6 Effective At Home Remedies For Skin Tag Removal
Those small loose skin growths that are attached to the body by a thin stalk are commonly referred to as skin tags. They are noncancerous and completely harmless. They don’t cause pain or any other type of discomfort. More often than not, they occur in adults rather than children. However, children may develop them, too.
Skin tags usually develop in various parts of the body such as underarms, neck, under the breasts and in the groin folds.
The exact cause behind skin tag growth remains unknown. However, considering that they grow where there is a lot of friction and moisture, it is safe to assume that those two factors play a crucial role in skin tag growth.
Being rather painless, skin tags do not cause any problems. But, if your skin tags are snatching on clothes or jewelry, then they might bleed, become irritated and tender to the touch.
This might be the time when you consider getting rid of them.
There are plenty of ways to go around skin tag removal. But before you do anything, it is a good idea to consult your doctor first so that they make sure of the diagnosis. Skin tags, warts, and moles look quite similar, so before proceeding any further, it is better to talk to a doctor.
Skin tags can be removed professionally or at home. If your skin tag is small and loose enough, the doctor might suggest that you remove it yourself with the help of a thread. But if your skin tag is bigger, then the doctor can burn it off or freeze it off. And in some cases, surgical assistance might be needed.
But if you don’t want to go ahead with medical assistance (such as, burning it off or freezing it,) you can always opt for home remedies (of course, consulting your doctor if this is the right thing for you to do.) Follow me while I break down what you need to do.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
This is the easiest and, surprisingly, the most effective way to treat skin tags. Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal treatment. It has been used for generations for its strong attributes. And all you need is apple cider vinegar and a cotton ball.
Take the cotton ball and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Place it on the skin tag and secure it. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then check if your skin is displaying any signs of irritation.
Do this 20-minute treatment throughout the day. Before bed, soak the cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, put it on the skin tag, secure it, and leave it on overnight.
After a few days, your skin tag might start to become darker which is a sign that it is ‘dying’. Continue this treatment for a few days, or a couple of weeks until you achieve the desired effect.
2. Garlic
You probably have heard of the many uses of garlic. It has an abundance of antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties.
What you need to do is take a garlic clove and crush it. If fresh, the clove will release juice. With the help of a cotton ball, soak up the juice and then place it on the skin tag. Secure it with a bandage.
Leave the cotton ball on overnight, but make sure to wash off the garlic odor. Repeat the process until you see that your skin tag has dried off. If you experience skin irritation, then you can take a break for two nights before repeating it again.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has strong antiseptic and soothing properties. It is very effective when it comes to treating skin disorders. What you need a tea tree oil and a Q-tip. Dip the Q-tip in tea tree oil and apply it directly onto the skin tag.
If you have sensitive skin, make sure that the oil doesn’t touch the surrounding area of the skin. If you still find that tea tree oil is irritating your skin, you can dilute it using coconut oil. Do this three times a day and you will see results in just a few weeks.
4. Castor oil & baking soda
Combined, these two make a great skin tag remedy. What you need to do is add two parts of castor oil and mix it with one part of baking soda. Apply the mixture on the skin tag and secure it with a bandage.
In the morning, take the bandage off and wash your skin. Repeat this process every night until you see results.
5. Vitamin E oil
It is a powerful antioxidant that keeps your skin healthy. Apply vitamin E oil to the skin tag and secure it with a band-aid or a bandage.
Make sure to change the band-aid or the bandage every day and apply fresh vitamin E oil after cleansing the affected area. repeat the process until you notice that your skin tag is gone.
6. Iodine
Iodine works by breaking down skin cells. That is why I recommend you be extra careful when it comes to applying it. Before you begin, apply coconut oil in the area surrounding the skin tag. In this way, you prevent causing damage to your healthy skin cells.
With the help of a Q-tip, gently rub iodine on your skin tag. Repeat the process twice a day and your skin tag will disappear in no time.
When are home remedies not appropriate?
Bear in mind that not all skin tags can be treated at home. If your skin tag is in a delicate place, such as eyelids or in the groin/genital area, please seek professional medical assistance. If your skin tags are big, bleeding, or itching, please do not attempt to remove them yourself. Instead, set an appointment with the dermatologist.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.
Further reading: Everything You Need To Know About Skin Tags