels of salicylic acid.

Using these products can lead to:

• Skin injuries or burns
• Infections requiring antibiotics
• Scarring or permanent skin damage
• Delayed diagnosis of skin cancer, such as melanoma

In some cases, people have experienced serious complications, including permanent scarring, after using these so-called remedies.

If you notice a mole or skin lesion that is changing, growing, bleeding, or painful, see a healthcare provider. Attempting to remove it yourself may not only cause harm but also make it harder for professionals to detect and treat skin cancer effectively.

What You Should Do

• Avoid unapproved skin lesion removers, even if they claim to be “all natural.”
• Consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and safe removal.
• Report any adverse effects to the FDA’s MedWatch program: www.fda.gov/medwatch

Conclusion

Protect your skin — and your health — by leaving lesion removal to the professionals.

You can report an adverse event involving any mole, seborrheic keratosis, or skin tag remover by using the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

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