What happens when a skin tag suddenly turns purple or black?

A thrombosed or clotted skin tag may suddenly change colors and become purple or black. Thrombosed skin tags are usually painless and are more concerning to the person because of the color. Thrombosed skin tags typically may fall off on their own in three to 10 days and don't require additional treatment.

Skin tags that have changed color or bleed may require your doctor's evaluation and reassurance. Rarely, thrombosed skin tags may be a sign of another condition and need to be biopsied.

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